Arbitrary Union of Sets Question

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the union and intersection of sets defined by natural numbers, specifically ##A_{n}=\{n\}## for each ##n \in \mathbb{N}##. The union, ##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}##, is established as the set of all natural numbers, denoted as ##\mathbb{N} = \{1, 2, 3, ...\}##. Conversely, the intersection, ##\bigcap_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}##, is empty since no single element exists in all sets ##A_n##. The notation and definitions are clarified, emphasizing the importance of understanding set operations in the context of natural numbers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of set theory concepts, particularly union and intersection.
  • Familiarity with natural numbers and their properties.
  • Knowledge of mathematical notation used in set definitions.
  • Basic skills in logical reasoning and proof techniques.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of unions and intersections in set theory.
  • Learn how to prove set equality using definitions and properties.
  • Explore the concept of indexed families of sets and their applications.
  • Investigate more complex set operations involving infinite sets.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, particularly those studying set theory, logic, or discrete mathematics, will benefit from this discussion. It is also relevant for educators seeking to clarify concepts related to unions and intersections of sets.

TyroneTheDino
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Homework Statement



For each ##n \in \mathbb{N}##, let ##A_{n}=\left\{n\right\}##. What are ##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}## and ##\bigcap_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}##.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I know that this involves natural numbers some how, I am just confused on a notation thing.
Is ##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}= \left \{ 1,2,3,... \right \}## or##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}= \left \{ \left\{1\right\},\left\{2\right\},... \right \}##.

To me it makes more sense that this is set of each set of every natural numbers, but somehow I think this is wrong and can't wrap my head around it.
 
Last edited:
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The problem statement is incomplete, it doesn't describe ##A_n##.

In terms of notation,
  • ##x \in \cup_{n\in\mathbb{N}} A_n ## if and only if there exists ##n\in\mathbb{N}## such that ##x\in A_n## (##x## belongs to at least one of the ##A_n##).
  • ##x \in \cap_{n\in\mathbb{N}} A_n ## if and only if ##x\in A_n## for all ##n\in\mathbb{N}## (##x## belongs to all ##A_n##).
 
geoffrey159 said:
The problem statement is incomplete, it doesn't describe ##A_n##.

In terms of notation,
  • ##x \in \cup_{n\in\mathbb{N}} A_n ## if and only if there exists ##n\in\mathbb{N}## such that ##x\in A_n## (##x## belongs to at least one of the ##A_n##).
  • ##x \in \cap_{n\in\mathbb{N}} A_n ## if and only if ##x\in A_n## for all ##n\in\mathbb{N}## (##x## belongs to all ##A_n##).
I updated it to define An.
 
TyroneTheDino said:

Homework Statement



For each ##n \in \mathbb{N}##, let ##A_{n}##. What are ##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}## and ##\bigcap_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}##.

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution


I know that this involves natural numbers some how, I am just confused on a notation thing.
Is ##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}= \left \{ 1,2,3,... \right \}## or##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}= \left \{ \left\{1\right\},\left\{2\right\},... \right \}##.
##\bigcup_{n\in\mathbb{N}}A_{n}## means ##A_1 \cup A_2 \cup \dots \cup A_n## and similar for the intersection.
TyroneTheDino said:
To me it makes more sense that this is set of each set of every natural numbers, but somehow I think this is wrong and can't wrap my head around it.
 
Ok so you infered that the union was equal to ##\mathbb{N}##. How do you prove that two sets are equal ?
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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