How to Correct an Incorrect Proof Involving Set Theory?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an incorrect proof in set theory, specifically addressing the claim that if the intersections of certain sets are non-empty, then another intersection must also be non-empty. Participants are examining the validity of this claim through counterexamples and logical reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are questioning the validity of the original proof and the claim it attempts to support. Some provide counterexamples to illustrate the claim's falsehood, while others seek clarification on the implications of these examples.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing counterexamples and engaging in dialogue about the correctness of the claim. There is no consensus reached, but multiple interpretations and perspectives are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are operating under the assumption that the original claim is meant to be universally true, which is being challenged through specific examples. The nature of the proof and the definitions of the sets involved are central to the discussion.

ash25
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Homework Statement


PLEASE HELP!How would you correct this incorrect proof:
Suppose that S∩T≠0,T∩W≠0,and for a contradiction S∩W=0.From the first 2,we have some t∈S∩T,and similarly t∈T∩W.But then t∈S,t∈T,and t∈W.So t∈S∩W,giving a contradiction.
 
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There is no way to correct this "proof", since what you're trying to show is false!

Take [tex]S=[0,3],~T=[1,5],~W=[4,10][/tex]. Then [tex]S\cap W=\emptyset[/tex]...
 
Thank you, so the claim was true though, right? It was:
For any sets S,T,and W,if S∩T≠0 and T∩W≠0,then S∩W≠0
 
No, I just gave you a counterexample...
 
You are being so helpful thank you!
but you are saying that the claim is false?
 
ash25 said:
but you are saying that the claim is false?

Yes!
 

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