Four Colour Theorem proof help

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that an infinite countable planar map can be colored with four colors, building on the established Four Color Theorem. The user attempts to apply the compactness theorem, which states that a set of well-formed formulas (wffs) is satisfiable if every finite subset is satisfiable. The challenge lies in rigorously demonstrating this application, particularly in relation to the properties of maps and colorings as discussed in Enderton's "A Mathematical Introduction to Logic." Suggestions for clarification on the proof process and the implications of the compactness theorem are sought.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Four Color Theorem
  • Familiarity with compactness theorem in mathematical logic
  • Knowledge of well-formed formulas (wffs)
  • Basic concepts of planar graphs and their properties
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of the compactness theorem in logic
  • Review proofs of the Four Color Theorem for deeper insights
  • Explore the relationship between wffs and satisfiability in logic
  • Investigate the implications of Gödel's completeness theorem
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying logic and graph theory, as well as educators seeking to clarify the application of the Four Color Theorem and compactness in proofs.

NasuSama
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Homework Statement



Here is quite challenging problem from Enderton's popular textbook A Mathematical Introduction to Logic.

"In 1977 it was proved that every planar map can be colored with four colors. Of course, the definition of "map" requires that there be only finitely many countries. But extending the concept, suppose we have an infinite (but countable) planar map with countries ##C_1, C_2, C_3, ...##. Prove that this infinite planar map can still be colored with four colors. (Suggestion: Partition the sentence symbols into four parts. One sentence symbol, for example, can be used to translate, "Country ##C_7## is colored red." Form a set ##\Sigma_1## of wffs that say, for example, ##C_7## is exactly one of the colors. Form another set ##\Sigma_2## of wffs that say, for each pair of adjacent countries, that they are not the same color. Apply compactness to ##\Sigma_1 \cup \Sigma _2##)"

2. The attempt at a solution

Since I'm not much of the math logician, it's difficult for me to make a rigorous proof. My attempt would be to first check the satisfiability of every finite subset of ##\Sigma_1## and ##\Sigma_2##. Then, take the union of those sets and finally apply compactness theorem, which states that

A set of wffs is satisfiable iff every finite subset is satisfiable.

The thing is: I wonder how the proof goes since Enderton's textbook is sometimes brief in some topics and the way he proves theorems and examples. He skips steps to the readers, assuming that they can prove them by themselves. Thus, I am a bit lost of how I should prove this (Specifically, I am not sure of the full formal proof for this problem).

Any suggestions or advices or comments?
 
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I think what you are asking is, what allows us to apply the compactness theorem to the particular case of maps and colourings? The compactness theorem was proved by Kurt Gödel using the completeness theorem, which says that truth of a wff is very regular, it can be calculated (proved) from the truth values of the parts of the formula. But how do we know that this is true for maps and colourings? Is it not possible that truth works differently here? In a way, this question is about whether truth is always regular.

I don't know how to answer this but perhaps reading this can help.
 

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