Proof Set Theory: A, B, C, X, Y in E

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around set theory, specifically focusing on proving two statements involving subsets A, B, C, X, Y of a set E. The original poster presents the problems and seeks assistance in understanding the proofs.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definitions of set operations and equality, with some expressing difficulty in the lengthy nature of the proofs. Others question the validity of certain assumptions, particularly regarding the intersection of a set and its complement.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of the definitions provided. Some participants have offered insights into specific cases and logical deductions, while others are still grappling with the overall structure of the proofs. The conversation reflects a mix of interpretations and attempts to clarify the problem without reaching a consensus.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that the problem is sourced from a textbook, indicating a potential concern about the accuracy of the problem statement. There is also mention of the complexity of the proofs and the need for clearer understanding of set relationships.

poutsos.A
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Let A,B,C,X,Y be subsets of E,and A' MEAN the compliment of A in E i.e A'=E-A,and

A^B = A \cap B

Then prove the following:

a) (A^B^X)U(A^B^C^X^Y)U(A^X^A') = A^B^X

b) (A^B^C)U(A' ^ B^C)U B' U C' = E

Thanks
 
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Yep, that looks like a homework problem. It's curious that you would simply copy it here, rather than explain what you've done, and where you're having trouble, so that we could help you work through the problem...
 
I tried to solve the problem by using the definition of equality of sets and it gets very lengthy ,is there another way??

Thanks

A=B <====> (xεΑ <------>xεB)
 
Hurkyl said:
Yep, that looks like a homework problem. It's curious that you would simply copy it here, rather than explain what you've done, and where you're having trouble, so that we could help you work through the problem...


a) (A^B^X)U(A^B^C^X^Y)U(A^X^A') = A^B^X

b) (A^B^C)U(A' ^ B^C)U B' U C' = E


Let xε[(A^B^X)U(A^B^C^X^Y)U(A^X^A')] <======> (xεΑ & xεB & xεX) v (xεA & xεB & xεC & xεX & xεY ) v ( xεA & xεX & ~xεA)


That is how far i could go .


Please continue the problem for me.

For the 2nd problem it is the same sticky situation.

Thanks
 
There seems to be something missing in the first problem.
It is to show

<br /> \left(A \cap B \cap X\right) \cup \left(A \cap B \cap C \cap X \cap Y\right) \cup \left(A \cap X \cap A&#039;\right) = A \cap B \cap X<br />

, correct? To shorten my typing I'll refer to the RHS (right hand side) and LHS (left hand side) of this statement.

To prove RHS is contained in LHS.
Suppose w \in A \cap B \cap X. Then (with all the ugly glory)

<br /> w \in A \cap B \cap X \subseteq (A \cap B \cap X) \cup (A \cap B \cap C \cap X \cap Y) \cup (A \cap B \cap A&#039;)<br />

so we know that LHS is a subset of RHS.

Now to the other inclusion. Suppose w \in LHS.

Case 1: If w \in A \cap B \cap X we are done.
Case 2: If

<br /> w \in A \cap B \cap C \cap X \cap Y<br />

then w \in A \cap B \cap X and again we are done.

Case 3: (This is where I believe the problem lives). Suppose

<br /> w \in A \cap X \cap A&#039;<br />

We know that both w \in A and w \in X, and x \in A&#039;, but with the information given we cannot conclude that w \in B (and now the latex preview is acting up) - we simply don't have enough knowledge of the relationships of the individual sets to make this conclusion.
 
While looking through the book; Set Theory And Logic by ROBERT R. STOLL, i met this problem on page 22 ,exercise 5.3 (a) and not doing homework.

The other problem is on the same page ,exercise 5.3 (b)

So i do not think the problem 5.3(a) is not wrong
 
poutsos.A said:
Let A,B,C,X,Y be subsets of E,and A' MEAN the compliment of A in E i.e A'=E-A,and

A^B = A \cap B

Then prove the following:

a) (A^B^X)U(A^B^C^X^Y)U(A^X^A') = A^B^X

b) (A^B^C)U(A' ^ B^C)U B' U C' = E

Thanks

Are you sure you typed the problem correctly? If so, all of Statdad's deductions are correct so far. Now, when we look at case 3: w\in A\cap X\cap A&#039;. This says that w is an element of A and w is an element of A' (the complement of A). What is wrong with this statement??

Another way to think of it: We know, in general, that A\cap B=B\cap A and that (A\cap B)\cap C=A\cap(B\cap C). Using this, what is A\cap X\cap A&#039;? More specifically, what is A\cap A&#039; for any set?
 
jjou said:
Are you sure you typed the problem correctly? If so, all of Statdad's deductions are correct so far. Now, when we look at case 3: w\in A\cap X\cap A&#039;. This says that w is an element of A and w is an element of A' (the complement of A). What is wrong with this statement??

Another way to think of it: We know, in general, that A\cap B=B\cap A and that (A\cap B)\cap C=A\cap(B\cap C). Using this, what is A\cap X\cap A&#039;? More specifically, what is A\cap A&#039; for any set?

Where are you getting at? I typed the problem straight from the book.

Thanks for the help.
 
If that is indeed the problem in the book, fine. Then answer my question:

What is A\cap A&#039; for any set A? In other words, what is the intersection of a set and its complement?
 
  • #10
The empty set:Φ
 
  • #11
There you go. Can you do the rest of the problem now?
 
  • #12
NO because i cannot follow why all the above cases and any added should lead us to the desired result.
 

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