Countable and Uncountable Sets · seed 1 · A4, ink-friendly. The answer key prints on its own page for grown-ups.

Pairing up infinite sets

Mathematics · Mathematical Thinking · ages 18-19
Name ______________________   Date ____________
  1. Under the pairing n -> 2n, which even number pairs with 12?

    Answer: ______________

  2. The bijection n -> 2n pairs naturals with evens. Where does 7 go?

    • 7
    • 14
    • 49
    • 9
  3. The doubling rule n to 2n pairs naturals with evens. Where does 7 go?

    • 7
    • 49
    • 14
  4. A proper subset can pair perfectly with its whole set even for finite sets.

    Circle one:   True   False

  5. With the add 1 diagonal rule, r1 = 0.305..., r2 = 0.471..., r3 = 0.689.... Give the first three decimals of the new number as one decimal, e.g. 0.123.

    Answer: ______________

  6. In the hotel story every guest moves from room n to room n plus 1. Where does the guest in room 5 go?

    Answer: ______________

  7. Listed decimals start r1 = 0.141..., r2 = 0.718..., r3 = 0.502.... Using add 1 per diagonal digit (no 9s here), which begins the diagonal number?

    • 0.223...
    • 0.112...
    • 0.141...
    • 0.718...
  8. Listing the rationals as a sequence shows they are countable. True or false?

    Circle one:   True   False

  9. The diagonal number differs from entry n in digit n. What follows?

    • The list contains every real
    • The list cannot contain every real
    • Diagonalisation enumerates the reals
  10. The diagonal number differs from r_n in digit n. What follows?

    • the list contains every real
    • the diagonal number must be rational
    • the list cannot contain every real
    • diagonalisation enumerates the reals
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Answer key

For grown-ups. Fold this page away before handing over the rest.

Pairing up infinite sets W1-mt_VTHPloNBbJ-s1

  1. 24 · 24. Doubling 12 gives 24.
  2. 14 · 14. Doubling is the pairing rule, so 7 maps to 14.
  3. 14 · Doubling is the pairing rule, so 7 maps to 14.
  4. False · Finite sets shrink when members leave; only infinite sets pair with proper parts.
  5. 0.48 · 0.48. Diagonal digits 3, 7, 9 become 4, 8, 0, giving 0.480 = 0.48.
  6. 6 · Adding 1 to 5 frees room 1 for the newcomer.
  7. 0.223... · 0.223.... Diagonal digits 1, 1, 2 each grow by 1 to 2, 2, 3.
  8. True · True. A listing is exactly an enumeration; dropping repeats keeps it one.
  9. The list cannot contain every real · The diagonal number is a real between 0 and 1 that the list misses.
  10. the list cannot contain every real · The list cannot contain every real. The diagonal number is a real missing from it.
Worksheet · LightMySky