Proving Inf A = -Sup(-A): Classic Proof for Bounded Below Subset of R

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the proof of the statement inf A = -sup(-A) for a subset A of the real numbers R that is bounded below. The proof establishes that if A has a lower bound m, then -A has an upper bound -m. By applying the completeness axiom, it concludes that -A has a least upper bound, denoted as u, which leads to the conclusion that -u serves as the infimum of A. The proof is confirmed as correct, emphasizing the relationship between lower bounds of A and upper bounds of -A.

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Homework Statement


Classic proof, I saw it before but I can't remember it.
A, a subset of R is bounded below. -A is -a where a is in A
I don't know why I'm having such a difficult time.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Because A is bounded below, there is some m such that m≤a for all a in A. Simply multiply by -1 to get -m≥-a for all -a in -A, proving that -A has an upper bound. By the completeness axiom, -A has a least upper bound. Let's call this u. u has two properties. u≥-a for all -a in -A. Also v≥u for all other upper bounds v. Multiply by -1. -u≤a for all a in A AND -v≤-u for all lower bounds -v. Therefore, -u is the inf of A. Therefore inf A=-sup(-A).

Is this okay? I feel uneasy.
 
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First, any number in -A is of the form -x for some x in A. Then, a is a lower bound for A: for any x in A, [itex]a\le x[/itex]. Therefore, [itex]-a\ge -x[/itex]. -a is an upperbound on -A.

Further, a is the greatest lower bound of A. If b is another lower bound on A, b< a. Let p be an upper bound on -A. [itex]p\ge x[/itex] for all x in A. Then, again since any number in -A is of the form -a for some a in A, [itex]p\ge -a[/itex]. Can you complete that?
 
HallsofIvy said:
First, any number in -A is of the form -x for some x in A. Then, a is a lower bound for A: for any x in A, [itex]a\le x[/itex]. Therefore, [itex]-a\ge -x[/itex]. -a is an upperbound on -A.

Further, a is the greatest lower bound of A. If b is another lower bound on A, b< a. Let p be an upper bound on -A. [itex]p\ge x[/itex] for all x in A. Then, again since any number in -A is of the form -a for some a in A, [itex]p\ge -a[/itex]. Can you complete that?

We can't assume that A has a greatest lower bound, this is just one part of a proof of that.

Is there anything wrong with my proof? It seems very similar to yours.
 

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