Bounded sets: x = [1, 2] U [3, 4] c R

In summary, the speaker explains how to prove that a set is not convex by using the definition of a convex set and providing a specific example where the set [1, 2] U [3, 4] c R is not convex. They also mention that for the intersection of two bounded sets to be bounded, it is enough for only one of the sets to be bounded.
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Hello. Please look over my answers!

Homework Statement



a) Prove that this set is not convex: x = [1, 2] U [3, 4] c R
b) Prove the intersection of two bounded sets is bounded

Homework Equations



for a) x = [1, 2] U [3, 4] c R

The Attempt at a Solution



a) A convex set is where you can draw a line at two chosen points inside a set and everything between them will be inside the set. But here, you can have a set of points at 1 and 3 and connect them,however not all of the line will be in the set and thus is not convex. More formally, a set C is convex if for two points k, p ∈ C, the point t(k) + (1-t)(p) ∈ C for all t∈ [0, 1]. However, here, if you let t = 0.4, the result is 2.2 which is NOT in the set and is thus not convex.

b) I am not exactly sure how to proove this. Every finite set is bounded. Thus, when two bounded sets intersect, the intersection also must be bounded because it has an upper and lower interval.
 
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  • #2
939 said:
Hello. Please look over my answers!

Homework Statement



a) Prove that this set is not convex: x = [1, 2] U [3, 4] c R
b) Prove the intersection of two bounded sets is bounded

Homework Equations



for a) x = [1, 2] U [3, 4] c R

The Attempt at a Solution



a) A convex set is where you can draw a line at two chosen points inside a set and everything between them will be inside the set. But here, you can have a set of points at 1 and 3 and connect them,however not all of the line will be in the set and thus is not convex. More formally, a set C is convex if for two points k, p ∈ C, the point t(k) + (1-t)(p) ∈ C for all t∈ [0, 1]. However, here, if you let t = 0.4, the result is 2.2 which is NOT in the set and is thus not convex.

b) I am not exactly sure how to proove this. Every finite set is bounded. Thus, when two bounded sets intersect, the intersection also must be bounded because it has an upper and lower interval.

The first one is fine. I would have picked 2 and 3 and k=1/2, but tastes differ. It works. For the second one if A and B are bounded, then the intersection of A and B is contained in A. Isn't it? You don't even need both sets to be bounded. Just one.
 
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1. What is the definition of a bounded set?

A bounded set is a set of numbers that has a finite upper and lower limit. In other words, all the elements in the set fall within a certain range.

2. How is a bounded set represented mathematically?

A bounded set is represented using the notation x = [a, b], where a is the lower bound and b is the upper bound. In this notation, the brackets indicate that the set includes the endpoints.

3. What does "U" mean in the notation x = [1, 2] U [3, 4]?

The "U" symbol stands for the union of two sets. In this case, it means that the set x contains all the elements from both [1, 2] and [3, 4].

4. How does a bounded set differ from an unbounded set?

A bounded set has a finite range, while an unbounded set has no upper or lower limit. This means that an unbounded set can contain infinitely large or small numbers, while a bounded set is limited to a specific range.

5. Can you give an example of a real-world application of bounded sets?

A common example of a bounded set in a real-world scenario is a temperature range. For instance, a room may have a bounded set of temperatures between 68°F and 72°F. This means that the temperature in the room will never go below 68°F or above 72°F.

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