Continuum hypothesis | EPFL Graph Search

Are you an EPFL student looking for a semester project?

Work with us on data science and visualisation projects, and deploy your project as an app on top of GraphSearch.

In mathematics, specifically set theory, the continuum hypothesis (abbreviated CH) is a hypothesis about the possible sizes of infinite sets. It states that there is no set whose cardinality is strictly between that of the integers and the real numbers, or equivalently, that any subset of the real numbers is finite, is countably infinite, or has the same cardinality as the real numbers. In Zermelo–Fraenkel set theory with the axiom of choice (ZFC), this is equivalent to the following equation in aleph numbers: , or even shorter with beth numbers: . The continuum hypothesis was advanced by Georg Cantor in 1878, and establishing its truth or falsehood is the first of Hilbert's 23 problems presented in 1900. The answer to this problem is independent of ZFC, so that either the continuum hypothesis or its negation can be added as an axiom to ZFC set theory, with the resulting theory being consistent if and only if ZFC is consistent. This independence was proved in 1963 by Paul Cohen, complementing earlier work by Kurt Gödel in 1940. The name of the hypothesis comes from the term the continuum for the real numbers. Cantor believed the continuum hypothesis to be true and for many years tried in vain to prove it. It became the first on David Hilbert's list of important open questions that was presented at the International Congress of Mathematicians in the year 1900 in Paris. Axiomatic set theory was at that point not yet formulated. Kurt Gödel proved in 1940 that the negation of the continuum hypothesis, i.e., the existence of a set with intermediate cardinality, could not be proved in standard set theory. The second half of the independence of the continuum hypothesis – i.e., unprovability of the nonexistence of an intermediate-sized set – was proved in 1963 by Paul Cohen. Cardinal number Two sets are said to have the same cardinality or cardinal number if there exists a bijection (a one-to-one correspondence) between them.

About this result

This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.

Related publications (3)

Related concepts (73)

Related courses (5)

Related lectures (44)

We present a lattice formulation of an interaction phi/Lambda F (F) over tilde between an axion and some U(1) gauge sector with the following properties: it reproduces the continuum theory up to O(dx(

IOP PUBLISHING LTD2019

Geometric, variational discretization of continuum theories

Mathieu Desbrun

This study derives geometric, variational discretization of continuum theories arising in fluid dynamics, magnetohydrodynamics (MHD), and the dynamics of complex fluids. A central role in these discre

2011

L'espace contre l'architecture

Grégory Azar

This research work analyses Theo van Doesburg's Counter-constructions presented in Paris in 1923 at the "L'Effort Moderne" exhibition. These Counter-constructions stand as icons of the Modern Movement

EPFL2005

Set theory

Set theory is the branch of mathematical logic that studies sets, which can be informally described as collections of objects. Although objects of any kind can be collected into a set, set theory, as a branch of mathematics, is mostly concerned with those that are relevant to mathematics as a whole. The modern study of set theory was initiated by the German mathematicians Richard Dedekind and Georg Cantor in the 1870s. In particular, Georg Cantor is commonly considered the founder of set theory.

Continuum hypothesis

Georg Cantor

Georg Ferdinand Ludwig Philipp Cantor (ˈkæntɔr , ˈɡeːɔʁk ˈfɛʁdinant ˈluːtvɪç ˈfiːlɪp ˈkantɔʁ; – 6 January 1918) was a mathematician. He played a pivotal role in the creation of set theory, which has become a fundamental theory in mathematics. Cantor established the importance of one-to-one correspondence between the members of two sets, defined infinite and well-ordered sets, and proved that the real numbers are more numerous than the natural numbers. Cantor's method of proof of this theorem implies the existence of an infinity of infinities.

MATH-318: Set theory

Set Theory as a foundational system for mathematics. ZF, ZFC and ZF with atoms. Relative consistency of the Axiom of Choice, the Continuum Hypothesis, the reals as a countable union of countable sets,

ME-201: Continuum mechanics

Continuum conservation laws (e.g. mass, momentum and energy) will be introduced. Mathematical tools, including basic algebra and calculus of vectors and Cartesian tensors will be taught. Stress and de

COM-406: Foundations of Data Science

We discuss a set of topics that are important for the understanding of modern data science but that are typically not taught in an introductory ML course. In particular we discuss fundamental ideas an

Introduction to Continuum Mechanics

Covers the basics of continuum mechanics, including vector and tensor analysis, kinematics, and fluid mechanics.

Finite Element Families

Provides an overview of Finite Element families, including solid and shell elements, with specific examples like linear hexahedron finite elements.

Approximations in Engineering: Leading Digits and Dominant Balance

Explores the significance of leading digits and dominant balance in engineering approximations, showcasing historical methods like slide rules and their relevance in solving challenging problems.