Paper 1, Section II, H

Logic and Set Theory
Part II, 2020

[Throughout this question, assume the axiom of choice.]

Let κ,λ\kappa, \lambda and μ\mu be cardinals. Define κ+λ,κλ\kappa+\lambda, \kappa \lambda and κλ\kappa^{\lambda}. What does it mean to say κλ\kappa \leqslant \lambda ? Show that (κλ)μ=κλμ\left(\kappa^{\lambda}\right)^{\mu}=\kappa^{\lambda \mu}. Show also that 2κ>κ2^{\kappa}>\kappa.

Assume now that κ\kappa and λ\lambda are infinite. Show that κκ=κ\kappa \kappa=\kappa. Deduce that κ+λ=κλ=max{κ,λ}\kappa+\lambda=\kappa \lambda=\max \{\kappa, \lambda\}. Which of the following are always true and which can be false? Give proofs or counterexamples as appropriate. (i) κλ=2λ\kappa^{\lambda}=2^{\lambda}; (ii) κλκλ=2λ\kappa \leqslant \lambda \Longrightarrow \kappa^{\lambda}=2^{\lambda}; (iii) κλ=λκ\kappa^{\lambda}=\lambda^{\kappa}.