Proff of half infinite intervals through set theory

In summary, we define half infinite intervals as (a, \infty) and [a, \infty) and prove the following statements: (i) (a, \infty) \subseteq [b, \infty) \Leftrightarrow a\geqb, and (ii) [a, \infty) \subseteq (b, \infty) \Leftrightarrow a>b. These proofs involve showing that any member of (a, \infty) is also a member of [b, \infty) if a\geq b, and that any member of [a, \infty) is also a member of (b, \infty) if a>b.
  • #1
congtongsat
3
0
Problem:
We define half infinite intervals as follows:
(a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) = {x[tex]\in[/tex] R | x>a};
[a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) = {x[tex]\in[/tex] R | x[tex]\geq[/tex]a};

Prove that:
(i) (a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\subseteq[/tex] [b, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\Leftrightarrow[/tex] a[tex]\geq[/tex]b,
(ii) [a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\subseteq[/tex] (b, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\Leftrightarrow[/tex] a>b.

I've got pretty much no idea how to do this. Then again I've been struggling at this for a couple hours and my mind doesn't work particularly well at 2:25 am PST. Help would be greatly appreciated on this.

Thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
congtongsat said:
Problem:
We define half infinite intervals as follows:
(a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) = {x[tex]\in[/tex] R | x>a};
[a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) = {x[tex]\in[/tex] R | x[tex]\geq[/tex]a};

Prove that:
(i) (a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\subseteq[/tex] [b, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\Leftrightarrow[/tex] a[tex]\geq[/tex]b,
(ii) [a, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\subseteq[/tex] (b, [tex]\infty[/tex]) [tex]\Leftrightarrow[/tex] a>b.

I've got pretty much no idea how to do this. Then again I've been struggling at this for a couple hours and my mind doesn't work particularly well at 2:25 am PST. Help would be greatly appreciated on this.

Thanks.
You prove that [itex]A\subseteq B[/itex] by proving that any member of A is a member of B.
If [itex]a\geq b[/itex], then for any member, x, of [itex](a, \infty)[/itex], [itex]x> a\ge b[/itex] so x> b and therefore [itex]x\in [b, \infty)[/itex].

The converse is a litlle harder because we are looking at [itex](a, \infty)[/itex] rather than [itex][a,\infty)[/itex], for all [itex]\epsilon> 0[/itex], [itex]a+ \epsilon> a[itex] so [itex]a+ \epsilon\in (a, \infty)[/itex]. If [itex](a,\infty)\subseteq [b, \infty)[/itex] and so [itex]a+\epsilon\ge b[/itex]. Taking the limit as [itex]\epsilon[/itex] goes to 0, [itex]a\le b[/itex].

(ii) is actually simpler.
 
  • #3
much appreciated. cleared things up for me.
 

FAQ: Proff of half infinite intervals through set theory

What is set theory?

Set theory is a branch of mathematics that deals with the study of sets, which are collections of objects. It provides a formal framework for understanding and analyzing the relationships between elements within a set and between different sets.

How does set theory relate to the concept of half infinite intervals?

In set theory, half infinite intervals are typically represented as a set of real numbers that includes all numbers greater than or equal to a given number. This concept is closely related to the concept of sets, as it involves considering a collection of objects that meet certain criteria.

What is the proof of half infinite intervals through set theory?

The proof of half infinite intervals through set theory involves using the axioms and principles of set theory to demonstrate that the concept of half infinite intervals is well-defined and consistent with other mathematical concepts. This proof typically involves constructing a set that represents a half infinite interval and showing that it satisfies the necessary properties.

How is the concept of half infinite intervals useful in mathematics?

Half infinite intervals have many applications in mathematics, particularly in analysis and calculus. They allow for the formal definition of concepts such as limits, derivatives, and integrals, and are essential for understanding the behavior of functions and sequences that approach infinity.

Are there any limitations to using set theory to prove the existence of half infinite intervals?

As with any mathematical theory, there are limitations to using set theory to prove the existence of half infinite intervals. Set theory is a formal system that relies on axioms and principles, and there may be cases where these axioms are inconsistent or do not accurately reflect the mathematical concepts being studied. Additionally, the use of set theory in proving the existence of half infinite intervals may not always be the most efficient or intuitive approach, and other mathematical methods may be more suitable in certain situations.

Similar threads

Back
Top