Hasse diagram: minimal, least, greatest

  • Thread starter Thread starter nicnicman
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Diagram
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the poset (S, <=) where S = {2, 3, 4, 5} and the divisibility relation is applied. The key conclusions are that 3 is a minimal element, 2 is a least element, and 4 is not a greatest element due to the presence of 5, which has no ordering relation with others. The Hasse diagram illustrates that 3 and 5 are isolated, confirming that there cannot be a greatest or least element in this context.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of partially ordered sets (posets)
  • Knowledge of Hasse diagrams
  • Familiarity with divisibility relations
  • Basic set theory concepts
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of minimal and maximal elements in posets
  • Learn how to construct Hasse diagrams for various posets
  • Explore the implications of isolated elements in posets
  • Investigate the concept of least and greatest elements in set theory
USEFUL FOR

Students studying discrete mathematics, mathematicians interested in order theory, and educators teaching concepts related to posets and Hasse diagrams.

nicnicman
Messages
132
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


Let S = {2,3,4,5} and consider the poset (S, <=) where <= is the divisibility relation. Which of the following is true?

1. 3 is a minimal element
2. 4 is a greatest element
3. 2 is a least element
4. Both 2 and 3

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


My answer: 1

In a Hasse diagram 3 and 5 are not connected to anything, and I'm unsure if this affects the answer. Suggestions?
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
I agree with your answer. The presence of an element that has no ordering relation with any other means there cannot be a greatest or a least.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
7
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
5K
Replies
12
Views
4K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K