Analysis (Calculus) proof regarding inequalities, sup/inf

In summary, the conversation discusses the use of LaTeX for writing mathematical content and the process of proving that a set T, defined as the additive inverses of elements in a nonempty set S of real numbers bounded from below, is also nonempty and bounded from above. The second part of the conversation involves proving that the supremum of T is equal to the negative of the infinimum of S. The conversation concludes with a discussion about using algebra and the Axiom of Completeness to prove that T has an upper bound for S.
  • #1
KiwiBunny
1
0
Hey, my stuff is done in LaTeX if you want to copy into a document and compile it. I guess if you can read TeX you can read it without resorting to that though. My TeX is not the neatest, if you have any problems please tell me.

Homework Statement


1. Let $S$ be a nonempty set of real numbers that is bounded from below. Define $T=\{-s: s \in S\}$. Prove that $T$ is nonempty and bounded from above. Then prove that $\sup(T)=-\inf(S)$.\\




The Attempt at a Solution



$S$ is nonempty
so there is some $s \in S$ and also $s \in R$. \\
All the elements in R have an additive inverse so with $s \in R$ there is $-s \in R$ and $-s \in T$. Thus T is nonempty. \\
S is bounded from below so there is an $inf(S)$ so for $\forall s \in S$, $s \geq inf(S)$
$\Rightarrow$ $-s \leq -inf(S) \Rightarrow$ \\ $\forall t \in T$ $t \leq -inf(S)$. So $-inf(S)$ is an upper bound for T.
\\
How do you prove it's the lowest upper bound?

Say that $sup T < -inf S$ $\Rightarrow$ $-sup T > inf S$ $\Rightarrow$ there's an element smaller than -sup T also in S, call it n.
$n \in S \Rightarrow -n \in T$
$n < -sup T \Rightarrow -n > sup T$
$-n \in T$ and $-n >sup T$
Contradiction, therefore $sup T=-inf S$
 
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  • #2
For the second part where you are trying to prove that T has an upper bound for S is bounded above,
let c be a lower bound, then [tex]c \leq x[/tex] for [tex]\forall x \epsilon S[/tex]. From here, you have to use algebra to get -c in the inequality somehow*. Use this to show that -c is an upper bound for S.
Then, use Axiom of Completeness, there exists a b=supS such that for [tex]b \leq c[/tex] for [tex]\forall x \epsilon S[/tex] (same as from *) to continue the proof.
 
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Related to Analysis (Calculus) proof regarding inequalities, sup/inf

What is the definition of sup/inf in calculus?

The supremum (sup) of a set is the least upper bound, meaning it is the smallest number that is greater than or equal to all the numbers in the set. The infimum (inf) of a set is the greatest lower bound, meaning it is the largest number that is less than or equal to all the numbers in the set.

How are sup/inf used in calculus?

Sup/inf are used to help determine the maximum and minimum values of a function. They are also important in proving the existence of certain mathematical objects, such as limits and derivatives.

What is the difference between sup/inf and maximum/minimum?

The supremum (sup) and infimum (inf) may or may not be actual values in a set, whereas the maximum and minimum are always actual values. Additionally, the maximum and minimum are unique, while the sup and inf may not be.

How do you prove an inequality involving sup/inf?

To prove an inequality involving sup/inf, you must show that the inequality holds for all elements in the set. This can be done by using the definition of sup/inf and manipulating the inequality using algebraic or calculus techniques.

What are some common properties of sup/inf?

Some common properties of sup/inf include:

  • Sup/inf are unique.
  • If a set has a maximum or minimum, then it also has a sup or inf, respectively.
  • Sup/inf are preserved under certain mathematical operations, such as addition, subtraction, and multiplication by a positive number.
  • If a set is bounded, then both its sup and inf exist.

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