A system of distinct representatives

  • Thread starter Mr.Cauliflower
  • Start date
  • Tags
    System
In summary, the conversation discusses an exercise involving Hall's Theorem and a set X with n^2+n+1 elements. The goal is to prove that a system of (n+1)-sized subsets of X, denoted as S, has a system of distinct representatives. The conversation also mentions using induction and counting techniques to solve the problem.
  • #1
Mr.Cauliflower
18
0
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.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
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?
 
  • #3
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.
 
  • #4
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.
 

What is a system of distinct representatives?

A system of distinct representatives is a mathematical concept that involves choosing one element from each set in a collection of sets so that no two chosen elements are equal.

What is the purpose of a system of distinct representatives?

The purpose of a system of distinct representatives is to ensure that each set in a collection is represented by a unique element, allowing for a more systematic and organized approach to problem-solving.

What are some real-life examples of a system of distinct representatives?

One example of a system of distinct representatives is scheduling tasks for a group of people, where each person is assigned a different task to ensure that all tasks are completed and no one is overloaded with work.

Another example is selecting representatives from different regions or departments for a committee, to ensure that all voices and perspectives are represented.

How is a system of distinct representatives different from a system of representatives?

A system of distinct representatives guarantees that each set is represented by a unique element, while a system of representatives only requires that each set is represented by at least one element. This distinction allows for a more efficient and organized approach to problem-solving.

What are some strategies for finding a system of distinct representatives?

There are several strategies for finding a system of distinct representatives, including the greedy algorithm, the Hall's marriage theorem, and the Tutte-Berge formula. These strategies involve different mathematical techniques and can be applied depending on the specific problem at hand.

Similar threads

  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
505
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
577
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
516
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
813
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
3
Views
521
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
34
Views
2K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
1
Views
460
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
2
Views
274
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
4
Views
502
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
5
Views
1K
Back
Top