Can You Tackle the Subset Chain Challenge in Math?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Euge
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In summary, the POTW (Problem of the Week) is a weekly challenge or puzzle that is open to anyone who is interested in participating. To join, individuals must read the challenge and submit their solutions by the designated deadline through a designated website, email, or other specified means. Participating in the POTW can improve problem-solving skills, critical thinking abilities, and creativity, and also provides a fun and engaging activity with the potential to win prizes. The challenges are created by a team of experts in their respective fields and are designed to be thought-provoking and accessible to all participants.
  • #1
Euge
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MHB
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Let $X$ be a nonempty set of $n$ elements. Suppose $\emptyset \neq S_0 \subset S_1 \subset S_2\subset \cdots$ be a chain of subsets of $X$. Prove that to every positive integer $k \ge 2\log n$, there corresponds an index $j\in \{1,\ldots, k\}$ such that $$\operatorname{card}(S_j - S_{j-1}) \le \frac{2\operatorname{card}(S_{j-1})}{k}\log n$$

[Note: The logarithm here is the natural logarithm.]
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Remember to read the https://mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to https://mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.

If the result does not hold, then there exists an integer $k \ge 2\log n$ such that for all indices $j \in \{1,\ldots, k\}$, $$\operatorname{card}(S_j - S_{j-1}) > \frac{2\operatorname{card}(S_{j-1}}{k}\log n$$ Since $\operatorname{card}(S_j - S_{j-1}) = \operatorname{card}(S_j) - \operatorname{card}(S_{j-1})$, equivalently $$\operatorname{card}(S_j) > \left(1 + \frac{2}{k}\log n\right)\operatorname{card}(S_{j-1})$$ By the inequality $1 + 2x \ge e^x$ for all $x\in [0,1]$, it follows that for every $j$, $\operatorname{card}(S_j) > n^{1/k} \operatorname{card}(S_{j-1})$. Inductively, $\operatorname{card}(S_j) > n^{j/k}\operatorname{card}(S_0) \ge n^{j/k}$ for all $j$. In particular $\operatorname{card}(S_k) > n$, a contradiction.
 

FAQ: Can You Tackle the Subset Chain Challenge in Math?

1. What is the POTW for April 22, 2020?

The POTW, or Problem of the Week, for April 22, 2020 is a question or puzzle that challenges individuals to use their critical thinking and problem-solving skills to find a solution.

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The POTW is updated weekly, typically on a specific day of the week, such as every Monday or every Wednesday. This allows for consistency and gives participants a set timeframe to work on the problem.

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The POTW is open to anyone who is interested in solving challenging problems and puzzles. It is a fun and educational activity for people of all ages and backgrounds.

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