Understanding the Countability of Set S: 0s and 1s Infinite Union

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the countability of the set S defined as the infinite union of finite tuples of 0s and 1s, specifically S = ∪_{i=1}^{∞}{{0,1}^i}. Participants explore the relationship between this set and the set of infinite sequences of 0s and 1s, denoted as {{0,1}^ℕ}, and whether these sets are countable or uncountable.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that S = ∪_{i=1}^{∞}{{0,1}^i} is equivalent to {{0,1}^ℕ}, suggesting that both represent the same set.
  • Others argue that this equivalence is false, claiming that the set on the right is uncountable while the set on the left is countable.
  • A participant questions the notation used for infinite sequences, indicating a lack of standardization in the discussion.
  • One participant clarifies that elements of the left-hand side are finite tuples, while elements of the right-hand side are infinite sequences, emphasizing that they contain no elements in common.
  • Another participant believes that S is countable and suggests that a mapping with ℕ is evident.
  • A later reply acknowledges the countability of ∪_{i=1}^{∞}{{0,1}^i} but expresses confusion regarding the set {{0,1}^ℕ} and its cardinality.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the equivalence of the two sets and their respective countability. The discussion remains unresolved as differing viewpoints persist.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the importance of notation and definitions, indicating that misunderstandings may arise from non-standard representations. The discussion also reflects varying interpretations of countability and cardinality.

Bachelier
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##S = \bigcup _{i=1}^{∞}\left\{{0,1}\right\}^i ##

methinks yes because:##S = \bigcup _{i=1}^{∞}\left\{{0,1}\right\}^i \equiv \left\{{0,1}\right\}^\mathbb{N}##
 
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Bachelier said:
##\bigcup _{i=1}^{∞}\left\{{0,1}\right\}^i \equiv \left\{{0,1}\right\}^\mathbb{N}##

This equality is false. Furthermore, the set on the right is uncountable. The set on the left is countable.
 
micromass said:
This equality is false. Furthermore, the set on the right is uncountable. The set on the left is countable.

So how do we look at ##\left\{{0,1}\right\}^∞##?
 
Bachelier said:
So how do we look at ##\left\{{0,1}\right\}^∞##?

What do you mean with [itex]\infty[/itex]? The notation you are using now is not standard at all.
 
Bachelier said:
##S = \bigcup _{i=1}^{∞}\left\{{0,1}\right\}^i \equiv \left\{{0,1}\right\}^\mathbb{N}##
As micromass said, this is false. The reason for this is that every element of the left hand side is an n-tuple for some n, i.e., a FINITE tuple such as (0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0). On the other hand, every element of the right hand side is an infinite sequence, such as (0, 1, 0, 1, 1, 0, ...). Therefore the left hand side and right hand side actually contain no elements in common.
 
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I think that [itex]S = \bigcup _{i=1}^{∞}\left\{{0,1}\right\}^i[/itex] is countable all right. The mapping with [itex]\mathbb{N}[/itex] is quite obvious.
 
Thanks guys, yes it is kind of clear that ## \bigcup_{i=1}^{∞}\left\{{0,1}\right\}^i ## is countable...I was just looking too much into it.

I believe my confusion was coming from misunderstanding the set: ##\left\{{0,1}\right\}^\mathbb{N}## which has the cardinality of the power set of ##\mathbb{N}##.
 

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