Does it suffice to show these relations?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the equivalence of set relations: $A \cap B = A$ iff $A \subset B$ iff $A \cup B = B$. Participants clarify that to establish this equivalence, it is sufficient to demonstrate three implications among the statements, such as $P \implies Q$, $Q \implies R$, and $R \implies P$. It is emphasized that proving additional implications, like $Q \implies P$, is not incorrect but may not be necessary for the proof's validity. The focus is on selecting the most efficient order for the implications to simplify the proof process.

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evinda
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Hi! (Wave)

If I want to prove that $A \cap B=A \text{ iff } A \subset B \text{ iff } A \cup B=B$.
Do I have to prove the following:
$A \cap B=A \rightarrow A \subset B$, $A \subset B \rightarrow A \cap B=A, A \subset B \rightarrow A \cup B=B, A \cup B=B \rightarrow A \subset B $ and $A \cup B=B \rightarrow A \cap B=A$ ? :confused:
 
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To show $P\iff Q\iff R$ it is sufficient to prove, for example, $P\implies Q$, $Q\implies R$ and $R\implies P$. At least three implications are necessary, but they can be chosen in different ways.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
To show $P\iff Q\iff R$ it is sufficient to prove, for example, $P\implies Q$, $Q\implies R$ and $R\implies P$. At least three implications are necessary, but they can be chosen in different ways.

So, don't we have to show, for example, $Q \Rightarrow P$ ? (Thinking)
 
evinda said:
So, don't we have to show, for example, $Q \Rightarrow P$ ? (Thinking)

If you can show $Q \Rightarrow R$ and $R \Rightarrow P$, that immediately implies $Q \Rightarrow P$; it is unnecessary to show it explicitly.
 
magneto said:
If you can show $Q \Rightarrow R$ and $R \Rightarrow P$, that immediately implies $Q \Rightarrow P$; it is unnecessary to show it explicitly.

A ok.. But, if I would prove also $Q \Rightarrow P$, would it be wrong? :confused:
 
evinda said:
A ok.. But, if I would prove also $Q \Rightarrow P$, would it be wrong? :confused:

It is not wrong. You can show the implications in any order: E.g $Q \Rightarrow P \Rightarrow R \Rightarrow Q$, or $R \Rightarrow P \Rightarrow Q \Rightarrow R$.

In fact, you usually want to choose an ordering that makes the proof the simplest if possible.
 

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