Maximal Elements in a Bounded Set

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In summary, there is a conversation between two individuals named ertagon2 and another person regarding checking and correcting some questions. The other person points out that everything looks okay except for question 5b, which involves a set with a specific pattern. ertagon2 asks for clarification and the other person explains that the set is bounded above by 1 but 1 is not actually an element of the set. The other person also explains that no element of the set can be considered maximal due to the pattern of the set.
  • #1
ertagon2
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Could someone please check these questions? Please correct them if necessary, with an explanation if you could.
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  • #2
Hi ertagon2,

Everything looks OK, except 5b. Think about the set $\displaystyle\left\{1-\frac{1}{n+1}\:\bigg|\: n\in\mathbb{N}\right\}$.
 
  • #3
I agree with everything except 5.2. Consider an open interval.
 
  • #4
castor28 said:
Hi ertagon2,

Everything looks OK, except 5b. Think about the set $\displaystyle\left\{1-\frac{1}{n+1}\:\bigg|\: n\in\mathbb{N}\right\}$.

I don't think I understand. Can you elaborate?
 
  • #5
ertagon2 said:
I don't think I understand. Can you elaborate?
Hi ertagon2,

This is the set $\displaystyle S=\left\{0,\frac12,\frac23,\frac34,\ldots\right\}\subset\mathbb{Q}$. This set is bounded above (by $1$). In fact, $1$ is the least upper bound of $S$, but it is not an element of $S$.

No element of $S$ can be maximal, because, for each element $\left(1 - \dfrac{1}{n+1}\right)\in S$, $\left(1 - \dfrac{1}{n+2}\right)$ is greater and also an element of $S$.
 

Related to Maximal Elements in a Bounded Set

1. What is the difference between a countable and uncountable set?

A countable set is a set that can be put into a one-to-one correspondence with the natural numbers (1, 2, 3, ...). This means that the elements in the set can be counted and there is a specific order to them. An uncountable set, on the other hand, is a set that cannot be counted and does not have a specific order to its elements.

2. How do you determine if a set is countable or uncountable?

To determine if a set is countable or uncountable, you can use the diagonalization argument. If you can create a list of all the elements in the set in a specific order, then the set is countable. If you cannot create a list or there is no specific order to the elements, then the set is uncountable.

3. Can a set be both countable and uncountable?

No, a set cannot be both countable and uncountable. A set is either one or the other, depending on its properties and the elements it contains.

4. What are some examples of countable and uncountable sets?

Examples of countable sets include the set of natural numbers (1, 2, 3, ...), the set of integers (..., -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, ...), and the set of rational numbers (fractions). Examples of uncountable sets include the set of real numbers (decimals), the set of irrational numbers (pi, e), and the set of all possible subsets of a countably infinite set.

5. Why is the concept of countable and uncountable sets important in mathematics?

The concept of countable and uncountable sets is important in mathematics because it helps us understand the different sizes and properties of sets. It also plays a crucial role in many areas of mathematics, such as analysis and topology, where the distinction between countable and uncountable sets is essential in proving theorems and solving problems.

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