Undergrad Quantifiers with integers and rational numbers

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the differences in the truth values of propositions involving quantifiers when applied to integers versus rational numbers. A key example provided is the statement "For any two numbers x, y ∈ A (where x < y), there exists a number z ∈ A such that x < z < y," which holds true for rational numbers but fails for integers. Additionally, it is established that while prime numbers exist in the set of integers (ℤ), they do not exist in the set of rational numbers (ℚ). Furthermore, the minimum distance between two distinct integers is one, a condition not applicable to rational numbers.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of quantifiers in mathematical logic
  • Familiarity with the properties of integers (ℤ) and rational numbers (ℚ)
  • Basic knowledge of mathematical notation and symbols
  • Concept of prime numbers and their definitions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of integers and rational numbers in depth
  • Explore the implications of quantifiers in mathematical logic
  • Investigate the concept of density in number sets
  • Learn about the characteristics of prime numbers in various number systems
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students of mathematics, particularly those studying number theory and mathematical logic, as well as educators seeking to illustrate the differences between integer and rational number properties.

ver_mathstats
Messages
258
Reaction score
21
Give an example where a proposition with a quantifier is true if the quantifier ranges over the integers, but false if it ranges over rational numbers.

I do not know where to go about when answering this, I know that an integer can be a rational number, for example 5 is an integer but can also be turned into 5/1 thus becoming a rational number.

However I do not know where to go from there.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There could be many examples. One example that I can think of is that:
For any two numbers x,y∈A (such that x<y) there exists a number z∈A such that x<z<y

The above statement will be true for rational numbers, but false for natural numbers and integers.

I think we can write it (somewhat informally) as something like:
∀x∀y∃z[(x<y)→(z>x and z<y)]
 
ver_mathstats said:
Give an example where a proposition with a quantifier is true if the quantifier ranges over the integers, but false if it ranges over rational numbers.
exists: There exist prime numbers in ##\mathbb{Z}## but none in ##\mathbb{Q}##.
for all: The minimum distance between two distinct integers is one, whereas this is not true for rationals.
 
If there are an infinite number of natural numbers, and an infinite number of fractions in between any two natural numbers, and an infinite number of fractions in between any two of those fractions, and an infinite number of fractions in between any two of those fractions, and an infinite number of fractions in between any two of those fractions, and... then that must mean that there are not only infinite infinities, but an infinite number of those infinities. and an infinite number of those...

Similar threads

  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
841
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 35 ·
2
Replies
35
Views
5K