Do Inclusion-Exclusion and Pigeonhole Principles Apply to Overlapping Sets?

  • Thread starter Thread starter fiksx
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Principle Sets
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the application of the Inclusion-Exclusion Principle and the Pigeonhole Principle to overlapping sets. The sets defined are S1 through S10, each containing four integers. A key question raised is whether there exists a pair of sets, S_i and S_j, that share two or more common elements, which is confirmed as possible. The ambiguity in the proposition regarding the nature of common elements between the sets is highlighted, indicating that while the second proposition is false, the first proposition remains valid and requires proof using the Inclusion-Exclusion Principle.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of the Inclusion-Exclusion Principle
  • Familiarity with the Pigeonhole Principle
  • Basic knowledge of set theory and operations
  • Ability to analyze mathematical propositions and proofs
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the formal definition and applications of the Inclusion-Exclusion Principle
  • Explore the Pigeonhole Principle with practical examples
  • Learn how to construct and analyze overlapping sets in set theory
  • Practice proving propositions involving common elements in sets
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, educators, students in discrete mathematics, and anyone interested in combinatorial principles and set theory applications.

fiksx
Messages
77
Reaction score
1
Homework Statement
If the proposition below is true, show this. If false, give a counterexample.
From the integers from 1 to 11, make 10 sets ##S_1,S_2, \dots, S_{10}## each with 4 integers selected. Within each sets, the same number shall not be chosen twice. No matter how ##S_1,S_2, \dots, S_{10}## is selected, two sets ##S_i,S_j## (i not equal to j) include two or more common integers.
Relevant Equations
Sets
Is this related to pigeon principle?
$$S_1=\{1,2,3,4\},$$
$$S_2=\{2,3,4,5\},$$
$$S_3=\{4,5,6,7\},$$
$$S_4=\{5,6,7,8\},$$
$$S_5=\{7,8,9,10\},$$
$$S_6=\{8,9,10,11\},$$
$$S_7=\{5,6,2,4\},$$
$$S_8=\{1,5,7,9\},$$
$$S_9=\{4,8,10,11\},$$
$$S_{10}=\{5,7,10,11\}$$

When we choose two of them, there is possibility there are same integer but not all ?
If this is related to pigeonhole principle or inclusion exclusion principle, Is there possibility that sets are hole and number 1-11 is pigeon but what is the relation with in each sets there are four number?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
The language in your problem statement is ambiguous. It is not clear whether the proposition is:

##\exists i \neq j##: ##S_i## and ##S_j## have two or more common elements.

or

##\forall i \neq j##: ##S_i## and ##S_j## have two or more common elements.

Your sets clearly is a counter example to the second, but not to the first.
 
I also thought about that, but if it is like second, it is too obvious, but if it is like the first , how should i proof that? Is it use inclusion exclusion principle?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K