Proving set identities: empty set case.












5














I am currently refreshing my knowledge in naive set theory, and would like to prove that for all sets $A,B,C$ we have $$Acap(B cup C) = (A cap B) cup (A cap C).$$



I understand that this can be done by proving both $$Acap(B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C) text{and} (A cap B) cup (A cap C) subset Acap(B cup C) $$ hold true.



We can do this by letting $x$ be an arbitrary element of $Acap(B cup C)$ and showing that it is an element of $(A cap B) cup (A cap C)$, and vice versa.



But what about when $A cap (B cup C)$ is the empty set? Then I would think we can't let $x$ be an arbitrary element of $A cap (B cup C)$ since there are none. However, I am aware that $A cap (B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C)$ is trivially true in this case.



In the discrete mathematics course I took at my university, I did not see such cases be brought to attention. Should they be mentioned in proofs of such identities? Why / why not?



If so, some suggestions as to how to incorporate them into proofs would be helpful :-).










share|cite|improve this question


















  • 2




    Because some of the two sides being the empty set is no problem. Your claim is: for any element here, I prove it also is an element there. If there is no element at all then that is not your problem (mathematicalwise, of course): the proof still holds! Anyway, if you still feel something else must be done (though it really mustn't), then you can make a separate case: if this side is empty then so and so. and also the other side is, and the other way around, too. But you really don't need that,
    – DonAntonio
    1 hour ago












  • Let $A cap (B cup C)$ empty. Thus, $x notin ldots$ that means : either (i) $x notin A$ or (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$. In the first case, $x notin (A cap B)$ and $x notin (A cap C)$ and thus $x notin$ their union.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    44 mins ago










  • In the secon case : from (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$ we have that $x notin B$ and $x notin C$ and again $x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)]$. Conclusion : in both cases $x notin ldots$. But $x$ is whatever, and thus the result holds for every $x$, i.e. $forall x (x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)])$, that means that the set is empty, and the result holds.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    41 mins ago


















5














I am currently refreshing my knowledge in naive set theory, and would like to prove that for all sets $A,B,C$ we have $$Acap(B cup C) = (A cap B) cup (A cap C).$$



I understand that this can be done by proving both $$Acap(B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C) text{and} (A cap B) cup (A cap C) subset Acap(B cup C) $$ hold true.



We can do this by letting $x$ be an arbitrary element of $Acap(B cup C)$ and showing that it is an element of $(A cap B) cup (A cap C)$, and vice versa.



But what about when $A cap (B cup C)$ is the empty set? Then I would think we can't let $x$ be an arbitrary element of $A cap (B cup C)$ since there are none. However, I am aware that $A cap (B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C)$ is trivially true in this case.



In the discrete mathematics course I took at my university, I did not see such cases be brought to attention. Should they be mentioned in proofs of such identities? Why / why not?



If so, some suggestions as to how to incorporate them into proofs would be helpful :-).










share|cite|improve this question


















  • 2




    Because some of the two sides being the empty set is no problem. Your claim is: for any element here, I prove it also is an element there. If there is no element at all then that is not your problem (mathematicalwise, of course): the proof still holds! Anyway, if you still feel something else must be done (though it really mustn't), then you can make a separate case: if this side is empty then so and so. and also the other side is, and the other way around, too. But you really don't need that,
    – DonAntonio
    1 hour ago












  • Let $A cap (B cup C)$ empty. Thus, $x notin ldots$ that means : either (i) $x notin A$ or (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$. In the first case, $x notin (A cap B)$ and $x notin (A cap C)$ and thus $x notin$ their union.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    44 mins ago










  • In the secon case : from (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$ we have that $x notin B$ and $x notin C$ and again $x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)]$. Conclusion : in both cases $x notin ldots$. But $x$ is whatever, and thus the result holds for every $x$, i.e. $forall x (x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)])$, that means that the set is empty, and the result holds.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    41 mins ago
















5












5








5


2





I am currently refreshing my knowledge in naive set theory, and would like to prove that for all sets $A,B,C$ we have $$Acap(B cup C) = (A cap B) cup (A cap C).$$



I understand that this can be done by proving both $$Acap(B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C) text{and} (A cap B) cup (A cap C) subset Acap(B cup C) $$ hold true.



We can do this by letting $x$ be an arbitrary element of $Acap(B cup C)$ and showing that it is an element of $(A cap B) cup (A cap C)$, and vice versa.



But what about when $A cap (B cup C)$ is the empty set? Then I would think we can't let $x$ be an arbitrary element of $A cap (B cup C)$ since there are none. However, I am aware that $A cap (B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C)$ is trivially true in this case.



In the discrete mathematics course I took at my university, I did not see such cases be brought to attention. Should they be mentioned in proofs of such identities? Why / why not?



If so, some suggestions as to how to incorporate them into proofs would be helpful :-).










share|cite|improve this question













I am currently refreshing my knowledge in naive set theory, and would like to prove that for all sets $A,B,C$ we have $$Acap(B cup C) = (A cap B) cup (A cap C).$$



I understand that this can be done by proving both $$Acap(B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C) text{and} (A cap B) cup (A cap C) subset Acap(B cup C) $$ hold true.



We can do this by letting $x$ be an arbitrary element of $Acap(B cup C)$ and showing that it is an element of $(A cap B) cup (A cap C)$, and vice versa.



But what about when $A cap (B cup C)$ is the empty set? Then I would think we can't let $x$ be an arbitrary element of $A cap (B cup C)$ since there are none. However, I am aware that $A cap (B cup C) subset (A cap B) cup (A cap C)$ is trivially true in this case.



In the discrete mathematics course I took at my university, I did not see such cases be brought to attention. Should they be mentioned in proofs of such identities? Why / why not?



If so, some suggestions as to how to incorporate them into proofs would be helpful :-).







elementary-set-theory proof-writing






share|cite|improve this question













share|cite|improve this question











share|cite|improve this question




share|cite|improve this question










asked 1 hour ago









E-mu

405312




405312








  • 2




    Because some of the two sides being the empty set is no problem. Your claim is: for any element here, I prove it also is an element there. If there is no element at all then that is not your problem (mathematicalwise, of course): the proof still holds! Anyway, if you still feel something else must be done (though it really mustn't), then you can make a separate case: if this side is empty then so and so. and also the other side is, and the other way around, too. But you really don't need that,
    – DonAntonio
    1 hour ago












  • Let $A cap (B cup C)$ empty. Thus, $x notin ldots$ that means : either (i) $x notin A$ or (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$. In the first case, $x notin (A cap B)$ and $x notin (A cap C)$ and thus $x notin$ their union.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    44 mins ago










  • In the secon case : from (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$ we have that $x notin B$ and $x notin C$ and again $x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)]$. Conclusion : in both cases $x notin ldots$. But $x$ is whatever, and thus the result holds for every $x$, i.e. $forall x (x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)])$, that means that the set is empty, and the result holds.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    41 mins ago
















  • 2




    Because some of the two sides being the empty set is no problem. Your claim is: for any element here, I prove it also is an element there. If there is no element at all then that is not your problem (mathematicalwise, of course): the proof still holds! Anyway, if you still feel something else must be done (though it really mustn't), then you can make a separate case: if this side is empty then so and so. and also the other side is, and the other way around, too. But you really don't need that,
    – DonAntonio
    1 hour ago












  • Let $A cap (B cup C)$ empty. Thus, $x notin ldots$ that means : either (i) $x notin A$ or (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$. In the first case, $x notin (A cap B)$ and $x notin (A cap C)$ and thus $x notin$ their union.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    44 mins ago










  • In the secon case : from (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$ we have that $x notin B$ and $x notin C$ and again $x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)]$. Conclusion : in both cases $x notin ldots$. But $x$ is whatever, and thus the result holds for every $x$, i.e. $forall x (x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)])$, that means that the set is empty, and the result holds.
    – Mauro ALLEGRANZA
    41 mins ago










2




2




Because some of the two sides being the empty set is no problem. Your claim is: for any element here, I prove it also is an element there. If there is no element at all then that is not your problem (mathematicalwise, of course): the proof still holds! Anyway, if you still feel something else must be done (though it really mustn't), then you can make a separate case: if this side is empty then so and so. and also the other side is, and the other way around, too. But you really don't need that,
– DonAntonio
1 hour ago






Because some of the two sides being the empty set is no problem. Your claim is: for any element here, I prove it also is an element there. If there is no element at all then that is not your problem (mathematicalwise, of course): the proof still holds! Anyway, if you still feel something else must be done (though it really mustn't), then you can make a separate case: if this side is empty then so and so. and also the other side is, and the other way around, too. But you really don't need that,
– DonAntonio
1 hour ago














Let $A cap (B cup C)$ empty. Thus, $x notin ldots$ that means : either (i) $x notin A$ or (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$. In the first case, $x notin (A cap B)$ and $x notin (A cap C)$ and thus $x notin$ their union.
– Mauro ALLEGRANZA
44 mins ago




Let $A cap (B cup C)$ empty. Thus, $x notin ldots$ that means : either (i) $x notin A$ or (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$. In the first case, $x notin (A cap B)$ and $x notin (A cap C)$ and thus $x notin$ their union.
– Mauro ALLEGRANZA
44 mins ago












In the secon case : from (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$ we have that $x notin B$ and $x notin C$ and again $x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)]$. Conclusion : in both cases $x notin ldots$. But $x$ is whatever, and thus the result holds for every $x$, i.e. $forall x (x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)])$, that means that the set is empty, and the result holds.
– Mauro ALLEGRANZA
41 mins ago






In the secon case : from (ii) $x notin (B cup C)$ we have that $x notin B$ and $x notin C$ and again $x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)]$. Conclusion : in both cases $x notin ldots$. But $x$ is whatever, and thus the result holds for every $x$, i.e. $forall x (x notin [(A cap B) cup (A cap C)])$, that means that the set is empty, and the result holds.
– Mauro ALLEGRANZA
41 mins ago












3 Answers
3






active

oldest

votes


















4














In order to show that for two sets $X$ and $Y$ it holds that $Xsubseteq Y$, you have to prove that




for every $x$, if $xin X$, then $xin Y$.




Note that a statement of the form “if $mathscr{A}$ then $mathscr{B}$” is true when




either $mathscr{A}$ is false or both $mathscr{A}$ and $mathscr{B}$ are true




If $X$ is the empty set, then “$xin X$” is false for every $x$; hence “if $xin X$ then $xin Y$” is true.



The phrase “take an arbitrary element $xin X$” is possibly misleading, but its intended meaning is “suppose $xin X$”.






share|cite|improve this answer





















  • Ah, so if we write "suppose $x in X$" and successfully deduce that "$x in Y$" , we have shown that "if $x in X$, then $x in Y$" is true. But, if "$x in X$" is always false, we have still shown "if $x in X$ then $x in Y$" is true, since as you wrote, the implication would be true for all $x$ in that case. I.e. we are allowed to suppose things are true, even when they may never be. Is my understanding correct?
    – E-mu
    13 mins ago



















4














If $D$ is the empty set then the following statement is always true:$$text{If }xin Dtext{ then }cdots$$no matter what the dots are standing for.



It is false that $xin D$ and "ex falso sequitur quodlibet". A false statement implies whatever you want.



So the assumption will not bring you into troubles, but - on the contrary - will give you freedom to accept whatever you want.






share|cite|improve this answer































    2














    Since the empty set is a subset of any set, there is no need of including that in a formal proof.
    However it is a good idea to be aware of the fact that the equality holds even in the case of empty sets .






    share|cite|improve this answer





















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      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes








      3 Answers
      3






      active

      oldest

      votes









      active

      oldest

      votes






      active

      oldest

      votes









      4














      In order to show that for two sets $X$ and $Y$ it holds that $Xsubseteq Y$, you have to prove that




      for every $x$, if $xin X$, then $xin Y$.




      Note that a statement of the form “if $mathscr{A}$ then $mathscr{B}$” is true when




      either $mathscr{A}$ is false or both $mathscr{A}$ and $mathscr{B}$ are true




      If $X$ is the empty set, then “$xin X$” is false for every $x$; hence “if $xin X$ then $xin Y$” is true.



      The phrase “take an arbitrary element $xin X$” is possibly misleading, but its intended meaning is “suppose $xin X$”.






      share|cite|improve this answer





















      • Ah, so if we write "suppose $x in X$" and successfully deduce that "$x in Y$" , we have shown that "if $x in X$, then $x in Y$" is true. But, if "$x in X$" is always false, we have still shown "if $x in X$ then $x in Y$" is true, since as you wrote, the implication would be true for all $x$ in that case. I.e. we are allowed to suppose things are true, even when they may never be. Is my understanding correct?
        – E-mu
        13 mins ago
















      4














      In order to show that for two sets $X$ and $Y$ it holds that $Xsubseteq Y$, you have to prove that




      for every $x$, if $xin X$, then $xin Y$.




      Note that a statement of the form “if $mathscr{A}$ then $mathscr{B}$” is true when




      either $mathscr{A}$ is false or both $mathscr{A}$ and $mathscr{B}$ are true




      If $X$ is the empty set, then “$xin X$” is false for every $x$; hence “if $xin X$ then $xin Y$” is true.



      The phrase “take an arbitrary element $xin X$” is possibly misleading, but its intended meaning is “suppose $xin X$”.






      share|cite|improve this answer





















      • Ah, so if we write "suppose $x in X$" and successfully deduce that "$x in Y$" , we have shown that "if $x in X$, then $x in Y$" is true. But, if "$x in X$" is always false, we have still shown "if $x in X$ then $x in Y$" is true, since as you wrote, the implication would be true for all $x$ in that case. I.e. we are allowed to suppose things are true, even when they may never be. Is my understanding correct?
        – E-mu
        13 mins ago














      4












      4








      4






      In order to show that for two sets $X$ and $Y$ it holds that $Xsubseteq Y$, you have to prove that




      for every $x$, if $xin X$, then $xin Y$.




      Note that a statement of the form “if $mathscr{A}$ then $mathscr{B}$” is true when




      either $mathscr{A}$ is false or both $mathscr{A}$ and $mathscr{B}$ are true




      If $X$ is the empty set, then “$xin X$” is false for every $x$; hence “if $xin X$ then $xin Y$” is true.



      The phrase “take an arbitrary element $xin X$” is possibly misleading, but its intended meaning is “suppose $xin X$”.






      share|cite|improve this answer












      In order to show that for two sets $X$ and $Y$ it holds that $Xsubseteq Y$, you have to prove that




      for every $x$, if $xin X$, then $xin Y$.




      Note that a statement of the form “if $mathscr{A}$ then $mathscr{B}$” is true when




      either $mathscr{A}$ is false or both $mathscr{A}$ and $mathscr{B}$ are true




      If $X$ is the empty set, then “$xin X$” is false for every $x$; hence “if $xin X$ then $xin Y$” is true.



      The phrase “take an arbitrary element $xin X$” is possibly misleading, but its intended meaning is “suppose $xin X$”.







      share|cite|improve this answer












      share|cite|improve this answer



      share|cite|improve this answer










      answered 1 hour ago









      egreg

      177k1484198




      177k1484198












      • Ah, so if we write "suppose $x in X$" and successfully deduce that "$x in Y$" , we have shown that "if $x in X$, then $x in Y$" is true. But, if "$x in X$" is always false, we have still shown "if $x in X$ then $x in Y$" is true, since as you wrote, the implication would be true for all $x$ in that case. I.e. we are allowed to suppose things are true, even when they may never be. Is my understanding correct?
        – E-mu
        13 mins ago


















      • Ah, so if we write "suppose $x in X$" and successfully deduce that "$x in Y$" , we have shown that "if $x in X$, then $x in Y$" is true. But, if "$x in X$" is always false, we have still shown "if $x in X$ then $x in Y$" is true, since as you wrote, the implication would be true for all $x$ in that case. I.e. we are allowed to suppose things are true, even when they may never be. Is my understanding correct?
        – E-mu
        13 mins ago
















      Ah, so if we write "suppose $x in X$" and successfully deduce that "$x in Y$" , we have shown that "if $x in X$, then $x in Y$" is true. But, if "$x in X$" is always false, we have still shown "if $x in X$ then $x in Y$" is true, since as you wrote, the implication would be true for all $x$ in that case. I.e. we are allowed to suppose things are true, even when they may never be. Is my understanding correct?
      – E-mu
      13 mins ago




      Ah, so if we write "suppose $x in X$" and successfully deduce that "$x in Y$" , we have shown that "if $x in X$, then $x in Y$" is true. But, if "$x in X$" is always false, we have still shown "if $x in X$ then $x in Y$" is true, since as you wrote, the implication would be true for all $x$ in that case. I.e. we are allowed to suppose things are true, even when they may never be. Is my understanding correct?
      – E-mu
      13 mins ago











      4














      If $D$ is the empty set then the following statement is always true:$$text{If }xin Dtext{ then }cdots$$no matter what the dots are standing for.



      It is false that $xin D$ and "ex falso sequitur quodlibet". A false statement implies whatever you want.



      So the assumption will not bring you into troubles, but - on the contrary - will give you freedom to accept whatever you want.






      share|cite|improve this answer




























        4














        If $D$ is the empty set then the following statement is always true:$$text{If }xin Dtext{ then }cdots$$no matter what the dots are standing for.



        It is false that $xin D$ and "ex falso sequitur quodlibet". A false statement implies whatever you want.



        So the assumption will not bring you into troubles, but - on the contrary - will give you freedom to accept whatever you want.






        share|cite|improve this answer


























          4












          4








          4






          If $D$ is the empty set then the following statement is always true:$$text{If }xin Dtext{ then }cdots$$no matter what the dots are standing for.



          It is false that $xin D$ and "ex falso sequitur quodlibet". A false statement implies whatever you want.



          So the assumption will not bring you into troubles, but - on the contrary - will give you freedom to accept whatever you want.






          share|cite|improve this answer














          If $D$ is the empty set then the following statement is always true:$$text{If }xin Dtext{ then }cdots$$no matter what the dots are standing for.



          It is false that $xin D$ and "ex falso sequitur quodlibet". A false statement implies whatever you want.



          So the assumption will not bring you into troubles, but - on the contrary - will give you freedom to accept whatever you want.







          share|cite|improve this answer














          share|cite|improve this answer



          share|cite|improve this answer








          edited 1 hour ago

























          answered 1 hour ago









          drhab

          96.7k544128




          96.7k544128























              2














              Since the empty set is a subset of any set, there is no need of including that in a formal proof.
              However it is a good idea to be aware of the fact that the equality holds even in the case of empty sets .






              share|cite|improve this answer


























                2














                Since the empty set is a subset of any set, there is no need of including that in a formal proof.
                However it is a good idea to be aware of the fact that the equality holds even in the case of empty sets .






                share|cite|improve this answer
























                  2












                  2








                  2






                  Since the empty set is a subset of any set, there is no need of including that in a formal proof.
                  However it is a good idea to be aware of the fact that the equality holds even in the case of empty sets .






                  share|cite|improve this answer












                  Since the empty set is a subset of any set, there is no need of including that in a formal proof.
                  However it is a good idea to be aware of the fact that the equality holds even in the case of empty sets .







                  share|cite|improve this answer












                  share|cite|improve this answer



                  share|cite|improve this answer










                  answered 1 hour ago









                  Mohammad Riazi-Kermani

                  40.5k42058




                  40.5k42058






























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