Proving Set Theory Problem: Counterexample for (A-B)intersect(A-C)=empty set

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a set theory problem that requires providing a counterexample to the statement: if (A-B) intersect (A-C) equals the empty set, then B intersect C equals the empty set. Participants are exploring the implications of set operations and the relationships between the sets involved.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to construct counterexamples using specific sets A, B, and C to demonstrate the validity or invalidity of the statement. There are questions about the correctness of the initial proof attempts and the definitions of the set operations involved.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing feedback on the attempts made, suggesting that the original proof does not adequately demonstrate the required counterexample. There is a recognition of the need to find sets that satisfy the conditions of the problem while contradicting the conclusion.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of homework guidelines, which may limit the types of assistance they can provide. There is an emphasis on understanding the relationships between the sets rather than simply providing a solution.

physicsgirlie26
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I was wondering if someone could please look over my proof of this set theory problem and let me know if I am doing it right or not and give me some help.


Provide a counterexample for the following:

If (A-B)intersect(A-C)=empty set, then B intersect C = empty set.

Proof:

Assume that (A-B)intersect(A-C) does not equal the empty set. Let A={4,26}, B={4,23}, and C={26,23}. Since (A-C)=26 and (A-C)=4, that means that (A-B)intersect(A-C) does not equal the empty set. So B intersect C equals 23 which is also not the empty set.


Thank you for your help! :smile:
 
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physicsgirlie26 said:
I was wondering if someone could please look over my proof of this set theory problem and let me know if I am doing it right or not and give me some help.


Provide a counterexample for the following:

If (A-B)intersect(A-C)=empty set, then B intersect C = empty set.

Proof:

Assume that (A-B)intersect(A-C) does not equal the empty set. Let A={4,26}, B={4,23}, and C={26,23}. Since (A-C)=26 and (A-C)=4, that means that (A-B)intersect(A-C) does not equal the empty set. So B intersect C equals 23 which is also not the empty set.


Thank you for your help! :smile:

that doesn't quite work, to show

If (A-B)intersect(A-C)=empty set, then B intersect C = empty set is a false statement, you need to find A, B, C such that (A-B)intersect(A-C)=empty set but B intersect C != empty set
 
Ok how about this:

Proof:

Let A={4,26}, B={4,23}, and C={26,23}. If (A-C)=26 and (A-C)=4, that means that (A-B)intersect(A-C) equals the empty set. But B intersect C = 23 which is not the empty set, therefore there is a contradiction.

How is that?
 
physicsgirlie26 said:
Ok how about this:

Proof:

Let A={4,26}, B={4,23}, and C={26,23}. If (A-C)=26 and (A-C)=4, that means that (A-B)intersect(A-C) equals the empty set. But B intersect C = 23 which is not the empty set, therefore there is a contradiction.

How is that?

good work :)

(I think you mean A-B = {26} though)
 
haha got it!


Thank you!
 

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