Set Theory Question -- Which one is correct?

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In summary, the discussion revolves around a set theory question where multiple interpretations or answers are considered. The focus is on identifying the correct approach or solution based on established set theory principles, emphasizing the importance of clarity and logical reasoning in reaching a conclusion.
  • #1
Heisenberg7
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I can't decide which one is better to use. I know for a fact that the second one is correct, but I would like to know if I can use the first one too. Which one would you use?
$$\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} (\exists y \in \mathbb{Z} : x > y)$$
Or
$$\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} (\exists y \in \mathbb{Z} , x > y)$$
Is there a different way to group these expressions?
 
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  • #2
I prefer the first version. The ':' means only 'such that' to me and is less ambiguous than ','. But I think this is just a matter of taste.
 
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  • #3
I sometimes use
$$
\substack{\forall\\x\in \mathbb{Z}}\quad\substack{\exists\\y\in \mathbb{Z}}\quad x>y
$$
to avoid exactly this question. The comma notation is quite unusual. Another parenthesis would be better
$$
\left(\forall\;x\in \mathbb{Z}\right)\;\left(\exists\;y\in \mathbb{Z}\right)\;x>y
$$
A textbook on logic normally doesn't use any of them. Logic has its own notations like ##\dashv.## I once saw how Russell dealt with set theory. It was barely readable.
 
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  • #4
I would write:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, [ x>y ] ##
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, ( x>y ) ##

It is also OK to write something like:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, [\, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, ( x>y ) ] ##
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, (\, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, ( x>y ) \,) ##

Since the expression ##x>y## is really short, it seems to me that it should also be fine to write:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\,\,\,\, x>y ##


I haven't seen a symbol like ##:## used in logical statements (but maybe it is used commonly and I don't know it). Normally I think the symbol ##:## is widely used [in place of ##|## ] in defining specific sets. For example, the set of even integers ##E \subseteq \mathbb{Z}##:
##E=\{x \in \mathbb{Z}: \exists k \in \mathbb{Z} (x=2k) \}##
 
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  • #5
Not sure I should bump the thread for a small point. But I think I kind of get how the symbol ##:## seems pretty reasonable for use in logical statements (or representing predicates etc.). Though for longer expressions, personally I think it might be easier to use brackets (at least for me).

Regarding the quesion in OP, I think the original expression (the first one) as written is fine [though this is also mentioned in the very first reply]. I would say it would also be OK to write:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\,:\,\, x>y ##
 
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