Justifying Independence of Axioms 1-4

In summary: This shows that Axiom 4 is independent, as it can be false while the other axioms are still true.In summary, by considering various scenarios in which one axiom is false while the others are true, we can justify the independence of all four axioms. This approach of using computation and/or narrative helps to solidify our understanding of the axioms and their relationships.
  • #1
narledge
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I need help with the following situation---

I need to justify the independence of all four axioms using computation and/or narrative. This is what I have so far, but would appreciate any ideas and help you may have to offer.
Axiom 1: Each game is played by two distinct teams.
Axiom 2: There are at least four teams.
Axiom 3: There are at least six games that are played.
Axiom 4: Each distinct team plays each of the other teams only once.

Undefined terms: game, team, playedIf Axiom 1 did not exist, we would not know what constitutes a game. A game could be Team A. Or a game could be Team A vs. Team B vs. Team C. Axioms 2, 3, and 4 could all still be true. Therefore, Axiom 1 is independent.

If Axiom 2 did not exist, we could start with 5 teams. Again it would be possible for Axioms 1, 3, and 4 to all be true. Therefore, Axiom 2 is independent.

If Axiom 3 did not exist, it would be possible for Axioms 1, 2, and 4 to be true. Therefore, Axiom 3 is independent.

If Axiom 4 did not exist, we could start with 4 Teams, have them play each other twice, and therefore have 12 games overall. Axioms 1, 2, and 3 are still all true. Therefore, Axiom 4 is independent.This is the feedback I have received--

The spirit of the strategy, that of considering a model in which one axiom "did not exist" (more properly stated as "is false") while others are true, is a correct way to establish independence for the false axiom. Ax 1: The alternate descriptions of possible games constitute a correct way to begin the model. Additional details are needed to concretely show in what scenario "Axioms 2, 3, and 4 could all still be true." Ax 2: This model begins with five teams. This does not make Ax 2, "at least four teams," false. The model does not establish independence for Ax 2. Ax 3: No details describe how to confirm that Ax 3 is indeed false while Ax 1, 2, and 4 are all true. Please describe the concrete details in this model. Ax 4: A model in which "we... start with 4 teams" confirms the truth of Ax 2; then "have them play each other twice" confirms that Ax 4 is false; and finally "have 12 games overall" confirms that Ax 3 is true. Additional details are needed to confirm why Ax 1 is true or false
 
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  • #2
and why Ax 2 is true or false.Thank you for your feedback. I will provide more concrete details to further justify the independence of each axiom.

Axiom 1: Each game is played by two distinct teams.
To establish the independence of this axiom, we can consider a scenario in which a game is played by three teams instead of two. In this scenario, Axiom 2 and Axiom 3 can still be true, as there are still at least four teams and at least six games being played. However, Axiom 4 would be false as one of the teams would have played two games instead of just one. This shows that Axiom 1 is independent, as it can be false while the other axioms are still true.

Axiom 2: There are at least four teams.
To further justify the independence of this axiom, we can consider a scenario in which there are only three teams. In this scenario, Axiom 1 and Axiom 3 can still be true, as each game is still played by two distinct teams and there are still at least six games being played. However, Axiom 4 would be false as each team would not have played each other only once. This confirms that Axiom 2 is independent, as it can be false while the other axioms are still true.

Axiom 3: There are at least six games that are played.
To show the independence of this axiom, we can consider a scenario in which there are only five games being played. In this scenario, Axiom 1 and Axiom 2 can still be true, as each game is still played by two distinct teams and there are still at least four teams. However, Axiom 4 would be false as each team would not have played each other only once. This demonstrates that Axiom 3 is independent, as it can be false while the other axioms are still true.

Axiom 4: Each distinct team plays each of the other teams only once.
To further establish the independence of this axiom, we can consider a scenario in which each team plays each other twice. In this scenario, Axiom 1 and Axiom 2 can still be true, as each game is still played by two distinct teams and there are still at least four teams. However, Axiom 3 would be false as there would
 

Related to Justifying Independence of Axioms 1-4

1. What are Axioms 1-4 and why are they important in justifying independence?

Axioms 1-4 are the four fundamental principles upon which a mathematical system is built. These axioms are assumed to be true without proof and serve as the basis for all further mathematical statements. They are important in justifying independence because they provide a starting point for logical reasoning and ensure the consistency and reliability of the system.

2. How do Axioms 1-4 relate to each other and to other mathematical concepts?

Axioms 1-4 are interrelated and build upon each other to form the foundation of a mathematical system. They also relate to other mathematical concepts, such as theorems and definitions, and provide the framework for proving the validity of these concepts.

3. Can Axioms 1-4 be proven to be true?

No, Axioms 1-4 cannot be proven to be true. They are assumed to be true and serve as the starting point for all further mathematical statements. This is known as the "axiomatic method" and is a fundamental aspect of mathematical reasoning.

4. How are Axioms 1-4 used in real-world applications?

Axioms 1-4 are used in real-world applications to form the basis of mathematical models and theories that are used to solve practical problems. They also allow for the development of new mathematical concepts and methods that can be applied in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics.

5. How do mathematicians ensure that Axioms 1-4 are consistent and reliable?

Mathematicians use the process of logical reasoning to ensure the consistency and reliability of Axioms 1-4. This involves analyzing the logical consequences of these axioms and checking for any contradictions or inconsistencies. Additionally, the development of new mathematical concepts and theorems must be consistent with Axioms 1-4 in order to be accepted within the mathematical system.

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