Basic analysis: Proof by induction on sets

In summary, to prove by induction that the set [a_{n} | n_{0}\leq n \leq n_{1}] is bounded, we first establish the base step by showing that the set has only one element and is bounded above by that element plus one. Then, assuming the set is bounded above by some real number M, we use this assumption to prove that the set [a_{n+1}|n_{0} \leq n+1 \leq n_{1} ] is also bounded above by the maximum of a_{n+1} and M. Similarly, we would also need to prove that the set is bounded below.
  • #1
K29
108
0

Homework Statement


Prove by induction that the set [tex] [a_{n} | n_{0}\leq n \leq n_{1}][/tex] is bounded.
[tex]a_{n}[/tex] are the elements of the sequence [tex](a_{n})[/tex]
[tex]n \in N[/tex]

Homework Equations


Definition of set bounded above:
[tex] \forall x \in S, \exists M \in R[/tex] such that [tex]x \leq M[/tex]


The Attempt at a Solution


Just proving its bounded above here...

Base step: [tex][a_{1}][/tex] The set has only 1 element and
[tex]a_{1} \leq a_{1} +1[/tex]

Now assume true for [tex]a_{n}[/tex]
[tex] [a_{n}|n_{0}\leq n \leq n_{1}][/tex]
and [tex] \exists M \in R[/tex] such that [tex]a_{n} \leq M,
forall a_{n}[/tex]

For [tex] [a_{n+1}|n_{0} \leq n+1 \leq n_{1} ][/tex]
... well I'm not really sure what to do here. Normally you use the assumption to prove it true for n+1, but I'm not sure how to incorporate the assumption here.
Please help
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
K29 said:
Now assume true for [tex]a_{n}[/tex]
[tex] [a_{n}|n_{0}\leq n \leq n_{1}][/tex]
and [tex] \exists M \in R[/tex] such that [tex]a_{n} \leq M [/tex],
for all [tex] a_{n}[/tex]

For [tex] [a_{n+1}|n_{0} \leq n+1 \leq n_{1} ][/tex]
... well I'm not really sure what to do here

To do induction, you should consider the set [tex] \{ a_n | n_0 \leq n \leq n_1+1 } [/tex]
Say its bound is max{a_{n+1}, M}.

"Bounded" might mean bounded below and above. If it means that in the problem, you should also do the workd for "bounded below".
 
  • #3
Great stuff. solved. Thanks!
 

1. What is proof by induction on sets?

Proof by induction on sets is a method used in mathematics to prove that a statement holds for all elements in a set. It involves showing that the statement holds for the base case, and then using this to prove that the statement holds for the next element in the set, and so on until it can be shown to hold for all elements in the set. This method is commonly used to prove properties of natural numbers, as well as other mathematical objects.

2. How does proof by induction on sets differ from other methods of proof?

Proof by induction on sets is different from other methods of proof because it uses the concept of a base case and builds upon it to prove the statement for all elements in the set. This method is especially useful for proving statements that involve an infinite number of elements, as it allows for a more concise and general proof.

3. What are the key steps in a proof by induction on sets?

The key steps in a proof by induction on sets are:
1. Proving the statement for the base case.
2. Assuming the statement holds for some element in the set.
3. Using this assumption to prove that the statement holds for the next element in the set.
4. Repeating this process until the statement can be shown to hold for all elements in the set.

4. What are some common examples of proofs by induction on sets?

Proofs by induction on sets are commonly used to prove properties of natural numbers, such as the sum of the first n natural numbers or the product of the first n natural numbers. They are also used to prove properties of other mathematical objects, such as sets, graphs, and trees.

5. Are there any limitations to using proof by induction on sets?

While proof by induction on sets is a powerful method for proving statements about sets and other mathematical objects, it does have some limitations. This method can only be used for sets with a well-defined ordering, and it may not be applicable in cases where the set is too large or complex to prove the statement for every element. Additionally, it may not be suitable for proving certain types of statements, such as inequalities or non-mathematical statements.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
696
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
14
Views
508
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
6
Views
957
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
13
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
492
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
116
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
7
Views
394
Replies
5
Views
353
  • Math Proof Training and Practice
Replies
8
Views
984
Back
Top