Proving Existence of x for x2=2: Understanding the Confusing Line

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving the existence of a real number x such that x² = 2. The proof begins with the definition of the set S = {y ∈ ℝ : 0 ≤ y² ≤ 2}, establishing that S is nonempty. A key point of confusion arises when the proof claims that y² - 2 ≥ 2, which contradicts the established bounds of S. The correct interpretation is that if y ∈ S, then y² - 2 must be less than or equal to 0, leading to a contradiction if y ≥ 2.

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operationsres
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I can't understand a statement in a proof in a textbook.

I'm going to terminate the proof at the line that I don't understand.

Homework Statement


Prove that there exists an [itex]x \in \mathbb{R}[/itex] such that x2=2.2. Their proof until line I don't understand
For this, we define [tex]S:= \{y \in \mathbb{R} : 0 \leq y^2 \leq 2\}[/tex] Since [itex]0 \in S[/itex], S is a nonempty. Further, S does not contain real numbers y≥2 since the last inequality implies that [itex]y^2 - 2 = (y-2)(y+2)+2 \geq 2[/itex] ...

3. Reason why I don't understand
In the definition of S, they say that [itex]0 \leq y^2 \leq 2[/itex]. Subtracting 2 from everything, [itex]-2 \leq y^2 - 2 \leq 0[/itex], which leads to [itex]y^2 - 2 \geq -2[/itex] ... But they've claimed that [itex]y^2 - 2 \geq 2[/itex] - why?
 
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It is most likely a typo. If y^2 - 2 >= 2, then y^2 >= 4, which is clearly wrong.
 


operationsres said:
I can't understand a statement in a proof in a textbook.

I'm going to terminate the proof at the line that I don't understand.

Homework Statement


Prove that there exists an [itex]x \in \mathbb{R}[/itex] such that x2=2.2. Their proof until line I don't understand
For this, we define [tex]S:= \{y \in \mathbb{R} : 0 \leq y^2 \leq 2\}[/tex] Since [itex]0 \in S[/itex], S is a nonempty. Further, S does not contain real numbers y≥2 since the last inequality implies that [itex]y^2 - 2 = (y-2)(y+2)+2 \geq 2[/itex] ...

3. Reason why I don't understand
In the definition of S, they say that [itex]0 \leq y^2 \leq 2[/itex]. Subtracting 2 from everything, [itex]-2 \leq y^2 - 2 \leq 0[/itex], which leads to [itex]y^2 - 2 \geq -2[/itex] ... But they've claimed that [itex]y^2 - 2 \geq 2[/itex] - why?

I think it means this:

If [itex]y \in S[/itex] then [itex]y^2 \leq 2[/itex] and so [itex]y^2 - 2 \leq 0[/itex].

However, if [itex]y \geq 2[/itex] then [itex]y-2 \geq 0[/itex] and so [itex]y^2 - 2 = (y-2)(y+2)+2 \geq 2[/itex]. That is [itex]y^2 - 2 > 0[/itex], which is a contradiction.
 

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