Definition of set using elementhood test

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around defining a set A = {1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36, 49,...} using elementhood tests. Participants explore different definitions and their validity, focusing on the implications of bound and free variables in these definitions.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes a definition A = { x ∈ ℵ^{+} | x^{2} }, expressing confidence in its correctness but questioning the appropriateness of another definition.
  • Another participant points out that the second definition A = { x ∈ ℕ^{+} | y is a positive odd integer, x + y } could lead to values not in the set, using the example of x = 1 and y = 5 resulting in 6, which is not part of A.
  • A different participant argues that the structure of the second definition is valid because y is a free variable, suggesting that it can yield both true and false statements depending on the values plugged in.
  • One participant questions the equality of the two sets, noting that they do not contain the same elements.
  • Another participant counters that y being a free variable allows it to represent all values that make x + y an element of the original set, implying potential overlap in elements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the second definition and whether the two definitions can represent the same set. No consensus is reached regarding the correctness of either definition.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference concepts of bound and free variables, which may influence their interpretations of the definitions. The discussion highlights the complexity of defining sets through elementhood tests and the implications of variable binding.

el_llavero
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I have a set, A = {1,4,9,16,25,36,49,...}, that I want to write a definition for using an elementhood test. I have written one definition I'm sure is correct but I'm not sure if the other one is appropriate since there are values that satisfy the conditions in the definitions but produce values that are not elements of A.

I have A = { x [tex]\in[/tex] [tex]\aleph[/tex] [tex]^{+}[/tex] | x [tex]^{2}[/tex] }

However I've seen another definition for the same set but I'm not sure it's accurate

A = { x ∈ ℕ [tex]^{+}[/tex] | y is a positive odd integer, x + y }

I'm not sure the second defition is correct, take the case where x is 1 and y is 5, then x+y=6, which is not part of the set. Could someone give me their perspective. I'm under the impression that these definitions have to work in all cases.
 
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"I'm not sure the second defition is correct, take the case where x is 1 and y is 5, then x+y=6, which is not on the list. Could someone give me their perspective. "

Haven't you answered your own question about the correctness of the second "definition"?
 
My question is more about the structure of the second expression used to define the set A.

I've just read something regarding free variables and bound variables. In the case of the second definition, x is a bound variable since the notation {x |...} binds the variable and y is a free variable since you can plug in different values for y, and it's not bound by said notation . Since y is a free variable the statement will be true for some values of y and false for others therefor the second expression is accurate. plugging some values for y will produce an element in the set while others won't but that's ok since y is not a bound variable.

Am I making sense? I going by definitions in this book I'm using.
 
I don't know all the relevant definitions and theorems, but since the two sets you described do not contain the same elements, how can they be equal?
 
how do you know they don't contain the same elements, y isn't bound so it can stand for all the values that make x+y an element of the original set.
 

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