Countable, uncountable sets

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In summary, countable sets have a finite or infinite number of elements that can be counted and listed in a specific order, while uncountable sets have an infinite number of elements that cannot be counted or listed in a specific order. A set is countable if its elements can be put in a one-to-one correspondence with the natural numbers, and uncountable if they cannot. Examples of countable sets include even numbers, prime numbers, and integers, while examples of uncountable sets include real numbers, irrational numbers, and continuous functions. Countable sets cannot have the same number of elements as uncountable sets because the latter have an infinite number of elements. Understanding these concepts is important in various scientific fields and has practical applications in
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Homework Statement



A complex number z is said to be algebraic if there are integers
a0; a1...; an not all zero such that z is a root of the polynomial,
Prove that the set of all algebraic numbers is countable.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



For every natural number N there are only finitely many such polynomials

But how to prove the set is countable
 
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For every natural number N there are only finitely many such polynomials

Finitely many such polynomials that do what?
 

1. What is the difference between countable and uncountable sets?

Countable sets refer to sets that have a finite or infinite number of elements that can be counted and listed in a specific order. Uncountable sets, on the other hand, have an infinite number of elements that cannot be counted or listed in a specific order.

2. How can you determine if a set is countable or uncountable?

A set is countable if its elements can be put in a one-to-one correspondence with the natural numbers (1, 2, 3, ...). If a set cannot be put in a one-to-one correspondence with the natural numbers, then it is uncountable.

3. What are some examples of countable and uncountable sets?

Examples of countable sets include the set of all even numbers, the set of all prime numbers, and the set of all integers. Examples of uncountable sets include the set of all real numbers, the set of all irrational numbers, and the set of all continuous functions.

4. Can a countable set have the same number of elements as an uncountable set?

No, a countable set cannot have the same number of elements as an uncountable set. This is because uncountable sets have an infinite number of elements, while countable sets have either a finite or countably infinite number of elements.

5. What is the importance of understanding countable and uncountable sets in science?

Understanding countable and uncountable sets is crucial in many areas of science, including mathematics, physics, and computer science. These concepts help us understand the properties of different types of sets and their relationship to other mathematical concepts. They also have practical applications, such as in data analysis and modeling in scientific research.

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