Showing two certain sets have no elements in common

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves proving that two sets, A and B, defined in terms of irrational numbers x and y, have no elements in common. The sets are constructed by adding rational numbers to x and y, respectively, and the challenge is to demonstrate that their intersection is empty given that x - y is also irrational.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants explore the implications of assuming an element z exists in the intersection of A and B, leading to contradictions based on the properties of irrational and rational numbers.
  • There is a discussion about the correct interpretation of the elements in sets A and B, particularly regarding whether x and y themselves belong to these sets.
  • Participants question the validity of the steps taken in the reasoning, particularly in the manipulation of the expressions involving z.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants actively questioning each other's reasoning and clarifying definitions. There is no explicit consensus yet, as various interpretations and approaches are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the assumption that x and y are irrational numbers, and they are examining the implications of this assumption on the sets defined. The nature of the problem suggests a focus on the properties of irrational and rational numbers in relation to set theory.

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Homework Statement


Let x and y be irrational numbers such that x-y is also irrational.
Let A={x+r|r is in Q} and B={y+r|r is in Q}
Prove that the sets A and B have no elements in common.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Since x and y are in A and B, then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex] is irrational.

Using contradiction, assume their sum is z and z is an element of A[itex]\cap[/itex]B

x-y=z

Then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex]=z

Since z is in both A and B, then z can also be said to be x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]+y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex]

Then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex]=x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]+y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex]

Solving for the right side,

0=2(y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex])

But since the sum is irrational and 0 is not irrational, A and B cannot contain the same elements.


Am I thinking about this correctly?
 
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k3k3 said:

Homework Statement


Let x and y be irrational numbers such that x-y is also irrational.
Let A={x+r|r is in Q} and B={y+r|r is in Q}
Prove that the sets A and B have no elements in common.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Since x and y are in A and B, then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex] is irrational.
x and y are NOT in A and B, [itex]x+ r_1[/itex] and [itex]y+ r_2[/itex] are. And, from that, it follows that they are rational numbers so the difference is rational, not irrational.

Using contradiction, assume their sum is z and z is an element of A[itex]\cap[/itex]B

x-y=z

Then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex]=z

Since z is in both A and B, then z can also be said to be x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]+y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex]

Then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex]=x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]+y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex]

Solving for the right side,

0=2(y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex])

But since the sum is irrational and 0 is not irrational, A and B cannot contain the same elements.


Am I thinking about this correctly?
 
k3k3 said:

Homework Statement


Let x and y be irrational numbers such that x-y is also irrational.
Let A={x+r|r is in Q} and B={y+r|r is in Q}
Prove that the sets A and B have no elements in common.

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Since x and y are in A and B, then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex] is irrational.

Using contradiction, assume their sum is z and z is an element of A[itex]\cap[/itex]B

x-y=z

Then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex]=z

Since z is in both A and B, then z can also be said to be x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]+y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex]

Then x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]-y-r[itex]_{2}[/itex]=x+r[itex]_{1}[/itex]+y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex]

Solving for the right side,

0=2(y+r[itex]_{2}[/itex])

But since the sum is irrational and 0 is not irrational, A and B cannot contain the same elements.


Am I thinking about this correctly?

No, if z is in both A and B, then z=x+r1=y+r2; then you take the subtraction ...
 
Did I show that x+r1-(y+r2)=x+r1-(y+r2)?
 

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