When we say that two algebraic expressions, [tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of identity in algebraic expressions, specifically whether two expressions can be considered identical under certain conditions, such as in the context of congruences and propositional functions. Participants explore the implications of these identities in both high-school mathematics and more advanced contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that two algebraic expressions are identical if they are equal for all values of their variables, referencing their textbook.
  • Another participant questions whether the expression x^2 + x ≡ 0 holds in Z^2, suggesting that a modulus is necessary for congruences.
  • A participant introduces the idea of propositional functions, explaining that these functions return true or false values based on certain conditions, using the example of polynomial degree.
  • There is a discussion about the notation used for propositional functions, with one participant expressing concern that their notation may be outdated.
  • One participant clarifies the distinction between functions that take the values of f and those that take the function f itself as an argument, referencing notation from Principia Mathematica.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the implications of the identities discussed, particularly regarding the expression x^2 + x ≡ 0 in Z^2 and the nature of the functions involved. Multiple competing views remain on the interpretation of congruences and the use of propositional functions.

Contextual Notes

There is uncertainty regarding the definitions and assumptions related to congruences and the notation used for propositional functions. The discussion reflects varying levels of familiarity with the concepts and notation from different mathematical contexts.

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When we say that two algebraic expressions, [tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex], [tex]g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex] are identical, or
[tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\equiv g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex], we mean (according to my textbook) that [tex]\forall x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n: f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)=g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex]
However, does that mean that
[tex]x^2+x\equiv0[/tex]
in [tex]Z^2[/tex]?

If not, does it mean that
[tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\equiv g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\Leftrightarrow\forall\phi: \phi(f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n))=\phi(g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n))[/tex]
 
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dalcde said:
When we say that two algebraic expressions, [tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex], [tex]g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex] are identical, or
[tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\equiv g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex], we mean (according to my textbook) that [tex]\forall x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n: f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)=g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)[/tex]
However, does that mean that
[tex]x^2+x\equiv0[/tex]
in [tex]Z^2[/tex]?

If not, does it mean that
[tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\equiv g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\Leftrightarrow\forall\phi: \phi(f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n))=\phi(g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n))[/tex]

Are you talking about number theoretic congruences? If so you need a modulus to be defined if this is the case.

Assuming this is the case I imagine that under congruences the strength of your phi relation may not hold in general.

Take for example mod 10. 3 Mod 10 = 3 and phi(3) = 2. 13 Mod 10 = 3 but phi(13) = 12 (since both are primes).

Is this what you mean? Maybe it isn't though, so some feedback would be appreciated.
 


I'm talking about the identities in the simple high-school sense, in case that's what you are asking.

My [tex]\phi[/tex]s are propositional functions, which return a true or false answer. For example, [tex]\phi(f(x))[/tex] might be the statement "f(x) is a polynomial with degree 2", in which it is true for [tex]x^2+x[/tex] but not 0. I got that notation from Principia Mathematica (by the way, I surrendered after reading less than half a volume - it was too tough). Please tell me if my notation is too outdated.
 


dalcde said:
I'm talking about the identities in the simple high-school sense, in case that's what you are asking.

My [tex]\phi[/tex]s are propositional functions, which return a true or false answer. For example, [tex]\phi(f(x))[/tex] might be the statement "f(x) is a polynomial with degree 2", in which it is true for [tex]x^2+x[/tex] but not 0. I got that notation from Principia Mathematica (by the way, I surrendered after reading less than half a volume - it was too tough). Please tell me if my notation is too outdated.

Ohh ok no worries. I'm doing a cryptography course at the moment so phi's to me are the Euler totient function and I put your post in the context of number theory due to your congruence symbols.

I'm not really qualified to answer your question since I'm unfamiliar with the notation. The principia is an old document though. But if liebniz notation has survived this long, maybe the notation in the principia has a chance :)
 


dalcde said:
However, does that mean that
[tex]x^2+x\equiv0[/tex]

in [tex]Z^2[/tex]?
Yes, by your textbook definition.

If not, does it mean that
[tex]f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\equiv g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n)\Leftrightarrow\forall\phi: \phi(f(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n))=\phi(g(x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n))[/tex]

You need to understand the difference between a function [itex]\phi[/itex] whose arguments are the values of [itex]f[/itex] (i.e. all possible values, depending on the values of [itex]x_1,x_2,\cdots x_n[/itex]), and a function whose argument is the function [itex]f[/itex] itself.

IIRC Principia uses the different notations

[tex]\phi f[/tex] and

[tex]\hat\phi f[/tex]

when the difference is important.
 

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