Is \bigcap(F \cup G) equal to (\cap F)\bigcap(\cap G)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving the equality \bigcap(F \cup G) = (\cap F) \bigcap (\cap G) for nonempty families of sets F and G. The user successfully demonstrated the analogous union property \bigcup(F \cup G) = (\cup F) \bigcup (\cup G) but encountered difficulties in the intersection proof. The proof strategy involves showing that an arbitrary element x in \bigcap(F \cup G) is contained in every set of F and G, leading to the conclusion that x must also belong to both \cap F and \cap G.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of set theory operations, specifically intersection and union.
  • Familiarity with the notation for families of sets, including \bigcap and \bigcup.
  • Knowledge of basic proof techniques in mathematics, such as direct proof and proof by cases.
  • Experience with logical reasoning and quantifiers in mathematical statements.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of set operations, focusing on intersection and union.
  • Learn about proof techniques in set theory, including direct proofs and proof by contradiction.
  • Explore examples of nonempty families of sets to solidify understanding of \bigcap and \bigcup.
  • Investigate related topics such as De Morgan's laws in set theory.
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Homework Statement


(Title is wrong)

I was able to prove the similar \bigcup(F \cup G)=(\cup F)\bigcup(\cup G) but I'm not to sure how to go about this one.

Let F and G be nonempty families of sets. Prove
\bigcap(F \cup G)=(\cap F)\bigcap(\cap G)

2. The attempt at a solution
To prove \bigcap(F \cup G) \subset (\cap F)\bigcap(\cap G),
let x \subset \bigcap(F \cup G) be arbitrary. Clearly, x \in S for some set S \subset \bigcap F \cup G containing all common elements in F \cup G. We have S \in F \cup G.

Do I go by..

We have two cases: (only one needs to be proven really.)
Case 1: If S \in F, clearly S \subset \cup F...
(I'm stuck here)

or Do I go by...

Suppose S \in F and S \in G. Clearly S \subset \cup F and S \subset \cup G. (I'm stuck here)

I'll try proving the converse and restart the proof since I misread the problem.
 
Last edited:
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By definition of the operation \bigcap, any x in \bigcap(F\cup G) must be contained in EVERY SET of F\cup G. Continue from here.
 

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