Proving Infinite Solutions for sin(x)=b in R using Contradiction Method

In summary, the conversation discusses using proofs by contradiction to show that the equation sin(x)=b has infinite distinct solutions in the real numbers for every b in the range [-1,1]. The conversation also includes an attempt at a solution using the assumption of a finite solution set and showing a contradiction, leading to the conclusion that the solution set must be infinite. The expert summarizer notes that the reasoning presented is well thought out and elegant, and invites further comments or suggestions for improvement.
  • #1
madah12
326
1

Homework Statement


I want to practice proofs by contradiction I am trying to prove that sin(x)=b has infinite distinct solutions in R for every b in [-1,1]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


assume it has finite amount of solutions called set Z let k be in real number belong in Z such that sin(k)=b , k >= x for every x in Z that is because if it is a finite set it must have a largest element of Z
there cannot be any x that belongs in Z such that x>k
however sin(k+2pi) = sin(k)*cos(2pi)+sin(2pi)*cos(k) = sin(k)=b
thus k+2pi is a solution therefore belongs inZ and k+2pi>k which means there is an x in the Z such that that x>k which contradicts the assumption that k is the largest element of Z
thus there is no real number k that can fulfill the condition of being the largest element in Z so Z has elements that grow without bound thus Z has infinite solution set
 
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  • #2
madah12 said:

Homework Statement


I want to practice proofs by contradiction I am trying to prove that sin(x)=b has infinite distinct solutions in R for every b in [-1,1]

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


assume it has finite amount of solutions called set Z let k be in real number belong in Z such that sin(k)=b , k >= x for every x in Z that is because if it is a finite set it must have a largest element of Z
there cannot be any x that belongs in Z such that x>k
however sin(k+2pi) = sin(k)*cos(2pi)+sin(2pi)*cos(k) = sin(k)=b
thus k+2pi is a solution therefore belongs inZ and k+2pi>k which means there is an x in the Z such that that x>k which contradicts the assumption that k is the largest element of Z
thus there is no real number k that can fulfill the condition of being the largest element in Z so Z has elements that grow without bound thus Z has infinite solution set
Your reasoning sounds perfectly good and elegant to me.. shall wait for more comments..
 
  • #3
any suggestions on how to improve it? any comment?
 

1. What is "Proof by contradiction"?

Proof by contradiction is a method of proving the truth of a statement by assuming its opposite and showing that it leads to a contradiction. This proves that the original statement must be true.

2. How does "Proof by contradiction" work?

In "Proof by contradiction", we start by assuming the opposite of the statement we want to prove is true. Then, we use logic and reasoning to show that this assumption leads to a contradiction. This means that the original statement must be true.

3. When is "Proof by contradiction" used?

"Proof by contradiction" is often used in mathematics and logic to prove the existence or non-existence of a solution to a problem. It is also useful in proving the uniqueness of a solution.

4. What are the advantages of using "Proof by contradiction"?

One advantage of using "Proof by contradiction" is that it can be used to prove statements that are difficult to prove directly. It also allows for a more concise and elegant proof in some cases.

5. Are there any limitations to "Proof by contradiction"?

One limitation of "Proof by contradiction" is that it does not always work. There may be cases where the assumption of the opposite leads to a false statement, but the original statement is still true. It is also important to ensure that the contradiction is not a result of a mistake in reasoning or logic.

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