[LOGIC] Prove if y + (-x) = 0 then y = x

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the statement "if y + (-x) = 0, then y = x" within the framework of Tarski arithmetic. Participants are exploring the implications of axioms related to additive inverses and the properties of numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how to manipulate the equation y + (-x) = 0 using axioms from Tarski arithmetic. Questions arise about the implications of TA4 and the uniqueness of additive inverses. Some participants express uncertainty about the validity of certain axioms and their application in this context.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on the necessary axioms and the steps required to prove the statement. There is a focus on clarifying the use of axioms TA2 and TA4, and some participants are questioning the assumptions underlying the proof. Guidance has been offered regarding the need to establish the uniqueness of additive inverses.

Contextual Notes

Participants note potential concerns with certain axioms, particularly TA11, and the implications of these axioms on the proof. There is also mention of the need for a lemma to justify certain substitutions, highlighting the constraints of the discussion.

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y + (-x) = 0 → y = x

Need to do this in Tarski arithmetic, axioms below, as well as results below that which have been previously proved

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I really have no idea how I can move this x over, can anyone help me out with a starting axiom?

Is it just TA4 that implies y=x? That simple? If it is then is it possible to do it another way with a bit more rigour?

Thanks
 
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Saying that y+ (-x)= 0 is the same as saying that -x is the additive inverse of y as well as of x (which is how "-x" is defined- That's TA4). But you cannot use TA4 only because TA4 alone does not say there might not be that two different numbers have the same additive inverse. What you need to do is show two other things:
1) that if -x is the additive inverse of x then x is the additive inverse of -x.
2) every number has a unique additive inverse.
You should be able to show those from the given axioms.

However, I am really concerned about "TA11" which appears to say that the multiplicative inverse of 0 is 0. That would imply that 0*0= 1 which is not true. It is, of course, true that -0= 0. Perhaps that was what was intended.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Saying that y+ (-x)= 0 is the same as saying that -x is the additive inverse of y as well as of x (which is how "-x" is defined- That's TA4). But you cannot use TA4 only because TA4 alone does not say there might not be that two different numbers have the same additive inverse. What you need to do is show two other things:
1) that if -x is the additive inverse of x then x is the additive inverse of -x.
2) every number has a unique additive inverse.
You should be able to show those from the given axioms.

However, I am really concerned about "TA11" which appears to say that the multiplicative inverse of 0 is 0. That would imply that 0*0= 1 which is not true. It is, of course, true that -0= 0. Perhaps that was what was intended.

TA11 my lecturer mentioned

'Note that all function symbols have to be defined as total, and therefore 0−1 has to be assigned a meaning even though in reality the number 0 has no reciprocal; axioms TA8 and TA11 in effect define x−1 as the reciprocal of x when x ≠ 0, and 0 otherwise. This does not interfere with the correct functioning of the system. Axiom TA11 is really only there to ensure that the axiom set as a whole defines a categorical theory, that is, that it has a unique model up to isomorphism.'

for 1) (some trivial steps omitted)

x + (-x) = 0
x + (-x) + x + (-x) = 0
commute some stuff around and get
(-x) + x = 0

for 2)

How do I start?

Thanks
 
It's been many years since I have done proofs like this. Seems like you are going to be using TA2 and TA4. I am just not sure what you are allowed to substitute and use the axioms.
like if I look at y+(-x) could I use TA2 and get y+(-x) = (-x) + y
or can I set 0 = x+(-x) using TA4
giving me (-x)+y = x+(-x) does that imply that x=y using TA2?
Or do you need to do it someway so that at the end of just substituting in the stuff below that it gives you y=x?
 
darkhorror said:
It's been many years since I have done proofs like this. Seems like you are going to be using TA2 and TA4. I am just not sure what you are allowed to substitute and use the axioms.
like if I look at y+(-x) could I use TA2 and get y+(-x) = (-x) + y
or can I set 0 = x+(-x) using TA4
giving me (-x)+y = x+(-x) does that imply that x=y using TA2?
Or do you need to do it someway so that at the end of just substituting in the stuff below that it gives you y=x?

On the last step I need to be able to justify why we are removing the (-x) using the axioms only

If I had a lemma that said

y+z=x+z → y=x

then that way would be fine

But I don't, so essentially now I'm trying to prove this lemma
 
That was what I was wondering, so you can't just say since a+b = b+a and a = -x, then b = y = x. Been to long to know what you can and can't do, so I guess I won't be helping much haha.
 

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