Math Problem Statement

Prove that the interval [0, 1] is not countable.

Solution

The task in the image asks to prove that the interval [0,1][0, 1] is not countable. Here's a structured proof of that statement using Cantor's diagonalization argument.

Proof (Cantor's Diagonalization Argument):

  1. Assume for contradiction: Suppose the interval [0,1][0, 1] is countable. This would mean we can list all the real numbers in this interval as a sequence: x1,x2,x3,x_1, x_2, x_3, \dots where each xix_i is a real number in [0,1][0, 1], and every real number in this interval appears somewhere on this list.

  2. Decimal expansion: Write each number in its decimal expansion. That is, for each xix_i, we represent it as: x1=0.a11a12a13x_1 = 0.a_{11}a_{12}a_{13}\dots x2=0.a21a22a23x_2 = 0.a_{21}a_{22}a_{23}\dots x3=0.a31a32a33x_3 = 0.a_{31}a_{32}a_{33}\dots where aija_{ij} represents the jj-th decimal digit of the ii-th number.

  3. Construct a new number: We now construct a new number yy in the interval [0,1][0, 1], which is not in the list. Define y=0.b1b2b3y = 0.b_1b_2b_3\dots by choosing its decimal digits as follows:

    • Let b1b_1 be different from a11a_{11}.
    • Let b2b_2 be different from a22a_{22}.
    • Let b3b_3 be different from a33a_{33}, and so on.

    More formally, for each ii, choose biaiib_i \neq a_{ii}, ensuring that yy differs from each xix_i in at least the ii-th decimal place.

  4. Contradiction: The number yy cannot be on the list, because it differs from x1x_1 in the first decimal place, from x2x_2 in the second decimal place, and so on. This contradicts the assumption that all real numbers in [0,1][0, 1] are listed.

  5. Conclusion: Therefore, the interval [0,1][0, 1] is uncountable.


Would you like further details or have any questions about this proof? Here are some related questions to deepen understanding:

  1. What does it mean for a set to be countable?
  2. Can the set of rational numbers in [0,1][0, 1] be counted, and how?
  3. How does Cantor's diagonalization argument apply to other infinite sets?
  4. What is the difference between countably infinite and uncountably infinite sets?
  5. Can you apply diagonalization to other intervals, such as (0,1)(0, 1)?

Tip: The essence of Cantor's diagonalization is creating something new by ensuring it differs at least in one position from every item in a list.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Real Analysis
Set Theory
Countability
Uncountable Sets

Formulas

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Theorems

Cantor's Diagonalization Argument

Suitable Grade Level

College/University Level