Question: Problem 1. (10 points) In lecture we proved that the Principle of Induction follows from the Well-ordering principle. In this problem we will prove the

 Problem 1. (10 points) In lecture we proved that the Principle

Problem 1. (10 points) In lecture we proved that the Principle of Induction follows from the Well-ordering principle. In this problem we will prove the converse; namely, that PI WOP. Nothing could be simpler, thought Lem E. Hackett. He had proved tougher theorems previously. Here's the hypothesis that Lem came up with: P(k): Every set containing k 2 1 elements has a least element. Lem quickly established P(1), the base case. He then established P(k) P(k + 1) as follows: If you remove one element from any set with k + 1 elements, then you are left with a set with k elements. By the inductive hypothesis, this has a least element. We can compare this with the element that was removed; the smaller one is the least in the original set of k +1 elements. Done! Or so, Lem figured. Alas, his professor told him that although there was no flaw in his argument, the problem was that Lem had not established the well-ordering principle. (a) why did Lem's proof not establish PI WOP? (b) Thinking it over, Lem figured out a different approach. If the well-ordering principle is false, then there must be a non-empty set A that does not contain a least element. So Lem changed his hypothesis to: P(k): k EA. Help complete the proof for Lem

Step by Step Solution

There are 3 Steps involved in it

1 Expert Approved Answer
Step: 1 Unlock blur-text-image
Question Has Been Solved by an Expert!

Get step-by-step solutions from verified subject matter experts

Step: 2 Unlock
Step: 3 Unlock

Students Have Also Explored These Related Databases Questions!