Proving a Set: Venn Diagram Method for Homework Statement #1

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a set using a Venn diagram method, specifically addressing the relationship between sets X and Y. Participants explore the validity of using a Venn diagram as a proof and discuss the implications of set operations such as intersection and set difference.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants question the adequacy of a Venn diagram as a proof and suggest that it should serve as a visual aid leading to a formal proof. Others attempt to express set relationships using set-builder notation and discuss the correct syntax and logical operations involved.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing guidance on proper notation and logical reasoning. There is a focus on clarifying misunderstandings regarding set definitions and operations, and multiple interpretations of the problem are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants note syntax errors and misunderstandings in set notation, emphasizing the importance of using correct terminology and symbols in set theory discussions.

Kingyou123
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Homework Statement


Number 1
20160221_161544.jpg


Homework Equations


I know I should use a Venn diagram.

The Attempt at a Solution


The statement says that x intersects y so therefore the statement equals x minus y. This Is my attempt at the solution, if you subtract y from the venn diagram you get this partially eaten cookie shape... So would that be enough to prove a it? My explanation would be that since what is left of x is clearly not a full set and some where y intersects x.
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A Venn diagram is not a proof.
I think they suggest you look at the Venn diagram to get an idea of why it's true, which should point you towards a formal proof, not for the diagram to serve as a proof.
An easy way to prove this is to write both sides in set-builder notation. Once you've done that, it's pretty easy to transform one side into the other using basic logical operations.
 
andrewkirk said:
A Venn diagram is not a proof.
I think they suggest you look at the Venn diagram to get an idea of why it's true, which should point you towards a formal proof, not for the diagram to serve as a proof.
An easy way to prove this is to write both sides in set-builder notation. Once you've done that, it's pretty easy to transform one side into the other using basic logical operations.

X ∩ Y(line above the Y) = {ℤ∈ℤ | ℤ∈x ∨ ℤ ∈Y} would this be the correct set builder notation.
 
Kingyou123 said:
X ∩ Y(line above the Y) = {ℤ∈ℤ | ℤ∈x ∨ ℤ ∈Y} would this be the correct set builder notation.
No. For one thing, ℤ∈ℤ doesn't make any sense, because you haven't said what ℤ is, and a set is not an element of itself.

For another thing, ℤ∈x ∨ ℤ ∈Y, use lower case for elements of a set, and upper case for the sets themselves. I would write what you have as {##z \in U | z \in X ∨ z \in Y##}, where U is the universal set. But that isn't correct either. The symbol ∨ is the logical or -- for sets use U for union.

As mentioned, my revision of what you wrote is still wrong. It represents all elements that belong to X, together with all elements that belong to Y. That isn't what you want.
 
Mark44 said:
No. For one thing, ℤ∈ℤ doesn't make any sense, because you haven't said what ℤ is, and a set is not an element of itself.

For another thing, ℤ∈x ∨ ℤ ∈Y, use lower case for elements of a set, and upper case for the sets themselves. I would write what you have as {##z \in U | z \in X ∨ z \in Y##}, where U is the universal set. But that isn't correct either. The symbol ∨ is the logical or -- for sets use U for union.

As mentioned, my revision of what you wrote is still wrong. It represents all elements that belong to X, together with all elements that belong to Y. That isn't what you want.
So for example I set A= X-Y and using the definition of set difference. A∈x and A∉Y. The definition of complement x ∉y implies x ∉Y(line above it). Then the definition of intersection makes it x∈X∩Y(line above it).
Then I would just to do the same thing with the other part correct?
 
Kingyou123 said:
So for example I set A= X-Y
There's no need to bring another set into the mix.
Kingyou123 said:
and using the definition of set difference. A∈x and A∉Y.
This makes no sense. As you have defined A (which you really don't need), it's a set. Use x (lowercase) for set elements and X (uppercase) for set names.
Kingyou123 said:
The definition of complement x ∉y implies x ∉Y(line above it). Then the definition of intersection makes it x∈X∩Y(line above it).
Then I would just to do the same thing with the other part correct?

You want to show that if ##x \in X \cap \overline{Y}##, then ##x \in X - Y##. That shows that ##X \cap \overline{Y} \subset X - Y##. Then you need to go the other way: if ##x \in X - Y##, then ##x \in X \cap \overline{Y}##, which will show that ##X - Y \subset X \cap \overline{Y}##. Together, these two proofs show that the two sets are equal.

I used LaTeX for my set notation, with ## at the beginning of each, and the same at the end.
\overline{Y} to make ##\overline{Y}##
\subset to make ##\subset##
\cap to make ##\cap##
 
Mark44 said:
There's no need to bring another set into the mix.
This makes no sense. As you have defined A (which you really don't need), it's a set. Use x (lowercase) for set elements and X (uppercase) for set names.You want to show that if ##x \in X \cap \overline{Y}##, then ##x \in X - Y##. That shows that ##X \cap \overline{Y} \subset X - Y##. Then you need to go the other way: if ##x \in X - Y##, then ##x \in X \cap \overline{Y}##, which will show that ##X - Y \subset X \cap \overline{Y}##. Together, these two proofs show that the two sets are equal.

I used LaTeX for my set notation, with ## at the beginning of each, and the same at the end.
\overline{Y} to make ##\overline{Y}##
\subset to make ##\subset##
\cap to make ##\cap##
That is a lot simpler way then what I did. And I'm sorry for my syntax errors
 

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