Proofing an uncertain theorem to verify it's truth?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the theorem regarding the relationship between the composition of relations and set differences, specifically whether (S \ T) ◦ R ⊆ (S ◦ R) \ (T ◦ R) holds true. The user attempts to prove this by contradiction but encounters a dead-end in their reasoning. They clarify the meaning of "R \ S" as the set of elements in R that are not in S, although they express confusion regarding its application in the context of the theorem. The conversation highlights the complexities of relational algebra and the challenges in proving theorems within this framework.

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  • Understanding of relational algebra concepts, including composition of relations.
  • Familiarity with set operations, specifically set difference.
  • Knowledge of proof techniques, particularly proof by contradiction.
  • Basic grasp of mathematical relations and their properties.
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  • Study the properties of relational composition in depth.
  • Explore set operations in relational algebra, focusing on set difference.
  • Learn advanced proof techniques in mathematics, especially contradiction proofs.
  • Review examples of similar theorems in relational algebra to identify common proof strategies.
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Mathematics students, computer scientists, and anyone studying relational databases or formal logic who seeks to deepen their understanding of relational algebra and theorem proving.

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Homework Statement


Suppose R is a relation from A to B and S and T are relations from
B to C.
Must it be true that (S \ T ) ◦ R ⊆ (S ◦ R) \ (T ◦ R)?

The Attempt at a Solution


I assume that (S \ T ) ◦ R ⊆ (S ◦ R) \ (T ◦ R) is true and attempt to prove it (if I run into a contradiction I know that it is false)

Part 1
let (a,c) \in (S\T ) ◦ R then, we can choose a b \in B such that,

\exists b \in B\ ((a,b) \in R\land(b,c) \in (S\T))

Therefore,
(a,b) \in R
(b,c) \in S
(b,c) \notin T

But this means that (a,c) \in (S\circ R)

Part 2
To prove that (a,c) \notin (T\circ R) we employ proof by contradiction:

Suppose (a,c) \in (T\circ R) Then we instantiate a b \in B, say, b' such that:
(a,b') \in R
(b',c) \in T
-------------

I've hit a dead-end here and I'm not sure how to progress any further. As an exercise I wanted to refrain from plugging-and-chugging random scenarios into the theorem to prove it's veracity and decided instead to reach a contradiction within a contradiction to prove that the theorem is in fact, false.

However, I haven't (or at least I don't believe) that I have reached a contradiction in the proof, I'm just at a dead end (or at least that's how it seems).

Any insight would be much appreciated.
 
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What does "R\S" mean? "Relations" are sets of pairs so I would assume that "R\S" is the set operation "all members of R that are not in S" but that can't be true here because NO member of R is in S.
 

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