Definition of set using elementhood test

In summary, the conversation is about defining a set, A, using an elementhood test. The first definition is A = { x \in \aleph ^{+} | x ^{2} }, while the second definition is A = { x ∈ ℕ ^{+} | y is a positive odd integer, x + y }. There is a disagreement about the accuracy of the second definition, with one person arguing that it is correct because y is a free variable and can take on different values in order to produce elements of the set. The other person questions the equality of the two sets since they do not contain the same elements.
  • #1
el_llavero
29
0
I have a set, A = {1,4,9,16,25,36,49,...}, that I want to write a definition for using an elementhood test. I have written one defintion I'm sure is correct but I'm not sure if the other one is appropriate since there are values that satisfy the conditions in the definitions but produce values that are not elements of A.

I have A = { x [tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\aleph[/tex] [tex]^{+}[/tex] | x [tex]^{2}[/tex] }

However I've seen another definition for the same set but I'm not sure it's accurate

A = { x ∈ ℕ [tex]^{+}[/tex] | y is a positive odd integer, x + y }

I'm not sure the second defition is correct, take the case where x is 1 and y is 5, then x+y=6, which is not part of the set. Could someone give me their perspective. I'm under the impression that these definitions have to work in all cases.
 
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  • #2
"I'm not sure the second defition is correct, take the case where x is 1 and y is 5, then x+y=6, which is not on the list. Could someone give me their perspective. "

Haven't you answered your own question about the correctness of the second "definition"?
 
  • #3
My question is more about the structure of the second expression used to define the set A.

I've just read something regarding free variables and bound variables. In the case of the second definition, x is a bound variable since the notation {x |...} binds the variable and y is a free variable since you can plug in different values for y, and it's not bound by said notation . Since y is a free variable the statement will be true for some values of y and false for others therefor the second expression is accurate. plugging some values for y will produce an element in the set while others won't but that's ok since y is not a bound variable.

Am I making sense? I going by definitions in this book I'm using.
 
  • #4
I don't know all the relevant definitions and theorems, but since the two sets you described do not contain the same elements, how can they be equal?
 
  • #5
how do you know they don't contain the same elements, y isn't bound so it can stand for all the values that make x+y an element of the original set.
 

FAQ: Definition of set using elementhood test

What is the definition of a set using an elementhood test?

A set using elementhood test is a mathematical concept used to describe a collection of objects that share a common characteristic or property. This characteristic or property is known as the elementhood test, which is used to determine if an object belongs in the set or not.

How is an element tested for membership in a set?

An element is tested for membership in a set by using the elementhood test. This test is a rule or condition that determines whether an object possesses a specific characteristic or property, and therefore belongs in the set.

What are some examples of elementhood tests?

Some examples of elementhood tests include being a prime number, being a multiple of a certain number, being a vowel in the alphabet, or being a part of a specific geometric shape.

Can an element belong to multiple sets?

Yes, an element can belong to multiple sets if it satisfies the elementhood tests for each of those sets. For example, the number 6 can belong to the set of even numbers and the set of multiples of 3.

What is the purpose of defining a set using an elementhood test?

The purpose of defining a set using an elementhood test is to categorize objects based on a specific characteristic or property. This allows us to group similar objects together and analyze them in a more organized and systematic way.

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