Use the principle of ordinary mathematical induction to prove the well-ordering principle for the integers. Hint: Suppose S is a set containing one or more integers, all of which are greater than or equal to some integer a, and suppose that S does not have a least element. Let the property P(n) be defined as “i /∈ S for any integer i with a ≤ i ≤ n”. Use mathematical induction to prove that P(n) is true for every integer n ≥ a, and then explain how this leads to a contradiction.

Elements Of Modern Algebra
8th Edition
ISBN:9781285463230
Author:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Publisher:Gilbert, Linda, Jimmie
Chapter2: The Integers
Section2.2: Mathematical Induction
Problem 48E: Assume the statement from Exercise 30 in section 2.1 that for all and in . Use this assumption...
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Use the principle of ordinary mathematical induction to prove the well-ordering principle for the integers.

Hint: Suppose S is a set containing one or more integers, all of which are greater than or equal to some integer a, and suppose that S does not have a least element. Let the property P(n) be defined as “i /∈ S for any integer i with a ≤ i ≤ n”. Use mathematical induction to prove that P(n) is true for every integer n ≥ a, and then explain how this leads to a contradiction.

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