Trying to prove by Contradiction, but need to make sure negation is correct

In summary, the conversation is about proving a statement using the method of contradiction. The statement to be proved is about the sum of a rational and an irrational number being irrational. The conversation also discusses the translation of the statement into universal statements and the negation of the statement.
  • #1
mr_coffee
1,629
1
Hello everyone. Before I start this proof i have to make sure my negation is right of the statement and also my translation of it into universal statements before I take the negation.

The directions says, prove the statements by method of contradition. The method of contradiction states:
1. Suppose the statement to be proved is false. that is, suppose that the negation of the statement is true. (be very careful in writing the negation!)
2. Show that this supposition leads logicaly to a contradiction.
3. Conclude that the statement to be proved is true.

Here is the problem:
If a and b are rational numbers, b != 0, and r is an irrational number, then a+br is irrational.

So here is me translating it into universal statements:
[tex]\forall[/tex] real numbers a and b and r, if a and b are rational such that b !=0, and r is irrational, then a + br is irrational.

Here is me taking the negatoin of it:
[tex]\exists[/tex] rational numbers a and b, b != 0 and irrational number r such that a + br is rational.

Does this look okay to you? The universal statement seemed odd, becuase i had so many ands in it but i wzsn't sure how else to write it.

Thanks!
 
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  • #2
In your initial statement, why say that a,b are real and then restrict to Q? So, for all a,b in Q and r in R\Q: ...
 
  • #3
Your right i guess i didn't need to say real numbers.
If i took out the real part, would i sitll end up with the same negation? It seems i would.

There exists rational numbers a,b, and b != 0 and irrational number r such that a+br is rational.
 

FAQ: Trying to prove by Contradiction, but need to make sure negation is correct

What is the purpose of using proof by contradiction?

The purpose of using proof by contradiction is to show that a statement or hypothesis is true by assuming its opposite is true and then deriving a contradiction. This allows for a direct proof of the statement's truth, as the only other possibility has been shown to be false.

What is the process for using proof by contradiction?

The process for using proof by contradiction involves assuming the negation of the statement or hypothesis and using logical deductions to arrive at a contradiction. This contradiction then proves the original statement is true.

How do you make sure the negation is correct when using proof by contradiction?

To make sure the negation is correct, it is important to carefully examine the statement or hypothesis being proven and its negation. This involves understanding the logical connectives (such as "not" or "and") used in the statement and how they affect the overall meaning.

What types of statements are best suited for proof by contradiction?

Statements that are best suited for proof by contradiction are those that are difficult to prove directly or require complex reasoning. These could include statements involving number theory, geometry, or logic.

Are there any limitations to using proof by contradiction?

One limitation of proof by contradiction is that it only works for statements that can be expressed as a logical proposition. It also relies on the principle of non-contradiction, which states that a statement and its negation cannot both be true at the same time. Additionally, proof by contradiction may not always provide an intuitive understanding of why a statement is true, as it only shows that its negation leads to a contradiction.

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