Proof in relation with totally and partially ordered sets

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that for an injective function f from a chain A to a partially ordered set B, the condition f(a)≤f(b) implies a≤b. The proof by contradiction is established by assuming a>b, leading to a contradiction through the antisymmetric property of posets and the injectivity of f. The conclusion is that the initial assumption must be false, confirming that f(a)≤f(b) necessitates a≤b.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of injective functions in mathematics
  • Knowledge of chains and partially ordered sets (posets)
  • Familiarity with the antisymmetric property of posets
  • Basic proof techniques, particularly proof by contradiction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of injective functions in set theory
  • Explore the definitions and examples of chains and partially ordered sets
  • Learn more about the antisymmetric property in posets
  • Practice proof by contradiction with various mathematical statements
USEFUL FOR

Mathematics students, particularly those studying abstract algebra or set theory, as well as educators looking to enhance their understanding of injective functions and order theory.

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1. Homework Statement .

Let A be a chain and B a partially ordered set. Now let f be an injective function from A to B and suppose that if a,b are elements of A and a≤b, then f(a)≤f(b). Prove that f(a)≤f(b) implies a≤b.

3. The Attempt at a Solution .

I want to check if this proof by contradiction is correct:

Let a,b be elements in A such that f(a)≤f(b). Since A is a chain, a and b must satisfy a≤b or a>b. Suppose a>b, then the statement a≥b is also true, so, by hypothesis, f(a)≥f(b). But then, f(a)<=f(b)<=f(a). B is a partially ordered set, so by the antisymmetric property of posets f(a)≤f(b) and f(a)≥f(b) imply f(a)=f(b). The function f is injective and, by definition of injectivity, f(a)=f(b) implies a=b, which contradicts the assumption a>b. Therefore, it must be a≤b.
 
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