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

  • Thread starter Thread starter Math100
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Elements Set
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the elements of sets defined by linear combinations of integers, specifically in the form {6a + 2b} and related expressions. Participants explore the implications of different values for a and b, examining how these combinations yield various sets of integers.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the correctness of their answers and the implications of substituting different values for a and b. Questions arise about the nature of the sets formed by these combinations and the significance of integer multiples.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights and questioning each other's reasoning. Some guidance has been offered regarding the nature of the sets formed, particularly in relation to the integers generated by different combinations of a and b.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of specific values for a and b, such as a=6 and b=2, and the implications of these choices on the resulting sets. Participants also note the importance of understanding the definitions and assumptions underlying their calculations.

  • #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?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #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.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

Replies
21
Views
3K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
1K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K