Proof by Contradiction: Showing x ≤ 1 for x∈ℝ+ and t∈T

In summary, the conversation discusses a proof involving real numbers and sets. The proof shows that if x is less than or equal to xt, then x is also less than or equal to 1. The proof relies on the properties of logarithms and shows that the negation of the statement leads to a contradiction. It is also mentioned that the sign of log(x) is positive.
  • #1
yy205001
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Homework Statement


Please check that the proof is correct or not.
Let ℝ+ = {x[itex]\inℝ[/itex]: x>0} and T = {x[itex]\inℝ[/itex]: 0<x<1}.

Let x∈ℝ+ and t∈T

Prove: If x[itex]\leq [/itex]xt then x[itex]\leq [/itex]1.

* You may assume any common properties of log(x) as well as : if 0<a[itex]\leq b[/itex] then log(a) ≤ log(b)

Any help is appreciated.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


First, I assume the theorem is false, so negation of If x[itex]\leq [/itex]xt then x[itex]\leq [/itex]1 is true.

The negation of the theorem is: x[itex]\leq [/itex]xt [itex]\wedge[/itex] x>1
x[itex]\leq [/itex]xt [itex]\wedge[/itex] x>1 Premis
x[itex]\leq [/itex]xt Inference rule for conjunction
log(x) ≤ log(xt) log both side
log(x) ≤ t*log(x) properties of log
1 ≤ t
which is a contradiction with the domain of t since 0<t<1

Therefore, the negation of If x[itex]\leq [/itex]xt then x[itex]\leq [/itex]1 is false
Thus, If x[itex]\leq [/itex]xt then x[itex]\leq [/itex]1
 
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  • #2
What is the sign of log(x)?
 
  • #3
Joffan said:
What is the sign of log(x)?

It is positive.
 
  • #4
The negation of the statement should be x≤xt => x>1 instead of x≤xt ∧ x>1.
Other than that, I believe your proof is valid.
 
  • #5
Thank you aleph-aleph for helping me on this!
 

Related to Proof by Contradiction: Showing x ≤ 1 for x∈ℝ+ and t∈T

What is "Proof by contradiction"?

"Proof by contradiction" is a method of mathematical proof that involves assuming the opposite of what we want to prove and then showing that it leads to a contradiction, which means it cannot be true. This allows us to conclude that the original statement must be true.

How does "Proof by contradiction" differ from other methods of proof?

Unlike other methods of proof, "Proof by contradiction" relies on negating the statement we want to prove and showing that it leads to a contradiction. This is different from direct proof, which involves showing that a statement is true directly, or proof by induction, which involves showing that a statement holds for all natural numbers.

What is the process for using "Proof by contradiction"?

The first step in using "Proof by contradiction" is to assume the opposite of what we want to prove. Then, we use logical reasoning and known facts to show that this assumption leads to a contradiction, which means it cannot be true. This allows us to conclude that the original statement must be true.

In what situations is "Proof by contradiction" commonly used?

"Proof by contradiction" is commonly used in mathematics and logic to prove statements that are difficult or impossible to prove directly. It is also used to prove the uniqueness of solutions to problems and to disprove statements that are assumed to be true but are actually false.

What are the limitations of "Proof by contradiction"?

While "Proof by contradiction" can be a powerful tool in mathematics, it is not always applicable or appropriate. It can sometimes lead to incorrect conclusions if the initial assumption is not properly negated or if the logic used to reach the contradiction is faulty. Additionally, it may not be possible to use this method for certain types of statements or problems.

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