Can You Solve This Set Theory and Binary Number Problem?

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The discussion centers on proving that the function f: P(S) --> B, which maps subsets of a set S with n elements to binary sequences of n digits, is a one-to-one correspondence. The key argument is that each subset of S uniquely determines a binary number in B, where each digit corresponds to the presence (1) or absence (0) of an element from S. The proof confirms that for every element in P(S), there is a unique binary representation in B, establishing the required one-to-one relationship.

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  • Familiarity with binary number representation
  • Knowledge of functions and one-to-one correspondence
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  • Study the properties of power sets in set theory
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Students preparing for mathematics midterms, particularly in set theory and binary number systems, as well as educators seeking to clarify concepts related to one-to-one correspondences.

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Preparing for an upcoming midterm and this is one of the practice questions from an old test.

The Question:
Let X be a set with n elements, say S = {s1, s2,..., sn}
Let B be the set of binary numbers with n digits. That is, sequences of n terms, each
of which is 0 or 1.

Define f : P(S) --> B (power set of S) as follows: the image of X ∈ P(S) is the
binary sequence b1b2...bn where bi is the truth value of the statement bi ∈ X, for
i = 1, 2, ..., n.

Prove that f is a 1-1 correspondence.

My Work so far:

If A1 = A2 = An, there are n-try relation and A is a subset of An = A x A x ... x A = {(a1,, a2, ..., an) iai + A for each i = 1, ...,n}

Prove: that there are n-tuples.

I am not sure where to go from here, or if my work is heading in the right direction (Speechless)
Any help would be much appreciated!
 
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bootleg said:
Preparing for an upcoming midterm and this is one of the practice questions from an old test.

The Question:
Let X be a set with n elements, say S = {s1, s2,..., sn}
Let B be the set of binary numbers with n digits. That is, sequences of n terms, each
of which is 0 or 1.

Define f : P(S) --> B (power set of S) as follows: the image of X ∈ P(S) is the
binary sequence b1b2...bn where bi is the truth value of the statement bi ∈ X, for
i = 1, 2, ..., n.

Prove that f is a 1-1 correspondence.

My Work so far:

If A1 = A2 = An, there are n-try relation and A is a subset of An = A x A x ... x A = {(a1,, a2, ..., an) iai + A for each i = 1, ...,n}

Prove: that there are n-tuples.

I am not sure where to go from here, or if my work is heading in the right direction
Any help would be much appreciated!

Welcome to MHB, bootleg! :)

To prove a 1-1 relation, you need to prove that for every element in P(S) there is a unique associated element in B, and also that for every element in B there is a unique associated element in P(S).

If you take any subset of S, it determines a number in B uniquely, as per the definition of your f.
Each number in B consists of n values of either 0 or 1. If we construct a set with exactly those $s_i$ that have a corresponding 1 in the number from B, we get a unique set that is an element of P(S).
Therefore the relation is 1-1.
 

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