Can b always be greater than 0?

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The discussion centers on whether b can always be greater than 0 given that a is greater than 0 and a + b is also greater than 0. The initial proof attempt incorrectly concludes that b must be positive, leading to a contradiction. A counterexample is provided where a is positive and b is negative, demonstrating that b can indeed be less than 0 while still satisfying the condition a + b > 0. The mistake in the proof lies in not considering that b can take values between 0 and -a. Ultimately, it is clarified that b is not necessarily greater than 0.
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Let a>0. It is also true that a+b>0. Can we prove that b>0 always?
My attempt
b>-a... but 0>-a.

therefore min (b,0)>-a
case 1: b <0.
If, b <-a, then a <-b
so a+b <b-b
so, a+b <0.
Contradiction
Hence b>0.
Is my proof right?
 
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Alpharup said:
Let a>0. It is also true that a+b>0. Can we prove that b>0 always?
My attempt
b>-a... but 0>-a.

therefore min (b,0)>-a
case 1: b <0.
If, b <-a, then a <-b
so a+b <b-b
so, a+b <0.
Contradiction
Hence b>0.
Is my proof right?
No.

a=20, b=-5
a>0
a+b=15>0

But b<0.

So where is the mistake in your proof?
 
Alpharup said:
Let a>0. It is also true that a+b>0. Can we prove that b>0 always?
No.
 
Yeah...I get it. b>-a...and b. an be between 0 and -a
 
Yup, I did not consider between 0 and -a
 
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