Pigeonhole Principle - Infinite Sets

Infinite Sets

The pigeonhole principle can be extended to infinite sets by phrasing it in terms of cardinal numbers: if the cardinality of set A is greater than the cardinality of set B, then there is no injection from A to B. However in this form the principle is tautological, since the meaning of the statement that the cardinality of set A is greater than the cardinality of set B is exactly that there is no injective map from A to B. What makes the situation of finite sets interesting is that adding at least one element to a set is sufficient to ensure that the cardinality increases.

Read more about this topic:  Pigeonhole Principle

Famous quotes containing the words infinite and/or sets:

    Moreover, the universe as a whole is infinite, for whatever is limited has an outermost edge to limit it, and such an edge is defined by something beyond. Since the universe has no edge, it has no limit; and since it lacks a limit, it is infinite and unbounded. Moreover, the universe is infinite both in the number of its atoms and in the extent of its void.
    Epicurus (c. 341–271 B.C.)

    I think middle-age is the best time, if we can escape the fatty degeneration of the conscience which often sets in at about fifty.
    —W.R. (William Ralph)