Question ' write the elements of set A'

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around interpreting the elements of set A as defined by a problem statement that some participants believe may contain a typo. The focus is on the set-builder notation and the implications of different interpretations of the variable z, which is presumed to be a positive integer. Participants explore the conditions under which elements belong to set A, considering both theoretical and practical aspects of the problem.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that the original problem statement might be a typo, leading to confusion about the definition of set A.
  • One interpretation of set A is given as $$A=\{x \mid x \in \mathbb Z^+, z > x - 3 \}$$, leading to the conclusion that the elements of A could be $1, 2, ..., z+2$ if z is a positive integer.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for clarification on the value of z, expressing uncertainty about the problem statement's validity due to the use of symbols that may not conform to standard mathematical notation.
  • Participants analyze specific cases for z, noting that only certain values yield positive integers, while others do not.
  • There is a reiteration that the set consists of x values, and the definition of A depends on the prior specification of z.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing interpretations of the problem statement and the role of z, indicating that multiple competing views remain. There is no consensus on the correct interpretation or the elements of set A.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential limitations in the problem statement, including unclear notation and the need for explicit definitions of variables like z. The discussion reflects uncertainty regarding the assumptions underlying the set definition.

mathlearn
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Any ideas on how to begin

Many thanks :)
 
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mathlearn said:
Any ideas on how to begin

Many thanks :)

Hi mathlearn! (Smile)

To be honest, that looks like some kind of typo in the problem statement.If we read it like:
$$A=\{x \mid x \in \mathbb Z^+, \mathbb Z > x - 3 \}$$
then it would or should mean that $x-3$ is smaller than any element of $\mathbb Z$, which is never the case.
In that case $A$ is the empty set ($\varnothing$).Alternatively, if we read it as:
$$A=\{x \mid x \in \mathbb Z^+, z > x - 3 \}$$
where $z$ is some number that is presumably in $\mathbb Z^+$, then we have $0<x < z+3$.
So in that case the elements of $A$ are $1, 2, ..., z+2$.
 
I like Serena said:
Hi mathlearn! (Smile)

To be honest, that looks like some kind of typo in the problem statement.Alternatively, if we read it as:
$$A=\{x \mid x \in \mathbb Z^+, z > x - 3 \}$$
where $z$ is some number that is presumably in $\mathbb Z^+$, then we have $0<x < z+3$.
So in that case the elements of $A$ are $1, 2, ..., z+2$.

Reading it in Set builder method

"The set of all x such that x is a positive integer, where z is some number positive number greater that x - 3"

so z(a positive integer,this case 1)> 1-3 = -2-------------------(✖ not a positive integer)
z(a positive integer,this case 2)> 2-3 = -1-------------------(✖ not a positive integer)
z(a positive integer,this case 3)> 3-3 = 0-------------------(✖ neither negative nor positive)
z(a positive integer,this case 4)> 4-3 = 1-------------------(✔ a positive integer)
z(a positive integer, this case 5)> 5-3 = 2-------------------(✔ a positive integer)

and so on like I like Serena ; the numbers are 1,2,3,4,5... on

Representing in a number line,

Capturenumberline.png


OR

A=$\left\{1,2,3,4,5,6,...\right\}$

Correct I guess?

Many Thanks :)
 
Last edited:
I like Serena said:
Alternatively, if we read it as:
$$A=\{x \mid x \in \mathbb Z^+, z > x - 3 \}$$
where $z$ is some number that is presumably in $\mathbb Z^+$, then we have $0<x < z+3$.
So in that case the elements of $A$ are $1, 2, ..., z+2$.

mathlearn said:
Reading it in Set builder method

"The set of all x such that x is a positive integer, where z is some number positive number greater that x - 3"
Even though ILS said that $z$ is presumably in $\mathbb Z^+$, one cannot be certain this is the case. I recommend contacting the problem author and clarifying the problem statement. I don't have high confidence in a problem statement that uses the euro symbol instead of $\in$ and uses the same symbol $Z$ for a set and an individual number.

mathlearn said:
so z(a positive integer,this case 1)> 1-3 = -2-------------------(✖ not a positive integer)
z(a positive integer,this case 2)> 2-3 = -1-------------------(✖ not a positive integer)
z(a positive integer,this case 3)> 3-3 = 0-------------------(✖ neither negative nor positive)
z(a positive integer,this case 4)> 4-3 = 1-------------------(✔ a positive integer)
z(a positive integer, this case 5)> 5-3 = 2-------------------(✔ a positive integer)

and so on like I like Serena ; the numbers are 1,2,3,4,5... on
The set consists not of $z$s, but of $x$s. The number $z$ has to be given up front, before we consider the definition of set $A$. As ILS wrote, once $z$ is given, $A=\{1,2,\dots,z+2\}$.
 

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