Proof that given the info below, sup S <= inf T

[thedoctor818]

Homework Statement

Let S and T be nonempty subsets of \mathbb{R} \backepsilon s \leq t \forall s \in S \wedge t \in T. A) Observe that S is bounded above and that T is bounded below. B) Prove that sup S = inf T.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

Let s_0 = sup S. \text{ Then } s \leq s_o \forall s \in S \wedge s \leq t \forall s \in S \Rightarrow s_0 \leq t.
Let t_0 = inf S. \text{ Then } t_0 \leq t \forall t \in T \wedge s \leq t \forall t \in T \Rightarrow s \leq t_0.

 

[sutupidmath]

I am probbably missing something, but it doesn't seem that it is even true. COnsider
S=(0,1) and T=(2,3). Then for all s in S s=<t for all t in T, but clearly supS=/=infT. Are you sure the problem is not asking you to show : supS=<infT? If this is what the problem is asking, then try a proof by contradiction. Namely, assume that infT<supS, and derive a contradiction.

 

[HallsofIvy]

Yes. The title says "sup S\le inf T" but in your post you say "sup S< sup T" which does not follow from your hypotheses. They might be equal. If sup S> sup T, then let \delta= Sup S- sup T. There must be some member of S closer to S than that and so must be some member of S larger than sup T.