Elements of the set {6a + 2b} where a and b....

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The discussion revolves around the mathematical expression of the set {6a + 2b} where a and b are integers. Participants confirm that the expression can be simplified to show that it represents all even integers, specifically noting that 6ℤ + 2ℤ = 2ℤ. The conversation also explores variations with different values for a and b, revealing that combinations like 6ℤ + 3ℤ yield multiples of 3, while 6ℤ + 5ℤ encompass all integers. The key takeaway is that the greatest common divisor (GCD) of a and b determines the structure of the resulting set, emphasizing the relationship between linear combinations of integers and their divisors. Overall, the thread highlights the importance of understanding how to express and manipulate sets formed by linear combinations of integers.
  • #31
I just want to say I would do this entirely differently. First, ##6a +2b## is an even integer. So, the set is a subset of the even integers. To show that it is all even integers, we take any even integer ##2k## and this is in our set with ##a = 0## and ##b = k##.

Is that not the obvious approach here?
 
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  • #32
PeroK said:
Is that not the obvious approach here?
This depends on whether you want to emphasize on:
$$a\mathbb{Z}+b\mathbb{Z} \subseteq d\mathbb{Z} \subseteq a\mathbb{Z}+b\mathbb{Z} \Longrightarrow a\mathbb{Z}+b\mathbb{Z} =d\mathbb{Z}$$
or on the fact that ##\mathbb{Z}## is a principle ideal domain with
$$
a\mathbb{Z}+b\mathbb{Z} =\operatorname{gcd}(a,b)\mathbb{Z} \quad\text{ and }\quad a\mathbb{Z}\cap b\mathbb{Z} =\operatorname{lcm}(a,b)\mathbb{Z}
$$

However, as always in real life, the truth originates in a completely different post. It was an example of how ##\{2x\in \mathbb{Z}\,|\,|x|\leq 5\}## could be written better than it was in an OP. @Math100 took this as a template to write equations of sets. Your approach needs a different template to make it written properly because it partly specifies the coefficients which are arbitrary at the beginning. I tried to avoid confusion and pointed out the gcd, not the equality of sets.
 
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