Understanding Sets: Simplifying a Confusing Explanation and Question

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding a question related to sets, specifically concerning the existence of lower bounds for subsets of integers. Participants are seeking clarity on the explanation provided and the implications of the question itself.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses confusion about the explanation and the question being asked, requesting a simpler interpretation.
  • Another participant clarifies that not every subset of integers has a lower bound, using the example of negative odd integers to illustrate this point.
  • A different participant questions how to interpret the question without the provided solution, seeking insight into understanding the question's intent.
  • A further response reiterates the question's phrasing, emphasizing the lack of a lower bound for any subset of integers and questioning the initial confusion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants exhibit varying levels of understanding regarding the question, with some expressing clarity and others still seeking further explanation. No consensus is reached on the interpretation of the question.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the definitions of lower bounds and subsets may not be explicitly stated, leading to confusion. The discussion reflects differing interpretations of the question's intent.

mohabitar
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I'm not quite understanding the explanation, or what the question is even asking. Anyone care to politely put it in simpler terms? Or in words or in a way that would make it easy for me to see?
 
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hi mohabitar! :wink:

it's saying that it's not true that any subset of the integers has a lower bound …

for example, the negative odd integers have no lower bound :smile:
 
Hmm ok so that works for the solution, but what if that wasnt there. How would I be able to tell what the question is asking? How would you have been able to see it had the solution not been there?
 
hi mohabitar! :smile:

(just got up :zzz: …)
mohabitar said:
Hmm ok so that works for the solution, but what if that wasnt there. How would I be able to tell what the question is asking? How would you have been able to see it had the solution not been there?

In English, the question says "For any subset A of Z, there is no element y of Z such that y is less than (or equal to) every element of A."

Why do you not understand the question that way? :confused:
 

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