Proving S Is Bounded Above: Supremum & Infimum | Asif

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that a set S, defined as the negation of a non-empty subset T of real numbers, is bounded above given that T is bounded below. The subject area is calculus, specifically dealing with concepts of supremum and infimum.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to establish a relationship between the bounds of set T and the corresponding bounds of set S. Some participants question the necessity of using supremum and infimum in this context, suggesting a more direct approach by considering the lower bound of T.

Discussion Status

Participants are exploring different interpretations of the relationship between the bounds of T and S. Some guidance has been offered regarding the implications of the lower bound of T on the upper bound of S, but no consensus has been reached on the proof itself.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of the original poster's uncertainty due to a long gap in studying calculus, which may affect their confidence in the discussion. The participants are also navigating the definitions of upper and lower bounds without assuming that the lower bound is the greatest lower bound.

asif zaidi
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I am trying to prove the following. I have a solution below. Can you tell if I am on the right track. P.S. I am doing calculus after 14 yrs so I am very rusty and probably sound stupid


1- Let T be a non-empty subset of R. Assume T is bounded below. Consider the set S = -T = {-t|t is an element of T}. Show that S is bounded above

Solution

a- Let -a= inf(T)
b- -(-a) is also an element of S (because it is a mapping)
c- Let b element of S

And this is where I am getting stuck at.
Intuitively, I know that a > b and it will be the supremum in S but I cannot prove it.

Thanks

Asif
 
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Don't bother with sups and infs if you are trying to give a general upper bound for -T.

Take the lower bound of T that is assumed to exist, call it B. We know that B<x for all x inside T. What can you say about -B in relation to -x? Now what is the set -T?
 
If B is the lower bound in T and B<x in T
then -B>-x in all S (as S=-T which is given).

Is it this simple.
So in S, would B not be the least upper bound?

Thanks Siddharth for help

Asif
 
B would be supS IF unless of course B=inf(T), in which case -B would be the least upper bound of S (prove it). But above we only assume that B was a lower bound of T not the GREATEST lower bound of T.
 

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