Proof in relation with totally and partially ordered sets

In summary, the proof shows that if A is a chain and B is a partially ordered set, and f is an injective function from A to B, then f(a)≤f(b) implies a≤b. This is proven using a proof by contradiction, where it is shown that if a≤b is not true, then f(a)≤f(b) is also not true, which contradicts the given statement. Therefore, it must be true that a≤b.
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mahler1
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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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Looks good to me.
 
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1. What is the difference between totally and partially ordered sets?

A totally ordered set is a set in which every pair of elements is comparable and there exists a strict order relation between them. A partially ordered set, on the other hand, may have elements that are not comparable and does not necessarily have a strict order relation.

2. How is proof used in relation to totally and partially ordered sets?

Proof is used in relation to totally and partially ordered sets to establish the properties and relationships of the elements in the set. It is used to show that the set is ordered in a certain way and to prove the existence or non-existence of certain elements in the set.

3. What are the common methods for proving properties of totally and partially ordered sets?

There are several common methods for proving properties of totally and partially ordered sets, including induction, contradiction, and direct proof. Induction involves proving that a statement holds for a base case and then showing that if the statement holds for n, it also holds for n+1. Contradiction involves assuming the opposite of the statement and showing that it leads to a contradiction. Direct proof involves using logical steps to show that the statement is true.

4. Can you provide an example of a proof involving a totally or partially ordered set?

One example of a proof involving a totally ordered set is proving that the set of real numbers is totally ordered. This can be done by showing that for any two real numbers, one is always greater than or equal to the other. An example of a proof involving a partially ordered set is showing that the set of subsets of a given set is partially ordered by inclusion. This can be proven by showing that the relation of inclusion is reflexive, anti-symmetric, and transitive.

5. How are partially ordered sets used in real-world applications?

Partially ordered sets have many real-world applications, including in computer science, engineering, and mathematics. They are used to model relationships between objects or concepts, such as in database design and network flow optimization. They are also used in decision making and optimization problems, such as in scheduling and resource allocation. In addition, partially ordered sets are used in the study of abstract algebra and category theory.

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