How can I prove [(A^B)-(B^C)]-(A^C)'=0 using contradiction?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equation [(A∩B)-(B∩C)]-(A∩C)'=0 using a proof by contradiction. The context involves set theory, specifically focusing on intersections and complements of sets A, B, and C.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting the proof by assuming that [(A∩B)-(B∩C)]-(A∩C)' is not equal to zero and indicates uncertainty about the next steps.
  • Another participant outlines a detailed contradiction argument, showing that if an element x exists in the left side of the equation, it leads to a contradiction regarding the membership of x in the sets involved.
  • A different participant also begins with the assumption that the expression is not zero and infers that x must belong to A and C, questioning the meaning of the complement notation.
  • Another contribution reiterates the contradiction approach, detailing the implications of x belonging to various sets and leading to a contradiction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach of using contradiction but present varying levels of detail and clarity in their arguments. There is no consensus on the completeness or correctness of the proofs provided.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the notation used, particularly regarding the complement symbol, which may affect the clarity of the arguments. The proofs rely on assumptions about set membership that are not fully explored.

mathrocks
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I'm trying to prove the following by contradiction: [(A^B)-(B^C)]-(A^C)'=0. A, B, C are sets. All I know is in order to prove by contradiction you simply set the above not equal to zero. But I don't know where to go from there.

"^" means the intersection symbol.
 
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Suppose

[tex](A \cap B - B \cap C) - (A \cap C)' \neq \emptyset[/tex].

Then there is some element [itex]x \in ((A \cap B - B \cap C) - (A \cap C)')[/itex]. But then

[tex]x \in A \cap B - B \cap C[/tex]
[tex]x \notin (A \cap C)'[/tex]

<=>

[tex]x \in A \cap B - B \cap C[/tex]
[tex]x \in A \cap C[/tex]

<=>

[tex]x \in A \cap B[/tex]
[tex]x \notin B \cap C[/tex]
[tex]x \in A \cap C[/tex]

<=>

[tex]x \in A[/tex]
[tex]x \in B[/tex]
[tex]x \notin B \cap C[/tex]
[tex]x \in A[/tex]
[tex]x \in C[/tex]

<=>

[tex]x \in A[/tex]
[tex]x \in B[/tex]
[tex]x \in C[/tex]
[tex]x \notin B \cap C[/tex].

Which is a contradiction.
 
Suppose it is not zero. Then there is some element x in the set on the left side.
From the last term we infer that x is not an element of [itex](A \cap C)'[/itex], (does that ' mean the complement?) so:

[tex]x \in A, \quad \mbox{and } x \in C[/tex],

take it from there.
 
Last edited:
Ok, let's prove it by contradiction:
let's suppose that
(A^B-B^C)-(A^C)'=!0, where =! means "different to". Then, there is a element namely x such that x E(belongs to) (A^B-B^C)-(A^C)', then, xE(A^B-B^C) and xE!( not belongs to)(A^C)', then, xEA^B and xE!B^C and xEA^C, then
xEA, xEB, xEC and( xE!B or xE!C). Therefore, we have a contradiction.
 

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