Set notation (union and intersection)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around set notation, specifically focusing on the union and intersection of two sets defined in terms of intervals and real numbers.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the meaning of "simpler notation" for the sets A and B, questioning whether A truly represents all real numbers and discussing the implications of the smallest element in A. There is also a focus on the nature of the intersection in set B and its relationship to complements.

Discussion Status

Some participants suggest that A may not cover every real number and propose that it could be represented as R+. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the definition of B and its subsets, with some guidance offered regarding the use of complements in set notation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working within the constraints of homework rules, which may limit the depth of exploration into the definitions and properties of the sets involved.

DPMachine
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Homework Statement



Find simpler notation for the two sets:

A= \bigcup^{\infty}_{j=0}[j,j+1]

and

B= \bigcap_{j \in Z}(R minus\ (j,j+1))

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Not really sure what it means by "simpler notation"...

Does A=R since the union of [j,j+1] would eventually cover the whole interval?

And B=Z because the intersection of R minus (j,j+1) would only leave the integers because it is an open interval.
 
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For A you have the right idea, but is it really every single real number? Consider what the smallest element in A is.

For B, it looks like each of the sets that you are taking the union of is

R-(j,j+1)

Shouldn't each of those sets be a subset of B then?
 
Office_Shredder said:
For A you have the right idea, but is it really every single real number? Consider what the smallest element in A is.

For B, it looks like each of the sets that you are taking the union of is

R-(j,j+1)

Shouldn't each of those sets be a subset of B then?

Sorry, for B, it should be an intersection. I just fixed it.

For A, I think it should be R+ since it starts at [0,1]..
 
R+ sounds good, for B wirite it in terms of its complement and use the fact an intersection of complements is then complement of the union
 
re-read your first post - sounds about right for the 2nd one
 

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