Question

In: Advanced Math

Let x,y ∈ R satisfy x < y. Prove that there exists a q ∈ Q...

Let x,yR satisfy x < y. Prove that there exists a qQ such that x < q < y.

Strategy for solving the problem

  1. Show that there exists an nN+ such that 0 < 1/n < y - x.
  2. Letting A = {k : Z | k < ny}, where Z denotes the set of all integers, show that A is a non-empty subset of R with an upper bound in R. (Hint: Use the Archimedean Property to show that A ≠ ∅.)
  3. By the Completeness Axiom, A has a least upper bound in R, which we shall denote by m. Show that mA. (Hint: Refer to Problem 3 of Homework Assignment 3.)
  4. Finally, show that x < m/n < y. (Hint: It is immediate from Step 3 that m/n < y. To show that x < m/n, assume that m/nx and then derive a contradiction.)

Solutions

Expert Solution


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