Do we have to check the second case?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the necessity of checking the second case in the proof of the proposition regarding the immediate successor of a natural number \( n' \). The participants conclude that if the equivalence \( n < m \leftrightarrow n \in m \) is established prior to the proposition, then the second case does not need to be verified. The definitions provided clarify the relationships between natural numbers, specifically using the notation \( \epsilon_{\omega} \) to define order. The participants emphasize the importance of foundational definitions in mathematical proofs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of natural numbers and their properties
  • Familiarity with set theory concepts, particularly subsets
  • Knowledge of mathematical notation and definitions, specifically \( < \) and \( \leq \)
  • Experience with logical reasoning in mathematical proofs
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions and properties of natural numbers in set theory
  • Learn about the order relations defined by \( \epsilon_{\omega} \)
  • Explore the implications of subset relations in mathematical proofs
  • Review logical equivalences and their applications in formal proofs
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Mathematicians, students of mathematics, and anyone interested in the foundations of number theory and proof techniques.

evinda
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Hi! (Smile)

Proposition:
The natural number $n'$ is the immediate successor of $n$, i.e. there is no natural number $m$ such that $n<m \wedge m<n'$.

Proof:
We assume that there is a $m$ such that $n<m \wedge m<n'$. Then $n \subset m$ and $m \subset n \cup \{n\}$. 1st case: $n \in m$. Then $n \cup \{n\} \subset m$ and so $n'=m$, contradiction.

2nd case: $n \notin m$. Then since $m \subset n \cup \{n\}$ we have that $m \subset n$. Since $n \subset m$ we have $n=m$, contradiction.
Do we have to check the second case knowing that $n<m \leftrightarrow n \in m$ ? (Thinking)
 
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evinda said:
Do we have to check the second case knowing that $n<m \leftrightarrow n \in m$ ?
No, if $n<m \leftrightarrow n \in m$ is proved before the current proposition, then the second case is unnecessary.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
No, if $n<m \leftrightarrow n \in m$ is proved before the current proposition, then the second case is unnecessary.

It hasn't been proven, it is referred in a proposition. (Worried)
How could we prove it? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
It hasn't been proven, it is referred in a proposition.
What does this mean: "it is referred in a proposition"?

evinda said:
How could we prove it?
You should start with a definition of $<$. Isn't this statement proved in your lecture notes?
 
According to my notes:

Definition: For any natural numbers $m,n$ we define:
$m<n \leftrightarrow m \in n (\leftrightarrow \langle m,n \rangle \in \epsilon_{\omega})$

$(m \leq n \leftrightarrow m \in n \lor m=n)$​
where $\epsilon_{\omega}=\{ \langle m,n \rangle\in \omega^2: m \in n \}$.$\epsilon_{\omega}$ defines an order on $\omega$ and is symbolized with $<$.
The non-strict order of $\omega$ that corresponds to the order $\epsilon_{\omega}$ is symbolized with $\leq$, so:

$$n \leq m \leftrightarrow n \in m \lor n=m$$
$$(n<m \leftrightarrow n \in m)$$

Proposition:

  • For any natural numbers $m,n$: $m \leq n \leftrightarrow m \subset n$
  • For any natural numbers $m,n$: $m<n \leftrightarrow m \subsetneq n (\leftrightarrow m \in n)$
 
Last edited:
Evgeny.Makarov said:
No, if $n<m \leftrightarrow n \in m$ is proved before the current proposition, then the second case is unnecessary.
evinda said:
How could we prove it?

evinda said:
According to my notes:

Definition: For any natural numbers $m,n$ we define:
$m<n \leftrightarrow m \in n$​
Then you answered your own question.
 
So we can use the fact that $m<n \leftrightarrow m \in n$ without proving it since we defined it like that, right? (Smile)
 
Yes.
 
Nice... Thanks a lot! (Yes)
 

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