What does S U T = T tell you about the relationship between S and T?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between two sets, S and T, specifically examining the statement S ∪ T = T and its implications for the subset relationship S ⊆ T. Participants are exploring the definitions and properties of set operations, particularly union and intersection.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Exploratory

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to prove or disprove the equivalence of the statements regarding union and subset relationships. Some are questioning the definitions of union and intersection, while others are providing counterexamples to illustrate their points.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants offering hints and counterexamples. There is a recognition of the need to clarify the definitions involved, and some guidance has been provided regarding the implications of the given equality. Multiple interpretations of the relationship between S and T are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are working under the constraints of a homework problem, which may limit the information available for discussion. There is an emphasis on understanding the definitions and properties of set operations without arriving at a definitive conclusion.

mutzy188
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Homework Statement



Prove or give a counterexample to the statement:

S ∪ T = T ↔ S ⊆ T

The Attempt at a Solution



What I did:

Let S={1,2,3,4} and T = {1,2}

S ∪ T = {1,2} = T

S ⊆ T

{1,2,3,4} ⊈ {1,2}

Therfore it is False . . .but the answer in the book says that it is true

Thanks
 
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You are confusing union and intersection. The intersection of {1,2,3,4} and {1,2} is {1,2} but their union is {1,2,3,4}.
 
dextercioby said:
HINT: S\cup T\subset T.

This isn't tru in general for any S and T, for example let T={1,2,3,4}, and S={1,5} then SUT={1,2,3,4,5} which is not a subset of T. It is true, however, if you replace the union with intersection.

EDIT: It's also true if you change the direction of inclusion to say that T is a subset of SUT.
 
This isn't tru in general for any S and T, for example let T={1,2,3,4}, and S={1,5} then SUT={1,2,3,4,5} which is not a subset of T. It is true, however, if you replace the union with intersection.

EDIT: It's also true if you change the direction of inclusion to say that T is a subset of SUT.
You missed the point of the hint. It's true in this problem because you're given that S U T = T. It follows from the definition of equality.

He gave you the first step to the proof. Now you have to ask what that says about the relationship between S and T?
 

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