SlideShare a Scribd company logo
1 of 1
Download to read offline
Show that if A and B are sets, A is uncountable, and A B, then B is uncountable.
Solution
Suppose that A and B are sets, A is uncountable, and A B. Assume further that B is countable.
Then there is a bijective function f from , the set of natural numbers, onto B. Let X = f-1(A) = {n
: f(n) A}. Clearly A is nonempty since it is uncountable, and so X is nonempty. Further note
that X is not a finite set, because if it were, then f(X) = f(f-1(A)) = A would also be finite since
the restriction of f to the set X is a bijection onto its image f(X) = A.
We now define a sequence of sets X1, X2, X3, … recursively as follows:
1) Let X1 = X.
2) Given Xj, let nj be the smallest element of Xj.
3) Define Xj + 1 := Xj{nj}.
We claim that this process is well-defined. This can be demonstrated with mathematical
induction. Since X1 = X is a nonempty subset of , it follows by the well-ordering principle that X
has a smallest element n1. Now suppose that Xk is an infinite subset of with a smallest element
nk where k is a positive integer. Then Xk + 1 = Xk{nk} is clearly also an infinite subset of ,
and so it has a smallest element nk + 1 because of the well-ordering principle. This shows that
the recursion is well-defined.
Now define a function g: A such that g(x) = f(nx). Our goal now is to show that g is one-to-one
and onto. First, observe that if a and b are positive integers such that a b, then Xb Xa. This can
be proved inductively. Indeed, for if b - a = 0, then clearly Xb = Xa. Now if Xa + k Xa for some
positive integer k, then if b - a = k + 1, then Xb = Xa + k + 1 = Xa + k{na + k} Xa + k Xa.
To see that g is one-to-one, let p and q be two distinct positive integers. Without loss of
generality, suppose p < q. Then Xq Xp + 1 = Xp{np} Xp, and so nq, the smallest of Xq, is
also an element of Xp. Thus nq np, but since Xq does not contain np, we must have that nq and
np are different. Hence, bearing in mind that f is one-to-one, g(q) = f(nq) f(np) = g(p), and so g
is one-to-one.
As for g being onto, let y be an arbitrary element of A. Since f is onto, there is a positive integer
m X such that f(m) = y. Now let Y = {j X : j < m}, and let r be the cardinality of Y (which is
necessarily smaller than m). It is evident that Xr + 1 contains none of the elements of Y but still
contains m, and so nr + 1 = m. Therefore g(r + 1) = f(nr + 1) = f(m) = y, and thus g is onto.
Consequently, there is a bijection g from onto A, and so A is countable. Yet, A is uncountable,
so we arrive at a contradiction. Therefore, B must be countable.

More Related Content

Similar to Show that if A and B are sets, A is uncountable, and A B, then B is .pdf

Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.
Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.
Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.Tong Leung
 
Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...
Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...
Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...Aladdinew
 
Math 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 t
Math 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 tMath 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 t
Math 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 tAbramMartino96
 
ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...
ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...
ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...UniversitasGadjahMada
 
Mathematical induction by Animesh Sarkar
Mathematical induction by Animesh SarkarMathematical induction by Animesh Sarkar
Mathematical induction by Animesh SarkarAnimesh Sarkar
 
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docxSection 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docxkenjordan97598
 
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docxSection 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docxrtodd280
 
Probabilistic diameter and its properties.
Probabilistic diameter and its properties.Probabilistic diameter and its properties.
Probabilistic diameter and its properties.inventionjournals
 
Relations & functions
Relations & functionsRelations & functions
Relations & functionsindu thakur
 
functions-1.pdf
functions-1.pdffunctions-1.pdf
functions-1.pdfKevalVala4
 
Limits and continuity[1]
Limits and continuity[1]Limits and continuity[1]
Limits and continuity[1]indu thakur
 
Pigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,Countability
Pigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,CountabilityPigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,Countability
Pigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,CountabilityKiran Munir
 
On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...
On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...
On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...BRNSS Publication Hub
 

Similar to Show that if A and B are sets, A is uncountable, and A B, then B is .pdf (20)

Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.
Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.
Ian.petrow【transcendental number theory】.
 
Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...
Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...
Solutions Manual for An Introduction To Abstract Algebra With Notes To The Fu...
 
Math 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 t
Math 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 tMath 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 t
Math 511 Problem Set 4, due September 21Note Problems 1 t
 
04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf
04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf
04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf
 
04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf
04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf
04_AJMS_210_19_RA.pdf
 
Analysis Solutions CIII
Analysis Solutions CIIIAnalysis Solutions CIII
Analysis Solutions CIII
 
ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...
ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...
ON OPTIMALITY OF THE INDEX OF SUM, PRODUCT, MAXIMUM, AND MINIMUM OF FINITE BA...
 
Eigenvalues
EigenvaluesEigenvalues
Eigenvalues
 
Mathematical induction by Animesh Sarkar
Mathematical induction by Animesh SarkarMathematical induction by Animesh Sarkar
Mathematical induction by Animesh Sarkar
 
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docxSection 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
 
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docxSection 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
Section 18.3-19.1.Today we will discuss finite-dimensional.docx
 
Analysis Solutions CIV
Analysis Solutions CIVAnalysis Solutions CIV
Analysis Solutions CIV
 
Probabilistic diameter and its properties.
Probabilistic diameter and its properties.Probabilistic diameter and its properties.
Probabilistic diameter and its properties.
 
Aa2
Aa2Aa2
Aa2
 
Relations & functions
Relations & functionsRelations & functions
Relations & functions
 
functions-1.pdf
functions-1.pdffunctions-1.pdf
functions-1.pdf
 
Limits and continuity[1]
Limits and continuity[1]Limits and continuity[1]
Limits and continuity[1]
 
Pigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,Countability
Pigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,CountabilityPigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,Countability
Pigeonhole Principle,Cardinality,Countability
 
Lecture1
Lecture1Lecture1
Lecture1
 
On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...
On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...
On Extendable Sets in the Reals (R) With Application to the Lyapunov Stabilit...
 

More from ajantawatchkota

Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdf
 Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdf Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdf
Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdfajantawatchkota
 
Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdf
 Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdf Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdf
Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdfajantawatchkota
 
Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi) 2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdf
 Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi)  2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdf Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi)  2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdf
Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi) 2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdfajantawatchkota
 
Sinx x dxSolution I = integration ( 0 to in.pdf
 Sinx  x dxSolution                     I = integration ( 0 to in.pdf Sinx  x dxSolution                     I = integration ( 0 to in.pdf
Sinx x dxSolution I = integration ( 0 to in.pdfajantawatchkota
 
Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdf
 Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdf Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdf
Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdfajantawatchkota
 
Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdf
 Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdf Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdf
Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdfajantawatchkota
 

More from ajantawatchkota (6)

Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdf
 Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdf Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdf
Scenario Mr. Franklin is 70 years of age, is in excellent health, pu.pdf
 
Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdf
 Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdf Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdf
Samantha wants to buy a house for S225 000 She paid $25 000 down and .pdf
 
Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi) 2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdf
 Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi)  2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdf Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi)  2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdf
Solve the equation on the interval [0, 2pi) 2sin2 x = 4sin x + 6.pdf
 
Sinx x dxSolution I = integration ( 0 to in.pdf
 Sinx  x dxSolution                     I = integration ( 0 to in.pdf Sinx  x dxSolution                     I = integration ( 0 to in.pdf
Sinx x dxSolution I = integration ( 0 to in.pdf
 
Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdf
 Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdf Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdf
Rippards has d debt ratio of 25 percent, d total asset turnover rat.pdf
 
Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdf
 Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdf Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdf
Requires a high degree of consensus among individuals on a given meas.pdf
 

Recently uploaded

SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxiammrhaywood
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxheathfieldcps1
 
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpinStudent login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpinRaunakKeshri1
 
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17Celine George
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxNirmalaLoungPoorunde1
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfsanyamsingh5019
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxVS Mahajan Coaching Centre
 
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdfWeb & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdfJayanti Pande
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppCeline George
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeThiyagu K
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactdawncurless
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingTechSoup
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Educationpboyjonauth
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docxPoojaSen20
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationnomboosow
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactPECB
 
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptxIntroduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptxpboyjonauth
 

Recently uploaded (20)

Staff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSD
Staff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSDStaff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSD
Staff of Color (SOC) Retention Efforts DDSD
 
Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"
Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"
Mattingly "AI & Prompt Design: The Basics of Prompt Design"
 
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptxSOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
SOCIAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT - LFTVD.pptx
 
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptxThe basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
The basics of sentences session 2pptx copy.pptx
 
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
Código Creativo y Arte de Software | Unidad 1
 
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpinStudent login on Anyboli platform.helpin
Student login on Anyboli platform.helpin
 
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
Advanced Views - Calendar View in Odoo 17
 
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptxEmployee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
Employee wellbeing at the workplace.pptx
 
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdfSanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
Sanyam Choudhary Chemistry practical.pdf
 
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptxOrganic Name Reactions  for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
Organic Name Reactions for the students and aspirants of Chemistry12th.pptx
 
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdfWeb & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
Web & Social Media Analytics Previous Year Question Paper.pdf
 
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website AppURLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
URLs and Routing in the Odoo 17 Website App
 
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and ModeMeasures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
Measures of Central Tendency: Mean, Median and Mode
 
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impactAccessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
Accessible design: Minimum effort, maximum impact
 
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy ConsultingGrant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
Grant Readiness 101 TechSoup and Remy Consulting
 
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher EducationIntroduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
Introduction to ArtificiaI Intelligence in Higher Education
 
mini mental status format.docx
mini    mental       status     format.docxmini    mental       status     format.docx
mini mental status format.docx
 
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communicationInteractive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
Interactive Powerpoint_How to Master effective communication
 
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global ImpactBeyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
Beyond the EU: DORA and NIS 2 Directive's Global Impact
 
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptxIntroduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
Introduction to AI in Higher Education_draft.pptx
 

Show that if A and B are sets, A is uncountable, and A B, then B is .pdf

  • 1. Show that if A and B are sets, A is uncountable, and A B, then B is uncountable. Solution Suppose that A and B are sets, A is uncountable, and A B. Assume further that B is countable. Then there is a bijective function f from , the set of natural numbers, onto B. Let X = f-1(A) = {n : f(n) A}. Clearly A is nonempty since it is uncountable, and so X is nonempty. Further note that X is not a finite set, because if it were, then f(X) = f(f-1(A)) = A would also be finite since the restriction of f to the set X is a bijection onto its image f(X) = A. We now define a sequence of sets X1, X2, X3, … recursively as follows: 1) Let X1 = X. 2) Given Xj, let nj be the smallest element of Xj. 3) Define Xj + 1 := Xj{nj}. We claim that this process is well-defined. This can be demonstrated with mathematical induction. Since X1 = X is a nonempty subset of , it follows by the well-ordering principle that X has a smallest element n1. Now suppose that Xk is an infinite subset of with a smallest element nk where k is a positive integer. Then Xk + 1 = Xk{nk} is clearly also an infinite subset of , and so it has a smallest element nk + 1 because of the well-ordering principle. This shows that the recursion is well-defined. Now define a function g: A such that g(x) = f(nx). Our goal now is to show that g is one-to-one and onto. First, observe that if a and b are positive integers such that a b, then Xb Xa. This can be proved inductively. Indeed, for if b - a = 0, then clearly Xb = Xa. Now if Xa + k Xa for some positive integer k, then if b - a = k + 1, then Xb = Xa + k + 1 = Xa + k{na + k} Xa + k Xa. To see that g is one-to-one, let p and q be two distinct positive integers. Without loss of generality, suppose p < q. Then Xq Xp + 1 = Xp{np} Xp, and so nq, the smallest of Xq, is also an element of Xp. Thus nq np, but since Xq does not contain np, we must have that nq and np are different. Hence, bearing in mind that f is one-to-one, g(q) = f(nq) f(np) = g(p), and so g is one-to-one. As for g being onto, let y be an arbitrary element of A. Since f is onto, there is a positive integer m X such that f(m) = y. Now let Y = {j X : j < m}, and let r be the cardinality of Y (which is necessarily smaller than m). It is evident that Xr + 1 contains none of the elements of Y but still contains m, and so nr + 1 = m. Therefore g(r + 1) = f(nr + 1) = f(m) = y, and thus g is onto. Consequently, there is a bijection g from onto A, and so A is countable. Yet, A is uncountable, so we arrive at a contradiction. Therefore, B must be countable.