Struggling with Set Theory Proofs? Any Tips?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around challenges faced in set theory proofs within a discrete mathematics course. Participants share experiences, seek advice, and explore related topics about mathematical proofs and historical articles on the subject.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Exploratory
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses difficulty with set theory proofs beyond basic examples and requests tips for improvement.
  • Another participant asks for specific examples of proofs that the original poster struggles with.
  • A participant shares a personal anecdote about a 1960 article from Scientific American that discusses the provability of mathematical statements, expressing a desire to clarify their understanding of it.
  • Repeated mention of the article and a request for assistance in locating it, including links to potential sources.
  • Suggestions are made to check local university libraries for the article, with a note on the feasibility of browsing through past issues.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the challenges of understanding proofs, but there is no consensus on specific strategies for improvement or the details of the article mentioned.

Contextual Notes

The discussion includes references to personal experiences and historical articles, which may not directly relate to the current challenges in set theory proofs.

Who May Find This Useful

Students in discrete mathematics or those interested in set theory proofs and the history of mathematical thought may find this discussion relevant.

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Hello All,
I am taking a Discrete math course and am having trouble with set theory proofs. I can do basic ones,
like prove
<a,b,c>=<u,v,w> if a=u, b=v, and c=w. But as soon as it changes even a little bit, I cannot prove it. I was wondering what tips some of you might suggest to me? I do enjoy this course and want to get better at it. Any help is appreciated!

Thanks!
 
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Can you give some examples of things you can't prove??
 
Okay, some background on proofs...In about 1960 I read an article in, SCIENTIC AMERICAN and the issue's feature article was, "It can't be prooven that 2 + 2 = 4, but it can be proven that it probably doesn't." On the cover of this issue was some math emblems. This bothered me for years, because I couldn't understand it. Then just a few years I awoke in the middle of the night and had one of those 'night-time' epiphanies and the theory was somewhat clear, maybe not so much, just enough to see a little light. Is anyone familiar with this 'proof', and more directly can anyone help me acquire a copy of this article or the magazine isssue itself. I have contacted SCEINTIFIC AMERICAN but I have been told that I have to have the issue number itself for any help from them. As I remember it was a very enlighting article and I would like to get this more clear at least in my mind.
 
YesIam said:
Okay, some background on proofs...In about 1960 I read an article in, SCIENTIC AMERICAN and the issue's feature article was, "It can't be prooven that 2 + 2 = 4, but it can be proven that it probably doesn't." On the cover of this issue was some math emblems. This bothered me for years, because I couldn't understand it. Then just a few years I awoke in the middle of the night and had one of those 'night-time' epiphanies and the theory was somewhat clear, maybe not so much, just enough to see a little light. Is anyone familiar with this 'proof', and more directly can anyone help me acquire a copy of this article or the magazine isssue itself. I have contacted SCEINTIFIC AMERICAN but I have been told that I have to have the issue number itself for any help from them. As I remember it was a very enlighting article and I would like to get this more clear at least in my mind.

I don't imagine you see it here?
http://west-penwith.org.uk/misc/sciam2.htm

Or here?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/bustbright/sets/72157618389555836/
 
Thank you very much - but unfortunately I couldn't find it in either link. But hey, it is promising that some people have saved such things,
 
In that case your best bet is probably to find a local university library that carries Scientific American and browse through their collection. 120 issues (if it was in the 1960s) isn't that many, right?

I wasn't able to find anything with a search; if I knew the exact wording I might have better luck, but lacking that I suspect you won't do better than browsing.
 
Hey CR, that's a good idea, thanks a lot...I will do just that.
 

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