Are the Sets {r, -r, 0} and {-r, r, 0} Identical?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the sets {r, -r, 0} and {-r, r, 0} are identical, focusing on the properties of sets in mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants express confusion about the nature of sets and whether order matters. Some assert that the sets are the same, while others clarify that sets are defined by their elements, not their order.

Discussion Status

There is a mix of responses, with some participants affirming that the sets are identical and others providing explanations about set notation and properties. The conversation reflects a lack of explicit consensus but indicates a productive exploration of the topic.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the urgency of the question due to a testing situation, which may influence the depth of discussion. There is also a note about the proper notation for sets, suggesting that some participants are questioning the original poster's use of parentheses instead of curly brackets.

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Homework Statement


Is the set (r,-r,0) the same as the set (-r,r,0)

Sorry I need to know the answer to this right now, somebody in class confused me and I can't talk to my teacher right now.

My answer: yes it is the same set. Can anyone just give me a quick yes/no?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

 
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I have to brake for a car in front of me, so I can't answer 'it depends' right now ! :rolleyes:

good luck with your test !
 
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Rijad Hadzic said:

Homework Statement


Is the set (r,-r,0) the same as the set (-r,r,0)

Sorry I need to know the answer to this right now, somebody in class confused me and I can't talk to my teacher right now.

My answer: yes it is the same set. Can anyone just give me a quick yes/no?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Yes, as sets they are the same. Order doesn't matter here.
 
I wasn't really in a car, but safely behind my desktop. Just didn't want to interfere in a testing situation :rolleyes:

If the order of elements in a set matters, we call it a sequence. (You need a sequence of instructions when asking directions; with a set you wouldn't know what to do first)

A set is a collection. Two collections are the same if they contain the same elements. Yours do
 
Rijad Hadzic said:

Homework Statement


Is the set (r,-r,0) the same as the set (-r,r,0)

Sorry I need to know the answer to this right now, somebody in class confused me and I can't talk to my teacher right now.

My answer: yes it is the same set. Can anyone just give me a quick yes/no?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


Your notation is poor: in Mathematics, we almost always denote sets using curly brackets, like this: ##\{ r, -r,0 \}##, and in that case, order does not matter: ##\{ r,-r,0 \} = \{ r,-r,0 \} = \{ r,0,-r \} = \{ -r,0,r \} = \{ 0,r,-r \} = \{ 0,-r,r \}. ## Other types of brackets like ( , ) , [ , ] or < , > denote objects like lists, vectors, arrays, sequences, etc., and for all of them order is crucial.
 
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