A system of distinct representatives

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves a set X with n^2+n+1 elements and a system S of (n+1)-sized subsets of X, where every two sets in S share at most one common element. The objective is to prove that S has a system of distinct representatives, relating to Hall's theorem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to apply Hall's theorem, considering both induction and direct methods, but is unable to reach a proof. Some participants question the clarity of the problem statement and whether the goal is to show existence or non-existence of such a system S.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants providing hints and seeking clarification on the problem's requirements. Some guidance has been offered regarding counting the sets and intersections, but no consensus has been reached on the approach to take.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity in the original problem statement, leading to questions about the specific nature of the exercise related to Hall's theorem.

Mr.Cauliflower
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Hello,

I've been struggling with this exercise:

Let [itex]X[/itex] be set with [itex]n^2+n+1[/itex] elements and let [itex]S[/itex] be system of [itex](n+1)[/itex]-sized subsets of [itex]X[/itex] such that every two sets in [itex]S[/itex] have at most one common element and [itex]|S| = n^2 + n + 1[/itex]. Prove that S has a system of distinct representatives.

Of course this is an exercise for use of Hall's theorem (aka Marriage theorem). I tried it by induction of index set ([itex]J[/itex] in Hall's theorem) and somehow directly as well, but I still can't prove it.

Thank you for any advices.
 
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What is an exercise in Hall's Theorem? You didn't actually ask a question, or state a problem. Is the problem to show that such an S with those properties exists? Doesn't exist?
 
matt grime said:
What is an exercise in Hall's Theorem? You didn't actually ask a question, or state a problem. Is the problem to show that such an S with those properties exists? Doesn't exist?

I'm sorry, my initial post already edited.
 
Just some hints to get you going-

Given an element of X, how many sets in S must it appear in? Consider the largest collection you can have in S with a non-empty intersection to get an upper bound. Once you have this, do some counting.
 

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