Math Problem Statement

(2.3) Determine card(X) if X = {2n : n ∈ N}. Prove your answer. [4]

Solution

To determine card(X)\text{card}(X) (the cardinality of the set XX), where X={2n:nN}X = \{2n : n \in \mathbb{N}\}, let's analyze the elements of XX.

Step 1: Define the Set XX

The set XX is defined as: X={2n:nN}X = \{2n : n \in \mathbb{N}\} This means XX includes all elements that are twice a natural number. For example:

  • If n=1n = 1, 2n=22n = 2
  • If n=2n = 2, 2n=42n = 4
  • If n=3n = 3, 2n=62n = 6
  • And so forth.

Thus, XX represents the set of all positive even numbers: X={2,4,6,8,}X = \{2, 4, 6, 8, \dots\}

Step 2: Determine the Cardinality of XX

To determine card(X)\text{card}(X), we need to assess the number of elements in XX.

  1. Mapping to N\mathbb{N}: Every element 2n2n in XX corresponds uniquely to a natural number nNn \in \mathbb{N}.
  2. One-to-One Correspondence: The function f:NXf: \mathbb{N} \to X defined by f(n)=2nf(n) = 2n is a one-to-one correspondence between N\mathbb{N} (the set of natural numbers) and XX (the set of even natural numbers).
  3. Countability: Since there is a one-to-one correspondence between N\mathbb{N} and XX, the cardinality of XX is the same as the cardinality of N\mathbb{N}.

Conclusion

The set XX has the same cardinality as N\mathbb{N}, which is 0\aleph_0 (aleph-null), the cardinality of countably infinite sets. Therefore: card(X)=0\text{card}(X) = \aleph_0

Proof Summary

  1. X={2n:nN}X = \{2n : n \in \mathbb{N}\} represents the set of positive even numbers.
  2. There exists a bijective (one-to-one and onto) function f:NXf: \mathbb{N} \to X defined by f(n)=2nf(n) = 2n.
  3. Since N\mathbb{N} is countably infinite and there is a bijection between N\mathbb{N} and XX, XX is also countably infinite.
  4. Thus, card(X)=0\text{card}(X) = \aleph_0.

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Related Questions

  1. What is the cardinality of the set of all odd natural numbers?
  2. How does bijection help determine cardinality for infinite sets?
  3. Can a subset of a countably infinite set ever be uncountable?
  4. What is the cardinality of the power set of N\mathbb{N}?
  5. How do we prove two sets have the same cardinality?

Tip

When determining the cardinality of a set, look for a bijection with a well-known set, such as N\mathbb{N}, to simplify the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Set Theory
Cardinality
Natural Numbers
Infinity

Formulas

f(n) = 2n (bijective function for one-to-one correspondence)

Theorems

Bijection and Cardinality of Countably Infinite Sets

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12