Prove ##1 + a=s(a)=a+1## for ##a \in \mathbb{N}##

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SUMMARY

The proof demonstrates that for any natural number ##a \in \mathbb{N}##, the equation ##1 + a = s(a) = a + 1## holds true, utilizing the Peano postulates as defined in Ethan Bloch's "The Real Numbers and Real Analysis". The proof constructs a set ##G## containing elements that satisfy the equation and shows that ##G## encompasses all natural numbers, thus confirming that ##G = \mathbb{N}##. This conclusion is reached through logical deductions based on the properties of the successor function ##s## and the definition of addition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Peano postulates as defined in "The Real Numbers and Real Analysis" by Ethan Bloch.
  • Familiarity with the successor function ##s: \mathbb{N} \rightarrow \mathbb{N}##.
  • Knowledge of basic set theory and definitions of natural numbers.
  • Comprehension of binary operations and their properties in mathematics.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implications of Peano postulates in number theory.
  • Explore the properties of the successor function in greater depth.
  • Investigate other proofs of basic arithmetic properties using formal axiomatic systems.
  • Learn about the role of induction in proving properties of natural numbers.
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Mathematicians, educators, and students interested in foundational mathematics, particularly those studying number theory and formal proofs involving natural numbers.

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Homework Statement
Prove ##1 + a=s(a)=a+1## for ##a \in \mathbb{N}## where ##s## is a successor function from Peano postulates
Relevant Equations
Peano postulates
I have to prove that ##1 + a = s(a) = a + 1## using Peano postulates if ##a \in \mathbb{N}##. The book I am using ("The real numbers and real analysis" by Ethan Bloch) defines Peano postulates little differently.
Following is a set of Peano postulates I am using. (Axiom 1.2.1 in Bloch's book)

There exists a set ##\mathbb{N}## with an element ##1 \in \mathbb{N}## and a function ##s: \mathbb{N} \rightarrow \mathbb{N} ## that satisfy the following three properties.

1) There is no ##n \in \mathbb{N}## such that ##s(n) = 1##

2) The function ##s## is injective.

3) Let ##G \subseteq \mathbb{N}## be a set. Suppose that ##1 \in G##, and that if ##g \in G## then ##s(g) \in G##. Then ## G = \mathbb{N} ##

And addition operation is given in Theorem 1.2.5 as follows

There is a unique binary operation ##+: \mathbb{N} \times \mathbb{N} \to \mathbb{N} ## that satisfies the following two properties for all ##n, m \in \mathbb{N} ##

a. ## n + 1 = s(n) ##
b. ## n + s(m) = s(n + m) ##

With this background, we now proceed to present my proof. Let us define a set

$$ G = \{ z \in \mathbb{N} | 1 + z = s(z) = z + 1 \} $$

We want to prove that ##G = \mathbb{N} ##.
Obviously, ## G \subseteq \mathbb{N} ##. Using definition of addition, ## 1 + 1 = s(1) = 1 + 1##. Since ##1 \in \mathbb{N} ##, it follows that ##1 \in G ##.

Now, suppose ## r \in G##. This means that ##r \in \mathbb{N}## and

$$ 1 + r = s(r) = r + 1 \cdots\cdots (1) $$

Since ##s: \mathbb{N} \rightarrow \mathbb{N} ## is a function, we have,

$$ 1 + r = s(r) $$
$$ s(1+r) = s(s(r)) $$
Using addition definition, part (b),

$$ 1 + s(r) = s(s(r)) $$

And from addition definition, part (a), we have ##s(s(r)) = s(r) + 1 ##. We got

$$ 1 + s(r) = s(s(r)) = s(r) + 1 $$

Since ## s(r) \in \mathbb{N} ##, we have ## s(r) \in G ##. So, using Peano postulates, part 3), we have ##G = \mathbb{N} ##. Now if ## a \in \mathbb{N} ## is arbitrary, ##a \in G ##. It follows that ##1 + a = s(a) = a + 1##. And since ##a## is arbitrary,

$$ \forall a \in \mathbb{N}\quad 1 + a = s(a) = a + 1 $$

Is the proof good enough ?

Thanks
 
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Looks good to me.
 
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