Proving Axioms and Definition: a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd | Axiomatic Approach 2

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the axiomatic expressions related to the addition and division of fractions, specifically the equations a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd and (a/b)/(c/d) = (a/b)(d/c). Participants are exploring the axioms of arithmetic and their implications for these operations, with a focus on the axiomatic approach to mathematics.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a series of axioms and attempts to prove the first equation, showing detailed steps and assumptions.
  • Several participants challenge the validity of the axioms, particularly the first axiom regarding the commutativity of addition, leading to confusion and debate about its correctness.
  • Another participant provides a step-by-step breakdown of the proof for the first equation, questioning the assumptions made by others regarding the axioms.
  • Some participants express uncertainty about the implications of certain axioms, particularly regarding the multiplicative inverse and the relationship between fractions.
  • One participant attempts to prove the second equation but indicates difficulty in progressing beyond a certain point, seeking assistance from others.
  • There is a discussion about the need for clarity in proofs and the importance of citing the appropriate axioms used in reasoning.
  • Participants express varying levels of understanding regarding the axioms and their applications, leading to requests for further explanation of specific steps in the proofs.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correctness of the axioms, particularly the first axiom. Multiple competing views exist regarding the validity of the proofs and the interpretations of the axioms. The discussion remains unresolved, with ongoing debates about the axiomatic foundations and their implications for the proposed equations.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for clarification on the definitions and relationships between the axioms, particularly concerning the multiplicative inverse and the operations involving fractions. There are unresolved questions about the existence of certain values and the implications of assuming non-zero denominators.

solakis1
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Given the following axioms:

For all a,b,c we have:

1) a+b = b+a
2) a+(b+c)=(a+b)+c
3) ab = ba
4) a(bc) = (ab)c
5) a(b+c) =ab+ac
NOTE,here the multiplication sign (.) between the variables have been ommited
6) There ia a number called 0 such that for all a,
a+0 =a
7)For each a, there is a number -a such that for any a,
a+(-a) = 0
8)There is a number called 1(diofferent from 0) such that for any a,
a1 = a
9)For each a which is different than 0there exists a number called 1/a such that;
a.(1/a)= 1.
And the definition: a/b= a(1/b)

Prove,based only on the axioms and the definition stated above the following:

A) a/b + c/d = (ad + bc)/bd if b and d are different from zero

B) (a/b)/(c/d) = (a/b)(d/c) if b and d are different than zero.

In trying to prove A the following result is shown.

1) [math] a\neq 0[/math]......assumption

2)[math]b\neq 0
[/math].....assumption

3) bd =0 ......hypothesis for contradiction

4) (bd)1/d = 0(1/d)...by multiplying both sides by 1/d

5) 1/d(bd) = (1/d)0.....by axiom 3 (commut)

6) [(1/d)d]b = 0.....by axioms 3,4 and the theorem A0= 0

7) 1b = 0......by axiom 9

8) b=0......by axioms 3, 8

9) [math] b\neq 0 [/math] and b=0 ...contradiction

10) [math] bd\neq 0[/math]

11) (bd)(1/bd) =1......axiom 9

(a/b +c/d) =

= (a/b+c/d)1=.......by axiom 8

= (a/b+c/d)((bd)(1/bd))=....by axiom 9

=[(a/b+c/d)(bd)]1/bd=.....by axiom 4

=[((a(1/b)) +(c(1/d)))(bd)]1/bd =.....by the definition

=[(bd)(a(1/b) + (bd)(c(1/d))]1/bd=...by axioms 3 and 5

=[(a(1/b))(bd) + (c(1/d))(bd)]1/bd=.....by axiom 3

=[((a(1/b))b)d + ((c(1/d))d)b]1/bd=.... by axioms 3 and 4

=[(b((1/b)a))d + (d((1/d)c))b]1/bd=....by axiom 3

=[( (b(1/b))a)d +((d(1/d))c)b]1/bd= by axiom 4

=[ (1a)d + (1c)b]1/bd=......by axiom 9

=[ad + cb]1/bd=.......by axioms 3 and 8

= (ad + cb)/bd ......ny definition

Can perhaps somebody show a shorter proof?

For B I have not try yet
 
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Re: axiomatic approach 2

Axiom 1 is wrong, so I didn't bother reading anything else.
 
Re: axiomatic approach 2

Prove It said:
Axiom 1 is wrong, so I didn't bother reading anything else.

What do you mean that axiom 1 is "wrong"? Unless I have made a mistake I would have:

$\frac{(ad+bc)}{bd}=(ad+bc).\frac{1}{bd}$ by the definition.

$(ad+bc).\frac{1}{bd}=\frac{1}{bd}(ad+bc)$ by axiom 3.

$\frac{1}{bd}(ad+bc)=\frac{1}{bd}ad+\frac{1}{bd}bc$ by axiom 5.

$\frac{1}{bd}ad+\frac{1}{bd}bc=\frac{ad}{bd}+\frac{bc}{bd}$ by the definition.

$\frac{ad}{bd}+\frac{bc}{bd}=\frac{a}{b}+\frac{c}{d}$ as required.
 
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Re: axiomatic approach 2

Last time I checked, a + b = b + c is only true when a = c.
 
Re: axiomatic approach 2

Prove It said:
Last time I checked, a + b = b + c is only true when a = c.

Oh right I read it as (and I just assume that it is supposed to be) $a+b=b+a$.

I suppose that could still be an axiom, just says everything is equal though.
 
Re: axiomatic approach 2

hmmm16 said:
What do you mean that axiom 1 is "wrong"? Unless I have made a mistake I would have:

$\frac{(ad+bc)}{bd}=(ad+bc).\frac{1}{bd}$ by the definition.

$(ad+bc).\frac{1}{bd}=\frac{1}{bd}(ad+bc)$ by axiom 3.

$\frac{1}{bd}(ad+bc)=\frac{1}{bd}ad+\frac{1}{bd}bc$ by axiom 5.

$\frac{1}{bd}ad+\frac{1}{bd}bc=\frac{ad}{bd}+\frac{bc}{bd}$ by the definition.

$\frac{ad}{bd}+\frac{bc}{bd}=\frac{a}{b}+\frac{c}{d}$ as required.
By what axiom you conclude that :$\frac{ad}{bd}=\frac{a}{b}$ AND

$\frac{bc}{bd}=\frac{c}{d}$ ??
 
Re: axiomatic approach 2

solakis said:
By what axiom you conclude that :$\frac{ad}{bd}=\frac{a}{b}$ AND

$\frac{bc}{bd}=\frac{c}{d}$ ??

$\frac{ad}{bd}=ad.\frac{1}{bd}$ by the definition the using the inverse axiom

$=ad.\frac{1}{d}\frac{1}{b}=\frac{a}{b}$ hence result
 
Re: axiomatic approach 2

hmmm16 said:
$\frac{ad}{bd}=ad.\frac{1}{bd}$ by the definition the using the inverse axiom

$=ad.\frac{1}{d}\frac{1}{b}=\frac{a}{b}$ hence result

Is the inverse axiom ,axiom No 9 ??

By what axiom you conclude that:

$\frac{1}{bd} =\frac{1}{b}\frac{1}{d}$ ?
 
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In trying to prove problem B i could go as far as :

(a/b)/(c/d)=

=$\frac{a}{b}\frac{1}{\frac{c}{d}}$= ......by using the definition

=$\frac{a}{b}\frac{1}{c\frac{1}{d}}$......by using again the definition

That is as far as i can go

Can anybody help??
 
  • #10
Re: axiomatic approach 2

solakis said:
Is the inverse axiom ,axiom No 9 ??

By what axiom you conclude that:

$\frac{1}{bd} =\frac{1}{b}\frac{1}{d}$ ?
Hint: (Actually a rewritten form of your question)
Show that (bd)^{-1} = d^{-1}b^{-1}

To start: What is (bd)^{-1}d?

-Dan
 
  • #11
Re: axiomatic approach 2

topsquark said:
Hint: (Actually a rewritten form of your question)
Show that (bd)^{-1} = d^{-1}b^{-1}

To start: What is (bd)^{-1}d?

-Dan

You mean (bd)^{-1}bd,because i cannot see what is :

(bd)^{-1}d?
 
  • #12
Re: axiomatic approach 2

solakis said:
You mean (bd)^{-1}bd,because i cannot see what is :

(bd)^{-1}d?
I apologize. I was working on the idea that this is a linear vector space and it doesn't appear to be (unless you want the vectors to act as the scalars as well, which is a construction I don't have a lot of the details for. I know I know..an example of this is the Real number system. Hey, I'm a Physicist. (Tmi) )

What I was going for is this:
[math](bd)^{-1} = d^{-1}b^{-1}[/math]

I can prove that there is no contradiction with the Axioms you posted, but I can't seem to actually prove it. I know I've seen a proof of this somewhere though.

Sorry for the bad hint! (Doh)

-Dan

Addendum: It's easy enough to prove that -(a + b) = -b + -a by using the distribution axiom. Maybe there is a generalization you can get to work based on it.
 
  • #13
(a/b) = (a/b) 1 1 = (a/b) c(1/c) d(1/d) = (a/b) c(1/d) d(1/c) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c)

(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c) (1/(d/c))

(a/b)/(d/c) = (a/b) (c/d)

Sorry, didn't look up all the axiom numbers.
 
  • #14
I like Serena said:
(a/b) = (a/b) 1 1 = (a/b) c(1/c) d(1/d) = (a/b) c(1/d) d(1/c) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c)

(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c) (1/(d/c))

(a/b)/(d/c) = (a/b) (c/d)

Sorry, didn't look up all the axiom numbers.

Your solution is a great example of what generaly happens in nearly all branches in mathematics

Proofs with statements which are not justified.
It has been nearly half an hour ,and yet i cannot make out whether your proof is correct and which are the axioms that it is based.

Please be so kind to help me by citing the appropriate axioms involved in your ptroof.
 
  • #15
let c and d be different from 0
(a/b) = (a/b) 1 1unity for multiplication
(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/c) d(1/d)existence of multiplicative inverse
(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/d) d(1/c)associativity + commutativity of multiplication
(a/b) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c)definition of fraction
(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c) (1/(d/c))
multiply both sides by (1/(d/c))
(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d) 1multiplicative inverse
(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d)unity for multiplication
(a/b)/(d/c) = (a/b) (c/d)definition of fraction

Actually, I haven't proven the existence of 1/(d/c), since (d/c) might be 0.
Perhaps you can prove that?
 
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  • #16
I like Serena said:
let c and d be different from 0
(a/b) = (a/b) 1 1
unity for multiplication
(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/c) d(1/d)
existence of multiplicative inverse
(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/d) d(1/c)
associativity + commutativity of multiplication
(a/b) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c)
definition of fraction
(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d) (d/c) (1/(d/c))
multiply both sides by (1/(d/c))
(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d) 1
multiplicative inverse
(a/b) (1/(d/c)) = (a/b) (c/d)
unity for multiplication
(a/b)/(d/c) = (a/b) (c/d)
definition of fraction
Actually, I haven't proven the existence of 1/(d/c), since (d/c) might be 0.
Perhaps you can prove that?

Thanks
Now i can follow

But there one or two steps that should be explained in more details

Do you agree that the following step in your proof:

(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/c) d(1/d)
existence of multiplicative inverse
should be :

(a/b) =(a/b)[(c(1/c))(d(1/d)]

If you do,then how do you apply associativity and commutativity of multiplication to come up with:

(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/d) d(1/c)
 
  • #17
solakis said:
Thanks
Now i can follow

But there one or two steps that should be explained in more details

Do you agree that the following step in your proof:

(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/c) d(1/d)
existence of multiplicative inverse
should be :

(a/b) =(a/b)[(c(1/c))(d(1/d)]

If you do,then how do you apply associativity and commutativity of multiplication to come up with:

(a/b) = (a/b) c(1/d) d(1/c)

Strictly speaking you are right (if you add another closing parenthesis), but it's usually not considered necessary for an operation that is associative.
Since multiplication is associative, parentheses can be generally left out.
 
  • #18
I like Serena said:
.
Since multiplication is associative, parentheses can be generally left out.

if parenthese are left out you have no associativity,because in the axiom.a(dc)=(ab)c it is the parentheses that show associativity.

But if you mean associativity and commutativity, then it is a different story.

But then this must be proved.

For example for three variables we must show that:

abc =acb = cab= bca=bac

In our case the variables are five and the story is longer.

For any No of variables the proof must be impossib;le.Once this is proved can be used as theorem in any subsequent proof.Hence in your proof you cannot drop out parentheses because we have not proved yet the above theoremOtherwise the proof is not based only on the axioms stated ,as the OP demanded
 
  • #19
I only meant associativity.
Commutativity is an entirely different matter.

Associativity means that for any a,b, and c: (ab)c=a(bc).
If this is the case we can also simply write abc instead.
 
  • #20
I like Serena said:
I only meant associativity.
Commutativity is an entirely different matter.

Associativity means that for any a,b, and c: (ab)c=a(bc).
If this is the case we can also simply write abc instead.


In a non commutative multiplicative Group with identity element 1 and inverse of $a^{-1}$ ,how would you prove that:

$b^{-1}a^{-1}=(ab)^{-1}$ without using parentheses
 
  • #21
solakis said:
In a non commutative multiplicative Group with identity element 1 and inverse of $a^{-1}$ ,how would you prove that:

$b^{-1}a^{-1}=(ab)^{-1}$ without using parentheses

In this case you need parentheses.
You can leave parentheses out for a single type of operation that is associative.
If another type of operation is involved, you may need parentheses.
 
  • #22
I like Serena said:
In this case you need parentheses.
You can leave parentheses out for a single type of operation that is associative.
If another type of operation is involved, you may need parentheses.

Why we cannot have the following proof without using parentheses??

$b^{-1}a^{-1}$= $b^{-1}a^{-1}ab(ab)^{-1}$=

=$b^{=1}1b(ab)^{-1}$= $1(ab)^{-1}$=$(ab)^{-1}$
 
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  • #23
solakis said:
Why we cannot have the following proof without using parentheses??

$b^{-1}a^{-1}$= $b^{-1}a^{-1}ab(ab)^{-1}$=

=$b^{=1}1b(ab)^{-1}$= $1(ab)^{-1}$=$(ab)^{-1}$

Sure you can.
This is correct.
Note that you did leave out a couple steps with 1's.
But that's okay, since there is only one unity of multiplication and it is also commutative for multiplication.
 
  • #24
I like Serena said:
Sure you can.
This is correct.
Note that you did leave out a couple steps with 1's.
But that's okay, since there is only one unity of multiplication and it is also commutative for multiplication.

Why ,then, all the books i have gone thru ,in the above proof or similar proofs,use parentheses??
 
  • #25
solakis said:
Why ,then, all the books i have gone thru ,in the above proof or similar proofs,use parentheses??

Heh.
Do you have references for that?

To be honest, I'd use one extra set of parentheses myself.
Not because they are mathematically necessary, but to make it more clear what I'm doing.
 
  • #26
solakis said:
In a non commutative multiplicative Group with identity element 1 and inverse of $a^{-1}$ ,how would you prove that:

$b^{-1}a^{-1}=(ab)^{-1}$ without using parentheses
That's an entirely different situation, I like Serena is simply saying that if we have associativity and $a(bc)=(ab)c$ then we may simply write $abc$ in this situation as the parenthesis are irrelevant.
 
  • #27
I like Serena said:
Heh.
Do you have references for that?

To be honest, I'd use one extra set of parentheses myself.
Not because they are mathematically necessary, but to make it more clear what I'm doing.

What is mathematically necessary
 

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