Is $B - A$ always similar to $B$ if $A$ is countable and $B$ is uncountable?

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In summary, if $A$ is a countable set and $B$ is an uncountable set, $B - A$ is similar to $B$ because both cases result in $B - A$ having the same cardinality as $B$, which is $2^{\aleph_0}$. This can be proven by showing that the union of two countable sets is countable and that $B$ is equal to the union of $A$ and $B - A$.
  • #1
Dustinsfl
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If $A$ is a countable set and $B$ an uncountable set, prove that $B - A$ is similar to $B$.Case 1: $|A| = n\in\mathbb{Z}^+$
Since $B$ is uncountable, $|B| = 2^{\aleph_0}$.
Then $|B - A| = 2^{\aleph_0} - n = 2^{\aleph_0}$.
Therefore, $B - A$ is equinumerous to $B$, and hence $B - A$ is similar to $B$.Case 2: $|A| = \aleph_0$
Again, we have $|B - A| = 2^{\aleph_0} - \aleph_0 = 2^{\aleph_0}$
Therefore, $B - A$ is equinumerous to $B$, and hence $B - A$ is similar to $B$.

Does this work?
 
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  • #2
What does "similar" mean?

dwsmith said:
Since $B$ is uncountable, $|B| = 2^{\aleph_0}$.
This is wrong. Also, even for finite sets, |B - A| is not necessarily |B| - |A|.
 
  • #3
dwsmith said:
If $A$ is a countable set and $B$ an uncountable set, prove that $B - A$ is similar to $B$.
There is completely trivial proof if A is a subset of B.
You know that the union of two countable sets is countable.
You also know that $B=A\cup(B-A)$. What if $B-A$ were countable?
 
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FAQ: Is $B - A$ always similar to $B$ if $A$ is countable and $B$ is uncountable?

What is the difference between countable and uncountable nouns?

Countable nouns are objects or things that can be counted and have a singular and plural form. Uncountable nouns, on the other hand, cannot be counted and only have a singular form.

How can I tell if a noun is countable or uncountable?

One way to determine if a noun is countable or uncountable is to see if it has a plural form. If it has a plural form, it is most likely countable. Another way is to see if it can be measured or quantified. If it can be measured, it is probably countable.

Can countable nouns be used in the singular form?

Yes, countable nouns can be used in the singular form. However, when using them in the singular form, they must be accompanied by an article (a/an/the) or a determiner (this/that/these/those).

What are some common examples of countable and uncountable nouns?

Common countable nouns include objects such as books, cars, and houses. Examples of uncountable nouns include concepts such as love, happiness, and information.

Is it possible for a noun to be both countable and uncountable?

Yes, there are some nouns that can be both countable and uncountable depending on the context in which they are used. For example, the word "water" can be countable when referring to individual bottles or glasses of water, but it can also be uncountable when referring to the substance in general.

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