Defining a Function in a Partially Ordered Set - Homework Assistance

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around defining a function within the context of a partially ordered set. Participants are exploring the implications of this definition and its application to specific examples.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of the function f(a) as the set of elements in A that are less than or equal to a. There are attempts to clarify the implications of this definition and its correctness in various contexts, such as natural numbers and real numbers.

Discussion Status

Some participants have expressed confusion regarding the function's definition, while others have provided examples to illustrate their understanding. There is an acknowledgment of differing interpretations and a recognition that further assistance may be needed.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and properties of partially ordered sets, with specific attention to the implications of the function's definition. There is a mention of potential misunderstandings stemming from the question's complexity.

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Homework Statement



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The Attempt at a Solution



I am quite confused as to how to define the function. Any help would be appreciated.
 
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The new set, [tex]f(a)[/tex], is a set consisting of all [tex]x \epsilon A[/tex] s.t. [tex]x \leq a[/tex].

For example, consider [tex]A = \mathbb{N}[/tex]. Look at [tex]f(5)[/tex]. This is simply [tex]\{1,2,3,4,5\}[/tex].

So, for the first part, you need to show that

[tex]f(a)=f(b) \Rightarrow a=b[/tex]

I'll stop here, just in case you need more assistance.
 
Last edited:
In other words, f(a) is the set of all members of A that are less than or equal to a.

If A were the set of real numbers with the usual order (which is, or course, not "partial"), then f(3)= ([itex]-\infty[/itex],3]. If A were a collection of sets, with "<" meaning set inclusion (that is a "partial" order) then f(a) is the collection of all subsets of a.
 
ar6 said:
I am quite confused as to how to define the function. Any help would be appreciated.
What's wrong with [itex]f(a) = \{ \, x \mid x \in A \wedge x \leq a \, \}[/itex]?
 
Yea I was confused last night and reading too much into the question. I got it (i think) now.
 

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