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Math and science::Analysis::Tao::08. Infinite sets

Count all the things (countability propositions)

A number of propositions related to countable sets:

  • All subsets of the natural numbers are at most countable.
  • Let Y be a set, and let f:NY be a function. Then the image f(N) is at most countable.
  • Let X be a countable set, and let f:XY be a function. Then f(X) is at most countable.
  • Let X and Y be countable sets. Then XY is a countable set.
  • The integers Z are countable.
  • The set A:={(n,m) N×N:0mn} is countable.
  • The set N×N is countable.
  • The rationals Q are countable.
  • The set of all functions from 0,1 to N is countable.
  • The set of all functions from N to 0,1 is uncountable, representing an arbitrary binary string.

Maybe some of these should be split up and their proofs outlined.


Once we have a bijection from N to N×N, we can have a bijection to the rationals, which are defined as a pairing of two numbers to make a quotient.


Source

p185-188