Partial Order Relation on a Functions Set

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of a partial order relation defined on a set of functions from the interval [0,1] to the interval [0,∞). Participants explore various statements regarding the existence of largest, smallest, maximal, and minimal elements within this set, as well as the comparability of functions under this relation.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants propose that there is a largest and smallest element in the set of functions.
  • Others argue that there may be no largest element but there is a smallest one.
  • It is suggested that there could be more than one maximal element.
  • Some participants believe there could be more than one minimal element.
  • There is a claim that not every two elements of the set are comparable, as functions can exhibit different behaviors over the interval.
  • One participant questions whether the function f(x)=0 is the smallest function in this context.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views on the properties of the partial order relation and the characteristics of the functions involved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the difficulty in comparing functions and ordering them, particularly in constructing a Hasse diagram, which may indicate limitations in visualizing the relationships among functions in this set.

Yankel
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Hello,

I have a question which includes several statements, which I need to decide if they are true or false. I am not sure how to do it, if you could give me hints or "leads", it will mostly appreciated.

R is a partial order relation on A, a set of functions from [0,1] to [0,infinity) such that fRg if and only if f(x)<=g(x) for all x which belongs to [0,1].

In this relation:

1) There is a largest and smallest element
2) There is no largest element but there is a smallest one
3) There is more than one maximal element
4) There is more than one minimal element
5) Every 2 elements of A are comparable

I thought maybe to try and build a Hasse diagram, but unlike simple example with pairs of numbers, here I found it more difficult.

How do I compare two functions and order them ?

Thank you.
 
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Yankel said:
Hello,

I have a question which includes several statements, which I need to decide if they are true or false. I am not sure how to do it, if you could give me hints or "leads", it will mostly appreciated.

R is a partial order relation on A, a set of functions from [0,1] to [0,infinity) such that fRg if and only if f(x)<=g(x) for all x which belongs to [0,1].

In this relation:

1) There is a largest and smallest element
2) There is no largest element but there is a smallest one
3) There is more than one maximal element
4) There is more than one minimal element
5) Every 2 elements of A are comparable

I thought maybe to try and build a Hasse diagram, but unlike simple example with pairs of numbers, here I found it more difficult.

How do I compare two functions and order them ?

Thank you.
You are told how to "compare two functions and order them" in the definition of the order relation: given two functions f and g, f< g if and only if f(x)< g(x) for all x. Of course, most functions will NOT be "comparable" because we will have f(x)< g(x) for some x and g(x)< f(x) for others.
 
I see. Which function is the smallest in this case ? Is it f(x)=0 ?
 
Yankel said:
Which function is the smallest in this case ? Is it f(x)=0 ?
Yes.
 

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