Analysis (Calculus) proof regarding inequalities, sup/inf

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on proving that if a nonempty set of real numbers \( S \) is bounded from below, then the set \( T = \{-s: s \in S\} \) is nonempty and bounded from above, with the conclusion that \( \sup(T) = -\inf(S) \). The proof establishes that since \( S \) is nonempty, \( T \) contains elements derived from \( S \) and is thus nonempty. Furthermore, it demonstrates that \( -\inf(S) \) serves as an upper bound for \( T \) and confirms that this is the least upper bound through contradiction.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of real number sets and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concepts of supremum and infimum
  • Knowledge of LaTeX for typesetting mathematical proofs
  • Basic algebra and inequalities
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of supremum and infimum in real analysis
  • Learn how to construct proofs using contradiction in mathematical arguments
  • Explore the Axiom of Completeness in real number theory
  • Practice writing mathematical proofs in LaTeX for clarity and precision
USEFUL FOR

Students of calculus, mathematicians interested in real analysis, and anyone looking to enhance their proof-writing skills in mathematical contexts.

KiwiBunny
Messages
1
Reaction score
0
Hey, my stuff is done in LaTeX if you want to copy into a document and compile it. I guess if you can read TeX you can read it without resorting to that though. My TeX is not the neatest, if you have any problems please tell me.

Homework Statement


1. Let $S$ be a nonempty set of real numbers that is bounded from below. Define $T=\{-s: s \in S\}$. Prove that $T$ is nonempty and bounded from above. Then prove that $\sup(T)=-\inf(S)$.\\




The Attempt at a Solution



$S$ is nonempty
so there is some $s \in S$ and also $s \in R$. \\
All the elements in R have an additive inverse so with $s \in R$ there is $-s \in R$ and $-s \in T$. Thus T is nonempty. \\
S is bounded from below so there is an $inf(S)$ so for $\forall s \in S$, $s \geq inf(S)$
$\Rightarrow$ $-s \leq -inf(S) \Rightarrow$ \\ $\forall t \in T$ $t \leq -inf(S)$. So $-inf(S)$ is an upper bound for T.
\\
How do you prove it's the lowest upper bound?

Say that $sup T < -inf S$ $\Rightarrow$ $-sup T > inf S$ $\Rightarrow$ there's an element smaller than -sup T also in S, call it n.
$n \in S \Rightarrow -n \in T$
$n < -sup T \Rightarrow -n > sup T$
$-n \in T$ and $-n >sup T$
Contradiction, therefore $sup T=-inf S$
 
Physics news on Phys.org
For the second part where you are trying to prove that T has an upper bound for S is bounded above,
let c be a lower bound, then c \leq x for \forall x \epsilon S. From here, you have to use algebra to get -c in the inequality somehow*. Use this to show that -c is an upper bound for S.
Then, use Axiom of Completeness, there exists a b=supS such that for b \leq c for \forall x \epsilon S (same as from *) to continue the proof.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K