Mathematical Structures
H6Q1: Let F and G be non-empty families of sets. Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: T
F and T
G are disjoint.
Statement 2: There exist A ∈ F and B ∈ G such that A and B are disjoint.
(a) Does Statement 1 imply Statement 2? If so, give a proof. Otherwise, give a counterexample.
(b) Does Statement 2 imply Statement 1? If so, give a proof. Otherwise, give a counterexample.
H6Q2: Prove the following theorem:
Theorem: Let a, b, and x be real numbers with a < b. Then (x − a)(x − b) ≥ 0 if and only if
x ≤ a or x ≥ b.
H6Q3: Suppose A, B, and C are sets. Prove that A ∪ B ⊆ A ∪ C iff B A ⊆ C A.
H6Q4: Consider the following statements:
Statement 3: Let a, b and n be natural numbers. If a is not a multiple of n and b is not a
multiple of n, then ab is not a multiple of n.
Statement 4: Let a, b and n be natural numbers. If a is a multiple of n or b is a multiple of n,
then ab is a multiple of n.
One of these is true and one is false. Prove the correct one and give a counterexample for the
other one.
H6Q5 (Bonus question): Prove that there are no rational numbers x and y such that x
2 + y
2 = 3.
(You can use facts about prime factorizations of integers.)