Is My Proof That the Union of Subsets is a Subset Correct?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The proof that if \( A \subseteq B \), then \( \bigcup A \subseteq \bigcup B \) is correctly established. The argument demonstrates that any element \( t \) in \( \bigcup A \) must also belong to \( \bigcup B \) due to the subset relationship. While the proof is straightforward and valid, it is recommended to clarify the notation by explicitly stating that \( A \) and \( B \) are collections of sets, and to use indexed notation for precision. The use of \( \forall_{\iota \in I} A_\iota \subseteq B_\iota \) enhances clarity.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of set theory, particularly subset and union operations.
  • Familiarity with indexed collections of sets.
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical notation and proof techniques.
  • Experience with logical implications in mathematical proofs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study indexed collections of sets and their properties.
  • Learn about formal proof writing techniques in set theory.
  • Explore the implications of subset relationships in more complex set operations.
  • Review examples of common proof strategies in mathematics.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, particularly those studying set theory and proof techniques, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of foundational concepts in mathematical logic.

Mr Davis 97
Messages
1,461
Reaction score
44

Homework Statement


Prove that if ##A \subseteq B##, then ##\bigcup A \subseteq \bigcup B##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


This is a simple problem, but I just want to make sure I am writing out the proof correctly:

Suppose that ##A \subseteq B##. We want to show that ##\bigcup A \subseteq \bigcup B##. So consider any ##t \in \bigcup A##. This means that ##t## is a member of one of the sets contained in ##A##. But ##A \subseteq B##, so ##t## is also a member of one of the sets contained in ##B##, which implies ##t \in \bigcup B##.

Is there any way I could improve the proof? I just want to make sure I'm doing these right.
 
Last edited:
Physics news on Phys.org
Mr Davis 97 said:
This is a simple problem, but I just want to make sure I am writing out the proof correctly.
It is.
Mr Davis 97 said:
Is there any way I could improve the proof?
No better way. You took the straight forward way and applied the definitions.
One could only mention that the double use of the set names as single sets and as a collection of sets is a bit sloppy. It would be more precise to write
$$
\forall_{\iota \in I} \quad A_\iota \subseteq B_\iota \quad \quad \Longrightarrow \quad \cup_{\iota \in I} A_\iota \subseteq \cup_{\iota \in I} B_\iota
$$
for some index set ##I##. But it is clear what is meant, so the sloppiness is forgivable.

Edit: I just saw that it might be the case that ##A,B## are both meant as a collection of sets and the collection ##A## is a subcollection of ##B##, i.e. every set in ##A## is also a set in ##B##. In this case the notation is o.k. but it should have been mentioned.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
20
Views
4K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K