Proving Q is a Lattice but Not a (sigma)-Lattice

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of the rational numbers Q, specifically whether Q can be classified as a lattice and a (sigma)-lattice under the usual order. Participants explore the definitions and implications of these classifications, considering examples and counterexamples.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant initially questions whether Q is a lattice, citing the non-existence of a supremum for the interval [0,1] within Q.
  • Another participant asserts that 1 is a least upper bound for the interval [0,1], suggesting that Q does indeed have a supremum in this case.
  • A later participant raises a new question about the supremum of an interval between 0 and a positive irrational number, such as sqrt(2), and whether it lies within Q.
  • Subsequently, the same participant reflects that the lack of a supremum for a non-finite subset does not negate Q's status as a lattice.
  • Another participant confirms the correctness of this reflection.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is some agreement on the interpretation of Q as a lattice, particularly regarding the interval [0,1]. However, the discussion remains unresolved concerning the supremum of intervals that include irrational numbers, indicating multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the dependence on definitions of supremum and the nature of subsets considered, as well as the implications of finite versus infinite sets in the context of lattice properties.

beeftrax
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I'm reading "A Course in Advanced Calculus" by Robert Borden, and one of the problems begins as follows:

"Prove that the field Q is a lattice, but not a (sigma)-lattice, under the usual order" (pg.25)

Q is of course the rational numbers.

However, Q doesn't seem to be a lattice, since the supremum of, say, [0,1] doesn't exist, since given any upper bound eg 1.1, a smaller upper bound eg 1.01 that is still in Q can be found.

So is Q not in fact a lattice, or am I missing something?

I apologize if this is in the wrong forum.
 
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1 is a least upper bound of [0, 1]
 
It is, isn't it. I feel silly. At the risk of getting another simple answer to a stupid question, what about an interval between 0 and a positive irrational number, say sqrt(2). Does the supremum of such an interval lie within Q?
 
On further thought, I'll answer my own question (or try to). The subset I described isn't finite, so it's lack of a supremum doesn't mean that Q isn't a lattice.
 
Exactly right.
 

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