Finding the Complement of a Set

  • Thread starter Thread starter Keen94
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Set
AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on finding the complement of the set defined by the inequality x²≥4. The correct interpretation leads to the conclusion that P'={x∈ℝ | -2<x<2}, as the original proposition holds true for values less than or equal to -2 and greater than or equal to 2. There is confusion regarding a solution in the textbook that suggests the interval (-4,4), which participants agree is likely a typo. The consensus is that the analysis provided by the user is accurate. The conversation highlights the importance of verifying textbook solutions against logical reasoning.
Keen94
Messages
41
Reaction score
1
1. Find P'={x I ~px} for the given open sentences px.
#25. x2≥4.
(Problem from 1.10, Principles of Mathematics by Allendoerfer and Oakley.
Solution offered at the back of the book: {x I -4<x<4}.

Homework Equations


If P={x∈ℝ I px} then P'={x∈ℝ I ~px}[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


x2≥4 ⇒ x≤-2 or x≥2.
P={x∈ℝ I x≤-2 or x≥2}. P'={x∈ℝ I -2<x<2}[/B]
The original proposition is true when a number is equal to or less than -2. It is equally true when it is equal to or greater than 2. If we negate the proposition then the elements of this set will be the ones not found in the original set. This leaves the interval (-2,2). I don't understand why the interval would be (-4,4) as the solution found at the back of the book suggests. BTW First Post!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Keen94 said:
1. Find P'={x I ~px} for the given open sentences px.
#25. x2≥4.
(Problem from 1.10, Principles of Mathematics by Allendoerfer and Oakley.
Solution offered at the back of the book: {x I -4<x<4}.

Homework Equations


If P={x∈ℝ I px} then P'={x∈ℝ I ~px}[/B]

The Attempt at a Solution


x2≥4 ⇒ x≤-2 or x≥2.
P={x∈ℝ I x≤-2 or x≥2}. P'={x∈ℝ I -2<x<2}[/B]
The original proposition is true when a number is equal to or less than -2. It is equally true when it is equal to or greater than 2. If we negate the proposition then the elements of this set will be the ones not found in the original set. This leaves the interval (-2,2). I don't understand why the interval would be (-4,4) as the solution found at the back of the book suggests. BTW First Post!
Hello Keen94. Welcome to PF !

The book must have a typo. Your analysis is correct !
 
  • Like
Likes Keen94
SammyS said:
Hello Keen94. Welcome to PF !

The book must have a typo. Your analysis is correct !
Thank you for the speedy reply!
 
I picked up this problem from the Schaum's series book titled "College Mathematics" by Ayres/Schmidt. It is a solved problem in the book. But what surprised me was that the solution to this problem was given in one line without any explanation. I could, therefore, not understand how the given one-line solution was reached. The one-line solution in the book says: The equation is ##x \cos{\omega} +y \sin{\omega} - 5 = 0##, ##\omega## being the parameter. From my side, the only thing I could...
Back
Top