Cardinality of an interval of rationals

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the cardinality of the set of rational numbers within a specified interval of rational numbers, specifically the interval (q1, q2) where q1 and q2 are rational. Participants explore the implications of this cardinality and seek to establish a one-to-one correspondence with the set of all rational numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the cardinality of the set of rational numbers between any two rational numbers q1 and q2 is equal to the cardinality of the set of all rationals, questioning how to prove this.
  • Another participant agrees that the cardinality of the interval (q1, q2) is the same as that of the rationals, but introduces the concept of the interval's cardinality being that of the reals, depending on the definitions used.
  • A clarification is made regarding the notation "(q1, q2) cap Q," which is defined as the set of all non-integer rational numbers between q1 and q2, with the participant expressing a belief that it has the same cardinality as Q but seeking assistance in establishing a one-to-one correspondence.
  • A proposed function is introduced by a participant to establish a correspondence between the rational numbers in the interval and the set of all rational numbers, detailing how positive and negative rationals can be represented.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the cardinality of the interval (q1, q2) and its relationship to the cardinality of the rationals and reals. There is no consensus on the proof or the method of establishing a one-to-one correspondence.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for clear definitions and the implications of finite versus infinite sets on cardinality, but do not resolve these issues.

kindlychung
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For any two rational numbers q1<q2, card ((q1,q2) cap Q) = card Q, right?
How to prove it, if it's true?
 
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Please define your terms. The cardinality of the set of all rationals between any two given numbers, whether rational or irrational is the same as the cardinality of the rationals, yes. The cardinality of interval (q1, q2) where q1 and q2 are rational numbers is the cardinality of R because that is an interval of real numbers.

I don't know what the "I" in "(q1, q2)-I". The set of integers? So that "(q1, q2)- I" is the set of all numbers that are NOT integers between q1 and q2? If so then the answer is as before: If (q1, q2)- I is the set of all non-integer rational numbers between q1 and q2, the cardinality of that set is the cardinality of Q. If (q1, q2)- I is the set of all non-integer real numbers between q1 and q2, the cardinality of that set is the cardinality of R, the set of all real numbers. That is because the set of integers between any two given rational numbers is finite and so does not affect the cardinality of any infinite set.
 
I have edited the original post. Please see.
((q1, q2) cap Q) is the set of all non-integer rational numbers between q1 and q2. By intuition I know it has the same cardinality as Q, yet I don't know how to build a 1-1 correspondence between it and Q, please help.
 
Okay, I think I got it.

Let m, n be any positive integers, any positive element q of Q can be written as [tex]m/n[/tex], and any negative element q of Q can be written as [tex]-m/n[/tex].

Let's define function f as follows:
[tex]f(q) = \frac{q_{1}+q_{2}}{2} + \frac{q_{2}-q_{1}}{2}\cdot\frac{m}{m+n} (q>0)[/tex]
[tex]f(q) = \frac{q_{1}+q_{2}}{2} - \frac{q_{2}-q_{1}}{2}\cdot\frac{m}{m+n} (q<0)[/tex]
[tex]f(q)=0 (q=0)[/tex]
 

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