How many elements are in a set of unique rational numbers from 1 to 9?

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The discussion centers on determining the number of unique elements in the set of rational numbers formed by the fractions ##\frac{n}{m}## where both ##n## and ##m## range from 1 to 9. The set is defined as ##T = \{ \frac{n}{m} \in \mathbb{Q} \vert n, m \in \{ 1, 2, ..., 9 \} \}##, excluding repetitions such as ##\frac{2}{2}##. A more elegant counting method is proposed, utilizing the prime factorization of numbers up to 9, specifically the primes in the set ##P=\{2,3,5,7\}##. The conclusion indicates that while a straightforward counting method exists, the proposed method may offer a faster approach for larger sets.

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Let ##T = \{ \frac{n}{m}\in \mathbb{Q} \vert n, m \in \{ 1, 2, ..., 9 \} \}##

No values can repeat (e.g. ##\frac{2}{2},\frac{3}{3},...##)

How many elements does the set have. I could just go ahead and count the elements and eliminate the repeats, but I'm wondering if there is a simpler (and more elegant) way to do it?

Thanks
 
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Born said:
Let ##T = \{ \frac{n}{m}\in \mathbb{Q} \vert n, m \in \{ 1, 2, ..., 9 \} \}##

No values can repeat (e.g. ##\frac{2}{2},frac{3}{3},...##

What is the question?
 
Sorry, edited the mistake. The question would be; is there a simpler (and more elegant) way to count the number of elements in the set?
 
I don't believe there is a more elegant way. At least I can't think of one.
 
I think this way is more "elegant", but is probably a slower way of counting elements in ##T_9##. I think this does provide a faster way of counting ##T_k = \left\{\dfrac{n}{m}: \enspace n,m\in\{1,...,k\}\right\}## for larger ##k\in \mathbb N##.

Let ##P=\{2,3,5,7\}##, the set of primes that divide ##9##. For each ##D\subseteq P##, let ##M_D## denote the set of numbers whose prime factorization has positive exponents for exactly the primes ##D##. Let ##\mathcal D = \{(D,E): \enspace D,E\subseteq P, \enspace D\cap E=\emptyset\}##.

Then ##T_9 = \bigcup_{(D,E)\in \mathcal D} \left\{ \dfrac{n}{m}: \enspace n\in M_D, m\in M_E \right\}##, and the last expression has no repetition anywhere.
 
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Born said:
Let ##T = \{ \frac{n}{m}\in \mathbb{Q} \vert n, m \in \{ 1, 2, ..., 9 \} \}##

No values can repeat (e.g. ##\frac{2}{2},\frac{3}{3},...##)

How many elements does the set have. I could just go ahead and count the elements and eliminate the repeats, but I'm wondering if there is a simpler (and more elegant) way to do it?

Thanks

I don't think there is as simpler way, but you never know...
 

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