Proving Equality of Supremum and Infimum for Bounded Sets

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In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between sup(B) and inf(A) when A is bounded below and the set B is defined as the lower bounds of A. It is shown that sup(B) is equal to inf(A), and it is explained why there is no need to assert the existence of the greatest lower bound in the Axiom of Completeness. Another method for using the Axiom of Completeness to prove that sets bounded below have greatest lower bounds is proposed. Finally, it is stated that to show sup(B) is a lower bound of A, two things must be shown: 1) sup(B) is a lower bound of A, and 2) if x is a lower bound of A, then
  • #1
Chinnu
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Homework Statement



(a) Let A be bounded below, and define B = {b[itex]\in[/itex]R : b is a lower bound for A}.
Show that sup(B) = inf(A).

(b) Use (a) to explain why there is no need to assert that the greatest lower bound exists as part of the Axiom of Completeness.

(c) Propose another way to use the Axiom of Completeness to prove that sets bounded below have greatest lower bounds.

Homework Equations



We can use the Axiom of Completeness, DeMorgan's Laws, etc...

The Attempt at a Solution



I have shown that both sup(B) and inf(A) exist.
I can see, logically, why they should be equal, but I can't seem to write it down clearly.
 
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  • #2
You must show two things:

1) sup(B) is a lower bound of A
2) If x is a lower bound of A, then [itex]x\leq \sup(B)[/itex].

Let's start with the first. How would you show that for all a in A it holds that [itex]\sup(B)\leq a[/itex]??
 

FAQ: Proving Equality of Supremum and Infimum for Bounded Sets

What does it mean to show that sup(B)=inf(A)?

To show that sup(B)=inf(A) means to prove that the least upper bound (supremum) of set B is equal to the greatest lower bound (infimum) of set A. In other words, the highest possible value in set B is equal to the lowest possible value in set A.

Why is it important to show that sup(B)=inf(A)?

Showing that sup(B)=inf(A) is important because it provides a way to compare the upper and lower bounds of two sets. It can also help determine whether two sets have any common elements.

What are some common methods for showing that sup(B)=inf(A)?

Some common methods for showing that sup(B)=inf(A) include using the definition of supremum and infimum, using the completeness property of real numbers, and using the fact that sup(B) and inf(A) are unique values.

Can sup(B)=inf(A) be shown for any two sets?

No, sup(B)=inf(A) cannot be shown for any two sets. The sets must have certain properties, such as being bounded and non-empty, in order for the equality to hold.

What are some real-world applications of showing that sup(B)=inf(A)?

Examples of real-world applications of showing that sup(B)=inf(A) include finding the maximum and minimum temperatures in a given time period, determining the highest and lowest stock prices for a particular company, and identifying the highest and lowest scores in a set of data.

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