Set Theory Question -- Which one is correct?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the use of notation in set theory, specifically comparing two expressions that convey the same logical statement. Participants explore the clarity and preference for different symbols and grouping in logical expressions, focusing on the use of ':' versus ',' and the implications of these choices.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that the second expression is correct but seeks validation for the first expression's use.
  • Another participant prefers the first version, arguing that ':' is less ambiguous than ',' and is a matter of personal taste.
  • A different participant suggests using a different notation to avoid ambiguity, proposing a more structured grouping with additional parentheses.
  • Another participant provides multiple acceptable forms of the expressions, indicating that the brevity of the expression allows for flexibility in notation.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the use of ':' in logical statements, noting its common use in defining sets instead.
  • A later reply acknowledges the reasonableness of using ':' but suggests that brackets might enhance clarity for longer expressions.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing preferences for notation, with no consensus on which expression is definitively better. Multiple viewpoints on the use of symbols and grouping remain unresolved.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the use of ':' is typically associated with set definitions rather than logical statements, indicating a potential limitation in the conventional understanding of these symbols.

Heisenberg7
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I can't decide which one is better to use. I know for a fact that the second one is correct, but I would like to know if I can use the first one too. Which one would you use?
$$\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} (\exists y \in \mathbb{Z} : x > y)$$
Or
$$\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} (\exists y \in \mathbb{Z} , x > y)$$
Is there a different way to group these expressions?
 
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I prefer the first version. The ':' means only 'such that' to me and is less ambiguous than ','. But I think this is just a matter of taste.
 
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I sometimes use
$$
\substack{\forall\\x\in \mathbb{Z}}\quad\substack{\exists\\y\in \mathbb{Z}}\quad x>y
$$
to avoid exactly this question. The comma notation is quite unusual. Another parenthesis would be better
$$
\left(\forall\;x\in \mathbb{Z}\right)\;\left(\exists\;y\in \mathbb{Z}\right)\;x>y
$$
A textbook on logic normally doesn't use any of them. Logic has its own notations like ##\dashv.## I once saw how Russell dealt with set theory. It was barely readable.
 
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I would write:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, [ x>y ] ##
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, ( x>y ) ##

It is also OK to write something like:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, [\, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, ( x>y ) ] ##
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, (\, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\, ( x>y ) \,) ##

Since the expression ##x>y## is really short, it seems to me that it should also be fine to write:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\,\,\,\, x>y ##


I haven't seen a symbol like ##:## used in logical statements (but maybe it is used commonly and I don't know it). Normally I think the symbol ##:## is widely used [in place of ##|## ] in defining specific sets. For example, the set of even integers ##E \subseteq \mathbb{Z}##:
##E=\{x \in \mathbb{Z}: \exists k \in \mathbb{Z} (x=2k) \}##
 
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Not sure I should bump the thread for a small point. But I think I kind of get how the symbol ##:## seems pretty reasonable for use in logical statements (or representing predicates etc.). Though for longer expressions, personally I think it might be easier to use brackets (at least for me).

Regarding the quesion in OP, I think the original expression (the first one) as written is fine [though this is also mentioned in the very first reply]. I would say it would also be OK to write:
##\forall x \in \mathbb{Z} \, \exists y \in \mathbb{Z} \,\,:\,\, x>y ##
 
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