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35 results · all verified · 19 also independently AI-judged
Every result on this page is machine-checked by a proof checker and read in full and owner-audited; the judge is an additional, independent cross-model AI review of the proofs. The 16 not AI-judged were verified by owner audit (typically over a confirmed judge false positive), not failures.

Measures and Their Basic Properties

1 · Prerequisites

2 · Summary

Sigma-algebras provide the measurable domains, while generated sigma-algebras, pi-systems, lambda-systems and Dynkin's theorem provide the machinery used to prove uniqueness. Set liminf and limsup describe eventual and repeated membership. Together with the Borel sigma-algebra, these prerequisite structures support countable set operations without requiring the underlying set itself to be finite or countable.

Nonnegative extended sums lead to measures, probability measures, nullity, completeness and the finite, sigma-finite and semifinite conditions. Monotonicity and subadditivity yield continuity under monotone set limits, inclusion-exclusion, Borel-Cantelli and the set-limit inequalities. Completion and restriction enlarge or localize a measure, weighted Dirac sums classify atomic cases, semifinite parts separate finite-measure information, and finite uniqueness extends along a pi-system exhaustion.

3 · Logical flowchart

4 · Definitions, theorems and proofs

DefinitionDefinition: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Series in the nonnegative extended real line

Definition

Let a=(ak)kN take values in [0,+]R (The extended real line R=R{,+}, its order, and the arithmetic that is left undefined). Its partial sums are the unique sequence (sn) in [0,+] satisfying

s0=0,sn+1=sn+an.

To apply The recursion theorem with a fixed successor function, use the state space N×[0,+] and the self-map T(n,s)=(n+1,s+an), starting from (0,0). Recursion gives a unique state sequence; induction makes its first coordinate n, and its second coordinates are exactly the unique (sn) satisfying the displayed recurrence. Addition of two nonnegative extended reals is always defined, including when either is +. The sequence (sn) is nondecreasing, and its nonnegative extended sum is

k=0ak:=supnNsn[0,+],

whose existence follows from completeness of the extended real line (Every subset of R has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound in R, agreeing with the real supremum and infimum on nonempty sets bounded in R). More generally, for mN,

kmak:=j=0am+j.

Finite sums use the same recursion: k<nak=sn, so the empty sum at n=0 is 0. A double sum such as ijaij means that the inner nonnegative extended sum is formed first and the resulting nonnegative extended sequence is then summed.

DefinitionDefinition: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Limit superior and limit inferior of a nonnegative extended-real sequence

Definition

Let (an)nN be a sequence in [0,+]R (The extended real line R=R{,+}, its order, and the arithmetic that is left undefined). For each NN, completeness of R (Every subset of R has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound in R, agreeing with the real supremum and infimum on nonempty sets bounded in R) gives the tail bounds

uN:=supkNak,N:=infkNak.

The limit superior and limit inferior of (an) are

lim supnan:=infNNuN,lim infnan:=supNNN.

All four suprema and infima exist in R, including when some terms are +. This definition is therefore distinct from the real-sequence definition: it applies directly to sequences of measure values.

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Tonelli's theorem for double series of nonnegative extended real numbers

Statement

For every double sequence (aij)i,jN in [0,+],

i=0(j=0aij)=supm,nNi<mj<naij=j=0(i=0aij),

where every sum is the nonnegative extended sum of Series in the nonnegative extended real line. Thus the order of summation may be interchanged, even when the common value is +.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A double sequence (aij)i,jN with 0aij+.

[L1]

For a nonnegative extended sequence, the partial sums start at the empty sum 0, increase, and the series is their supremum in [0,+] (Series in the nonnegative extended real line).

[L2]

Every subset of R has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound there, with sup= and inf=+ (Every subset of R has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound in R, agreeing with the real supremum and infimum on nonempty sets bounded in R).

[L3]

A natural-number-indexed finite family of nonempty sets has a choice function in ZF (Every natural-number-indexed list of nonempty sets has a choice function on its family of values).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Put ri,n:=j<naij and Rm,n:=i<mri,n. These finite sums exist for m,nN, R0,n=Rm,0=0, and Rm,n is nondecreasing in each index.

givenL1
1.2

The set {Rm,n:m,nN} is nonempty and bounded above by +, so let S:=supm,nRm,n[0,+].

L2
2.1

For fixed m, supnRm,n=i<msupnri,n: the inequality follows from ri,nsupqri,q; for the reverse inequality, if one of the finitely many row suprema is + then its partial sums make Rm,n unbounded, while if they are all finite, for every ε>0 finite choice selects for each i<m an index ni with ri,ni>supnri,nε/m when m>0; take the largest ni and use monotonicity. The case m=0 is the empty equality 0=0.

step 1.1L1L2L3choose
3.1

Repeating steps 1.1 and 2.1 with the two indices interchanged gives j(iaij)=supnsupmRm,n=S.

step 1.1step 1.2step 2.1L1L2
3.2

By [L1] and step 2.1, i(jaij)=supmi<msupnri,n=supmsupnRm,n=S.

step 1.2step 2.1L1
4.1

Both iterated sums equal the supremum of the finite rectangular sums, so they equal one another; the argument includes zero rows, zero columns, infinite entries, and unbounded finite rectangles without subtraction or an undefined product.

step 3.2step 3.1
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Measures on sigma-algebras

Definition

Let X be a set and let A be a sigma-algebra on X (Sigma-algebras). A measure on (X,A) is a function

μ:A[0,+]R

such that:

  1. μ()=0;
  2. for every pairwise disjoint sequence (Ek)kN in A, μ(kNEk)=k=0μ(Ek), where the right side is the nonnegative extended sum of Series in the nonnegative extended real line.

The second condition is countable additivity. It begins at index 0 and includes the case in which some term or the total sum is +.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Measure spaces

Definition

A measure space is a triple (X,A,μ) in which X is a set, A is a sigma-algebra on X, and μ is a measure on (X,A) (Measures on sigma-algebras). The members of A are the measurable sets of the space.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Finitely additive nonnegative set functions

Definition

Let A be a sigma-algebra on X (Sigma-algebras). A finitely additive nonnegative set function is a function ϕ:A[0,+] such that ϕ()=0 and

ϕ(AB)=ϕ(A)+ϕ(B)

whenever A,BA are disjoint. By induction, the same equality holds for every finite pairwise disjoint family, with the empty union and empty sum both equal to 0. No countable-additivity condition is part of this definition.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Finite, sigma-finite, and semifinite measures

Definition

Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space (Measure spaces).

  • The measure μ is finite if μ(X)<+.
  • It is sigma-finite if there is a sequence (En)nN in A such that X=nEn and μ(En)<+ for every n.
  • It is semifinite if, whenever EA and μ(E)>0, there is FA with FE and 0<μ(F)<+.

The last condition is automatic when 0<μ(E)<+, by taking F=E; its substantive case is μ(E)=+.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Probability measures and probability spaces

Definition

A probability measure on a measurable space (X,A) is a measure P with P(X)=1 (Measures on sigma-algebras). The triple (X,A,P) is a probability space (Measure spaces); X is its sample space and the members of A are its events.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Measure-null sets and almost-everywhere statements relative to a measure

Definition

In a measure space (X,A,μ) (Measure spaces), a measurable set NA is μ-null if μ(N)=0.

A property P(x) holds μ-almost everywhere, or for μ-almost every x, if its exceptional set is contained in a measurable μ-null set: there is NA with μ(N)=0 such that P(x) holds for every xXN. Both notions are relative to the named measure μ.

DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Complete measure spaces

Definition

A measure space (X,A,μ) is complete if every subset of every measurable μ-null set is measurable: whenever NA, μ(N)=0, and SN, one has SA (Measure-null sets and almost-everywhere statements relative to a measure).

PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Measures are monotone

Statement

Let μ be a measure on (X,A). If A,BA and AB, then μ(A)μ(B).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ on (X,A) and measurable sets AB.

[L1]

A measure is nonnegative and countably additive on pairwise disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

The sets A and BA are measurable, disjoint, and have union B.

given
2.1

Countable additivity applied to these two sets and empty sets thereafter gives μ(B)=μ(A)+μ(BA)μ(A); no subtraction is used, so the argument also covers μ(B)=+ and the degenerate cases A= and A=B.

step 1.1L1algebra
PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Measure of a set difference when the smaller set has finite measure

Statement

Let μ be a measure and let AB be measurable with μ(A)<+. Then

μ(B)=μ(A)+μ(BA).

If μ(B)<+, all terms are real and hence μ(BA)=μ(B)μ(A). If μ(B)=+, then μ(BA)=+.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Measurable sets AB for a measure μ, with μ(A)<+.

[L1]

A measure is countably additive on pairwise disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L2]

If CD are measurable, then μ(C)μ(D) (Measures are monotone).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

The disjoint measurable sets A and BA have union B, so μ(B)=μ(A)+μ(BA).

givenL1
2.1

If μ(B)<+, monotonicity makes both summands in step 1.1 finite, and cancellation in R gives μ(BA)=μ(B)μ(A).

givenstep 1.1L2algebra
3.1

If μ(B)=+, then μ(BA) cannot be finite, because its sum with the finite number μ(A) would be finite; hence it is +. Together with steps 1.1 and 2.1 this proves every asserted case, including A= and A=B.

givenstep 1.1step 2.1algebra
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Finite and countable subadditivity of measures

Statement

Let μ be a measure and let (Ek)kN be measurable. Then

μ(kNEk)k=0μ(Ek).

For every mN one also has

μ(k<mEk)k<mμ(Ek),

including m=0, where both sides are 0.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ and a sequence (Ek) of measurable sets.

[L1]

A measure is countably additive on pairwise disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L2]

If AB are measurable, then μ(A)μ(B) (Measures are monotone).

[L3]

A nonnegative extended series is the supremum of its finite partial sums, beginning with the empty sum 0 (Series in the nonnegative extended real line).

[L4]

Every nonempty subset of N has a least element (The well-ordering principle).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Define Fk:=Ekj<kEj. Then every Fk is measurable, the Fk are pairwise disjoint, and FkEk.

given
1.2

The unions of the two sequences agree: if xkEk, then the nonempty set {k:xEk} has a least member r, and the definition gives xFr; the reverse inclusion follows from FkEk.

givenL4
2.1

Countable additivity, monotonicity, and the definition of a nonnegative series give μ(kEk)=kμ(Fk)kμ(Ek).

step 1.1step 1.2L1L2L3
3.1

For mN, apply step 2.1 to the sequence E0,,Em1,,,; its union and sum are the displayed finite union and finite sum, and when m=0 they are both empty and equal to 0.

step 2.1L1L3
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Continuity from below for measures

Statement

Let (En)nN be an increasing sequence of measurable sets for a measure μ, so EnEn+1. Then

μ(nNEn)=supnNμ(En).

No finiteness hypothesis is required.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ and measurable sets E0E1; write E=nEn.

[L1]

A measure is countably additive on pairwise disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L2]

If AB are measurable and μ(A)<+, then μ(B)=μ(A)+μ(BA), with the corresponding finite and infinite cases stated explicitly (Measure of a set difference when the smaller set has finite measure).

[L3]

A nonnegative extended series is the supremum of its finite partial sums (Series in the nonnegative extended real line).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Define D0:=E0 and Dk+1:=Ek+1Ek. The sets Dk are measurable and pairwise disjoint, En=k<n+1Dk, and E=kDk.

given
2.1

Countable additivity gives μ(E)=kμ(Dk).

step 1.1L1
2.2

If μ(En)=+ for some n, then μ(E)=+ by step 1.1 and [L1], while supkμ(Ek)=+ because that value occurs.

step 1.1L1L4
2.3

If every μ(En) is finite, then [L2] gives μ(D0)=μ(E0) and μ(Dk+1)=μ(Ek+1)μ(Ek); hence the first n+1 terms telescope to μ(En).

step 1.1L2algebra
3.1

In the finite-valued case, [L3], steps 2.1 and 2.3 give μ(E)=supnμ(En); step 2.2 gives the same equality in the remaining case, including E0= and a sequence that stabilizes.

step 2.1step 2.2step 2.3L3
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Continuity from above when one set has finite measure

Statement

Let (En)nN be a decreasing sequence of measurable sets for a measure μ. If μ(En0)<+ for some n0, then

μ(nNEn)=infnNμ(En).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Measurable sets E0E1, an index n0 with μ(En0)<+, and E=nEn.

[L1]

For increasing measurable An, μ(nAn)=supnμ(An) (Continuity from below for measures).

[L2]

If AB and μ(A)<+, then μ(B)=μ(A)+μ(BA), with real subtraction valid when μ(B)<+ (Measure of a set difference when the smaller set has finite measure).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

For kN put Hk:=En0En0+k. Then (Hk) increases and kHk=En0E.

given
1.2

Every En0+k and E has finite measure by inclusion in En0, and [L2] gives μ(Hk)=μ(En0)μ(En0+k) and μ(En0E)=μ(En0)μ(E).

givenL2
2.1

Apply continuity from below to (Hk) and substitute step 1.2: taking the supremum of the left differences is the same as subtracting the infimum of the decreasing finite values, so cancellation of the finite number μ(En0) yields μ(E)=infkμ(En0+k).

step 1.1step 1.2L1L3algebra
3.1

A decreasing sequence has the same infimum as any of its tails, so step 2.1 gives μ(E)=infnμ(En); this includes E=, μ(E)=0, and a sequence that is constant from n0 onward.

step 2.1L3
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Counting measure on an arbitrary set

Definition

Let X be a set. The counting set function on P(X) is

#X(E):={E,E is finite,+,E is infinite,

where finite means equinumerous with a natural number (Finite, countably infinite, countable, uncountable) and + belongs to the extended real line (The extended real line R=R{,+}, its order, and the arithmetic that is left undefined). The two branches are exhaustive and disjoint. The fact that this set function is a measure, and hence deserves the name counting measure, is proved in Counting measure is a measure .

PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Counting measure is a measure

Statement

For every set X, the counting set function #X of Counting measure on an arbitrary set is a measure on (X,P(X)).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A set X and a pairwise disjoint sequence (Ek) of subsets of X.

[L1]

Counting measure assigns a finite set its finite cardinality and an infinite set the value + (Counting measure on an arbitrary set).

[L2]

A measure must vanish at the empty set and be countably additive on pairwise disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L3]

A nonnegative extended series is the supremum of its finite partial sums (Series in the nonnegative extended real line).

[L4]

A set is finite when it is equinumerous with a natural number, and otherwise it may be countably infinite or uncountable (Finite, countably infinite, countable, uncountable).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

One has #X()=0. For every n, disjointness gives #X(k<nEk)=k<n#X(Ek) whenever all those sets are finite.

givenL1
1.2

If some Er is infinite, then kEk is infinite and both #X(kEk) and k#X(Ek) are +.

givenL1L3
2.1

Suppose every Ek is finite. If E:=kEk is finite, only finitely many pairwise disjoint Ek can be nonempty, and step 1.1 gives #X(E)=k#X(Ek).

givenstep 1.1L1L3L4
2.2

Suppose every Ek is finite but E is infinite. For every mN, the set E contains more than m distinct points; the finitely many indices of the Ek containing those points have a strict upper bound n (take one more than their maximum), so step 1.1 gives k<n#X(Ek)>m. Hence the partial sums are unbounded and their supremum is +=#X(E).

givenstep 1.1L1L3L4
3.1

Steps 1.2, 2.1 and 2.2 cover all possibilities for the union, so countable additivity holds; with #X()=0 from step 1.1, [L2] proves that #X is a measure.

step 1.1step 1.2step 2.1step 2.2L2
PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The two-set measure identity μ(AB)+μ(AB)=μ(A)+μ(B)

Statement

For measurable sets A and B in a measure space,

μ(AB)+μ(AB)=μ(A)+μ(B).

The equality is valid in [0,+], including when one or both sides equal +.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ and measurable sets A,B.

[L1]

A measure is additive on every finite pairwise disjoint measurable family (Measures on sigma-algebras).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Put C=AB, D=AB, and F=BA. These sets are measurable and pairwise disjoint, with A=CD, B=DF, and AB=CDF.

given
2.1

Finite additivity gives μ(A)=μ(C)+μ(D), μ(B)=μ(D)+μ(F), and μ(AB)=μ(C)+μ(D)+μ(F).

step 1.1L1
3.1

Adding μ(D)=μ(AB) to the last equality and regrouping nonnegative extended sums gives the displayed identity; no subtraction occurs, so infinite values and the cases A=, B=, or A=B are included.

step 2.1algebra
TheoremStatement: AI-adaptedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Inclusion-exclusion for a nonempty finite family of finite-measure sets

Statement

Let m1 be natural and let A0,,Am1 be measurable sets of finite measure. Then

μ(i<mAi)=J{0,,m1}(1)J+1μ(jJAj).

The finite sum on the right uses the following recursive order. For a one-index family it lists {0}. To pass from the order for the nonempty subsets of {0,,m1} to the order for those of {0,,m}, retain the existing list, then append {m}, and then append the sets J{m} for nonempty J{0,,m1} in that existing order. Thus the displayed formula for a family of size m uses only subsets of {0,,m1}. This convention fixes the sum without invoking an unproved permutation rule.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A nonempty finite list A0,,Am1 of measurable sets, each of finite measure.

[L1]

For measurable A,B, μ(AB)+μ(AB)=μ(A)+μ(B) (The two-set measure identity μ(AB)+μ(AB)=μ(A)+μ(B)).

[L2]

The measure of a finite union is at most the sum of the member measures (Finite and countable subadditivity of measures).

[L3]

Finite sums start with the empty sum and satisfy additivity, splitting, and telescoping laws (Finite sums and finite products, by recursion, Laws of finite sums and finite products).

[L4]

Natural powers satisfy a0=1 and an+1=ana (Integer powers am).

[L5]

A property true at 0 and inherited by successors holds for every natural number (The principle of mathematical induction).

Proof

technique · induction
1.1

Let P(r) be the displayed inclusion-exclusion formula for a list of r+1 finite-measure measurable sets. It suffices to prove P(r) for every rN.

givenL5
1.2

For r=0, both sides of P(0) are μ(A0), since the only nonempty subset of {0} is {0} and (1)2=1.

baseL3L4
1.3

Fix r and assume P(r) for every list of r+1 such sets.

ih
2.1

Put U=i<r+1Ai. By [L2], μ(U)<+, and [L1] applied to U and Ar+1 gives μ(UAr+1)=μ(U)+μ(Ar+1)μ(UAr+1) in R.

givenstep 1.3L1L2algebra
2.2

The induction hypothesis expands μ(U) over the nonempty subsets of {0,,r} and expands μ(UAr+1)=μ(i<r+1(AiAr+1)) over the same subsets; all intersections remain finite-measure.

givenstep 1.3L2L3
3.1

In step 2.1, the terms from μ(U) are indexed by nonempty subsets not containing r+1, the term μ(Ar+1) is indexed by {r+1}, and the negated terms from step 2.2 are indexed in the stated recursive order by the sets J{r+1} and acquire the sign (1)J+2=(1)J{r+1}+1. Finite-sum splitting therefore gives P(r+1).

step 2.1step 2.2L3L4
4.1

By induction, P(r) holds for every r, hence the stated formula holds for every nonempty finite family; the one-set boundary is step 1.2, and finiteness was used exactly in step 2.1 to permit subtraction.

step 1.1step 1.2step 2.1step 3.1L5discharge-induction
PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Sets whose symmetric difference is null have the same measure

Statement

If A and B are measurable and μ(AB)=0, where AB=(AB)(BA), then μ(A)=μ(B).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Measurable sets A,B with μ(AB)=0.

[L1]

Measures are monotone: CD implies μ(C)μ(D) (Measures are monotone).

[L2]

For measurable C,D, μ(CD)+μ(CD)=μ(C)+μ(D) (The two-set measure identity μ(AB)+μ(AB)=μ(A)+μ(B)).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Monotonicity gives μ(AB)=μ(BA)=0, since both sets lie in AB.

givenL1
2.1

Applying the two-set identity to AB and AB, which are disjoint and have union A, gives μ(A)=μ(AB)+0; the same argument gives μ(B)=μ(AB)+0.

step 1.1L2
3.1

Hence μ(A)=μ(B), including when the common value μ(AB) is +.

step 2.1
TheoremStatement: AI-adaptedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Countable additivity and continuity of finitely additive set functions

Statement

Let ϕ:A[0,+] be a finitely additive nonnegative set function on a sigma-algebra. The following are equivalent:

  1. ϕ is countably additive, and hence is a measure;
  2. whenever EnE, one has ϕ(E)=supnϕ(En).

If in addition ϕ(X)<+, these conditions are also equivalent to:

  1. whenever En, one has infnϕ(En)=0.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A finitely additive nonnegative set function ϕ on a sigma-algebra A over X.

[L1]

Finite additivity means ϕ()=0 and ϕ(AB)=ϕ(A)+ϕ(B) for disjoint measurable A,B (Finitely additive nonnegative set functions).

[L2]

Countable additivity together with the empty-set condition is exactly the definition of a measure (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L3]

A nonnegative extended series is the supremum of its finite partial sums (Series in the nonnegative extended real line).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

For the implication from countable additivity to continuity from below, let EnE and define D0=E0, Dn+1=En+1En; the Dn are disjoint, their union is E, and their first n+1 terms have union En.

given
1.2

For the implication from continuity from below to countable additivity, let (An) be disjoint and put Bn=k<nAk; then BnkAk and finite additivity gives ϕ(Bn)=k<nϕ(Ak).

givenL1
1.3

For the finite-total-mass implications, assume ϕ(X)<+; then every value of ϕ is finite by finite additivity and nonnegativity.

givenL1
2.1

Under countable additivity, [L2] and the decomposition in step 1.1 give ϕ(E)=nϕ(Dn)=supnϕ(En), proving condition 1 implies condition 2.

step 1.1L2L3
2.2

Under condition 2, step 1.2 and [L3] give ϕ(nAn)=supnϕ(Bn)=nϕ(An), proving condition 2 implies condition 1.

step 1.2L3
2.3

For condition 2 implies condition 3 under finite total mass, if En then XEnX; finite additivity and condition 2 give ϕ(X)infnϕ(En)=supnϕ(XEn)=ϕ(X), hence the infimum is 0.

step 1.3L1algebra
2.4

For condition 3 implies condition 2 under finite total mass, if EnE then EEn; finite additivity and condition 3 give ϕ(E)supnϕ(En)=infnϕ(EEn)=0.

step 1.3L1algebra
3.1

Steps 2.1 and 2.2 prove the first equivalence, while steps 2.3 and 2.4 separately prove both directions involving condition 3 under the stated finite-total-mass hypothesis.

step 2.1step 2.2step 2.3step 2.4
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The first Borel-Cantelli lemma for measures

Statement

Let (Ek)kN be measurable sets in a measure space. If the nonnegative extended sum satisfies

k=0μ(Ek)<+,

then

μ(lim supkEk)=0.

No independence hypothesis and no finiteness hypothesis on the whole space are required.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Measurable sets (Ek) with S:=kμ(Ek)<+.

[L1]

Measures are monotone (Measures are monotone) and countably subadditive (Finite and countable subadditivity of measures).

[L2]

The set limsup is NkNEk (Limit superior and limit inferior of a sequence of sets).

[L3]

A nonnegative extended sum is the supremum of its partial sums (Series in the nonnegative extended real line), while a convergent real series is the limit of its real partial sums (Series, partial sums, convergence and the sum, divergence, and the tail series).

[L4]

A convergent real series and each of its tails converge, with total sum equal to the initial partial sum plus the tail sum (A series converges iff each of its tail series converges, and the sum splits as sN plus the N-th tail).

[L5]

Limits of real sequences respect addition and subtraction (Algebra of limits: sums, scalar multiples, products and quotients).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Since S is finite, every μ(Ek) and every partial sum sn is real. The sn increase and have supremum S; given ε>0, the defining property of the supremum supplies N with Sε<sNS, and then Sε<snS for every nN. Thus the real series kμ(Ek) converges to S, and its tail sums TN:=kNμ(Ek) are real.

givenL3
1.2

For every N, [L2] gives lim supkEkkNEk, so monotonicity and subadditivity give μ(lim supkEk)TN.

givenL1L2
2.1

If sN=k<Nμ(Ek), then TN=SsN by tail invariance, and sNS; hence TN0 by the algebra of limits.

step 1.1L4L5
3.1

The nonnegative number μ(lim supkEk) is at most every TN by step 1.2, while step 2.1 makes those tails arbitrarily small; therefore it is 0.

step 1.2step 2.1
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The measure of a set liminf is at most the liminf of the measures

Statement

For every sequence (Ek) of measurable sets,

μ(lim infkEk)lim infkμ(Ek),

where the numerical liminf is taken in [0,+] as in Limit superior and limit inferior of a nonnegative extended-real sequence.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ and a sequence (Ek) of measurable sets.

[L1]

For increasing measurable sets, the measure of the union is the supremum of their measures (Continuity from below for measures).

[L2]

Measures are monotone under inclusion (Measures are monotone).

[L3]

The set liminf is NkNEk (Limit superior and limit inferior of a sequence of sets).

[L4]

For a nonnegative extended sequence (ak), lim infkak=supNinfkNak (Limit superior and limit inferior of a nonnegative extended-real sequence), and all these bounds exist (Every subset of R has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound in R, agreeing with the real supremum and infimum on nonempty sets bounded in R).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Put FN:=kNEk. Then FNFN+1 and NFN=lim infkEk.

givenL3
1.2

For every N and every kN, FNEk, so μ(FN)μ(Ek) and hence μ(FN)infkNμ(Ek).

givenL2L4
2.1

Continuity from below and step 1.2 give μ(lim infkEk)=supNμ(FN)supNinfkNμ(Ek)=lim infkμ(Ek).

step 1.1step 1.2L1L4
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The limsup of the measures is at most the measure of the set limsup under a finite-union bound

Statement

Let (Ek) be measurable and suppose μ(kEk)<+. Then

lim supkμ(Ek)μ(lim supkEk),

where the numerical limsup is taken in [0,+].

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ, measurable sets (Ek), and μ(kEk)<+.

[L1]

For decreasing measurable sets, if one has finite measure, the measure of their intersection is the infimum of their measures (Continuity from above when one set has finite measure).

[L2]

Measures are monotone under inclusion (Measures are monotone).

[L3]

The set limsup is NkNEk (Limit superior and limit inferior of a sequence of sets).

[L4]

For a nonnegative extended sequence (ak), lim supkak=infNsupkNak (Limit superior and limit inferior of a nonnegative extended-real sequence), and all these bounds exist (Every subset of R has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound in R, agreeing with the real supremum and infimum on nonempty sets bounded in R).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Put GN:=kNEk. Then GN+1GN, NGN=lim supkEk, and G0=kEk has finite measure.

givenL3
1.2

For every N and kN, EkGN, so μ(Ek)μ(GN) and hence supkNμ(Ek)μ(GN).

givenL2L4
2.1

Continuity from above and step 1.2 give lim supkμ(Ek)=infNsupkNμ(Ek)infNμ(GN)=μ(lim supkEk).

step 1.1step 1.2L1L4
CorollaryStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Measures converge for a convergent sequence of sets contained in one finite-measure set

Statement

Let (En) and E be measurable sets. Suppose there is measurable D with μ(D)<+ and EnD for every n, and suppose membership converges pointwise to membership in E: for every x there is N such that, for all nN, one has xEn if and only if xE. Then

lim infnμ(En)=lim supnμ(En)=μ(E).

In particular the real sequence μ(En) converges to μ(E).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Measurable En,E,D with EnD, μ(D)<+, and pointwise convergence of memberships to E.

[L1]

For a sequence of sets, eventual membership characterizes the set liminf and repeated membership characterizes the set limsup (Set liminf means eventual membership, set limsup means repeated membership, and liminf is contained in limsup).

[L2]

One has μ(lim infEn)lim infμ(En) (The measure of a set liminf is at most the liminf of the measures).

[L3]

If the union has finite measure, then lim supμ(En)μ(lim supEn) (The limsup of the measures is at most the measure of the set limsup under a finite-union bound).

[L4]

The numerical liminf and limsup are the supremum of tail infima and the infimum of tail suprema, respectively (Limit superior and limit inferior of a nonnegative extended-real sequence).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

The membership hypothesis and [L1] give lim infnEn=E=lim supnEn.

givenL1
1.2

Since every EnD, their union is contained in D and has finite measure. Moreover ED: every xE belongs to En for all sufficiently large n, and hence belongs to D.

given
2.1

Apply [L2] and [L3] using steps 1.1 and 1.2 to obtain μ(E)lim infnμ(En)lim supnμ(En)μ(E).

step 1.1step 1.2L2L3L4
3.1

All quantities in step 2.1 are therefore equal; they are finite because ED, so the usual squeeze criterion gives real convergence to μ(E).

step 1.2step 2.1
PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Null sets are closed under countable unions and, in a complete space, under arbitrary subsets

Statement

In every measure space, a countable union of measurable null sets is measurable and null, and every measurable subset of a null set is null. If the measure space is complete, every subset of a measurable null set is measurable and null. Thus the null sets of a complete measure space form a sigma-ideal.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure space (X,A,μ).

[L1]

Countable subadditivity bounds the measure of a countable union by the sum of the member measures (Finite and countable subadditivity of measures).

[L2]

Measures are monotone under inclusion (Measures are monotone).

[L3]

A complete measure space contains every subset of every measurable null set in its sigma-algebra (Complete measure spaces).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

If NkA and μ(Nk)=0 for every k, then kNk is measurable and [L1] gives 0μ(kNk)k0=0.

givenL1
1.2

If SA and SN for a measurable null set N, then 0μ(S)μ(N)=0.

givenL2
2.1

If the space is complete and SN for a measurable null set N, then [L3] first makes S measurable and step 1.2 makes it null.

step 1.2L3
3.1

Step 1.1 gives closure under countable unions, and step 2.1 gives closure under arbitrary subsets in a complete space, including the empty union and the empty subset.

step 1.1step 2.1
DefinitionDefinition: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The completion domain and proposed completed set function of a measure space

Definition

Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space. Its completion domain is

A:={EX:E=AN for some A,ZA and NZ with μ(Z)=0}.

For a displayed representation E=AN, define the proposed completed set function by

μ(E):=μ(A).

The value must not depend on the representation. That obligation is discharged by The completed measure is independent of the representing measurable set , and Assuming countable choice, the completion domain is a sigma-algebra proves, under the Axiom of Countable Choice (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)), that A is a sigma-algebra. Thus the definite phrases completion sigma-algebra and completed measure are used only with those two results in force. Under the same choice hypothesis, Assuming countable choice, every measure space has a unique complete extension to its completion proves that μ is the unique complete extension on this domain.

LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Assuming countable choice, the completion domain is a sigma-algebra

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice. For every measure space (X,A,μ), the completion domain A of The completion domain and proposed completed set function of a measure space is a sigma-algebra on X containing A.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure space (X,A,μ) and the Axiom of Countable Choice.

[L1]

The completion domain consists of the sets AN with A,ZA, NZ, and μ(Z)=0 (The completion domain and proposed completed set function of a measure space).

[L2]

A sigma-algebra contains the empty set, is closed under relative complements, and is closed under countable unions (Sigma-algebras).

[L3]

A countable union of measurable null sets is measurable and null (Null sets are closed under countable unions and, in a complete space, under arbitrary subsets).

[L4]

Countable choice selects one member from every nonempty natural-number-indexed family (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Every AA belongs to A by taking N=Z=; in particular ,XA.

givenL1L2
1.2

If E=AN with NZ, μ(Z)=0, replace N by NA without changing E. Then A and N are disjoint, and Ec=(AcZ)((AcZ)N), whose first part is measurable and whose second lies in the measurable null set Z; hence EcA.

givenL1L2
1.3

Let (Ek) be a sequence in A. For each k, the family of triples (A,N,Z) witnessing [L1] is nonempty, so [L4] selects Ek=AkNk with NkZk and μ(Zk)=0.

givenL1L4choose
2.1

Put A=kAk and Z=kZk. Then A,ZA, μ(Z)=0 by [L3], and (kEk)AZ, so kEkA.

step 1.3L2L3
3.1

Step 1.1 gives the empty set and containment of A, step 1.2 gives complements, and step 2.1 gives countable unions; therefore A is a sigma-algebra.

step 1.1step 1.2step 2.1L2
LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The completed measure is independent of the representing measurable set

Statement

If E=AN=BM are two representations in the completion domain, with NZ, MW, and Z,W measurable null sets, then μ(A)=μ(B). Consequently μ(E):=μ(A) is well defined.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Representations E=AN=BM as in the Statement.

[L1]

A completed set is represented by a measurable core together with a subset of a measurable null set (The completion domain and proposed completed set function of a measure space).

[L2]

Measurable sets whose symmetric difference is null have equal measure, including at + (Sets whose symmetric difference is null have the same measure).

[L3]

In every measure space, a countable union of measurable null sets is measurable and null, and every measurable subset of a null set is null (Null sets are closed under countable unions and, in a complete space, under arbitrary subsets).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

If xAB, then xE=BM forces xMW; similarly BAZ. Hence ABZW.

givenL1
1.2

The measurable set ZW is null, and the measurable subset AB is therefore null.

givenL3
2.1

By [L2], μ(A)=μ(B); this also covers empty null envelopes and the case in which the common value is +, so the proposed value μ(E) is independent of every representation.

step 1.1step 1.2L2
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Assuming countable choice, every measure space has a unique complete extension to its completion

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice. Let (X,A,μ) be a measure space, and let (X,A,μ) be its completion construction. Then μ is a complete measure on A extending μ. It is the unique complete measure on A that extends μ.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure space (X,A,μ) and the Axiom of Countable Choice.

[L1]

The completion domain is a sigma-algebra containing A (Assuming countable choice, the completion domain is a sigma-algebra).

[L2]

The value μ(E)=μ(A) is independent of the measurable core in a completed representation (The completed measure is independent of the representing measurable set).

[L3]

Countable unions of measurable null sets are null, and completeness makes all their subsets measurable and null (Null sets are closed under countable unions and, in a complete space, under arbitrary subsets).

[L4]

A measure vanishes at the empty set and is countably additive on disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L5]

Countable choice selects witnesses from each nonempty natural-number-indexed family (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

[L6]

Every member of the completion domain has a representation E=AN with A measurable and N contained in a measurable null set, and the proposed completed value is μ(A) (The completion domain and proposed completed set function of a measure space).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

By [L1] and [L2], μ is a function on the sigma-algebra A, and μ(A)=μ(A) for AA by the representation A=A; in particular μ()=0.

givenL1L2L4
1.2

Let (Ek) be disjoint in A. By [L6] each family of completed representations is nonempty, so [L5] chooses Ek=AkNk with measurable AkEk and Nk contained in a measurable null set Zk. Then the Ak are disjoint, kEk=(kAk)N with NkZk, and kZk is null by [L3].

givenL3L5L6choose
1.3

If EA and μ(E)=0, choose a representation E=AN from [L6] with NZ null. Then AZ is measurable and null, and every SE is represented by the empty measurable core plus the sub-null set SAZ.

givenL2L3L6
1.4

Let λ be any complete measure on A extending μ. For a representation E=AN from [L6], with NZ and μ(Z)=0, one has λ(Z)=0 and completeness gives λ(N)=0. Replacing N by NA makes the union disjoint without changing E, so finite additivity gives λ(E)=λ(A)=μ(A)=μ(E).

givenL2L3L4L6
2.1

Countable additivity of μ applied to the measurable cores in step 1.2 gives μ(kEk)=μ(kAk)=kμ(Ak)=kμ(Ek); with step 1.1, this proves that μ is a measure.

step 1.1step 1.2L2L4
2.2

Step 1.3 shows that every subset of every μ-null set belongs to A and has value 0, so the completed measure space is complete.

step 1.3L2L3
3.1

Steps 2.1, 2.2 and 1.4 prove respectively that μ is an extending measure, is complete, and is the unique complete extension on A.

step 2.1step 2.2step 1.4
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Restriction of a measure to a measurable set

Definition

Let μ be a measure on (X,A) and fix a measurable set EA. The restriction of μ to E on the original sigma-algebra is the set function

μE:A[0,+],μE(A):=μ(AE).

This is the same-ambient convention: the domain remains A, rather than becoming the trace sigma-algebra on E. The fact that μE is a measure is The restriction of a measure to a measurable set is a measure .

PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The restriction of a measure to a measurable set is a measure

Statement

If μ is a measure on (X,A) and EA, then μE(A)=μ(AE) is a measure on (X,A).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ on (X,A) and a measurable set E.

[L1]

The restricted set function is μE(A)=μ(AE) on the original sigma-algebra (Restriction of a measure to a measurable set).

[L2]

A measure vanishes at the empty set and is countably additive on disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

One has μE()=μ(E)=0.

givenL1L2
1.2

If (Ak) is pairwise disjoint in A, then (AkE) is pairwise disjoint and k(AkE)=(kAk)E.

given
2.1

Countable additivity of μ applied to step 1.2 gives μE(kAk)=kμ(AkE)=kμE(Ak); together with step 1.1 this proves that μE is a measure, including E= and E=X.

step 1.1step 1.2L1L2
DefinitionDefinition: Literature-sourcedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The Dirac set function at a point

Definition

Let A be a sigma-algebra on a nonempty set X (Sigma-algebras) and fix x0X. The Dirac set function at x0 is

δx0(E):={1,x0E,0,x0E,EA.

The two branches are exhaustive and disjoint. The fact that this set function is a probability measure is proved in A Dirac set function is a probability measure .

PropositionStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

A Dirac set function is a probability measure

Statement

For x0X, the Dirac set function δx0 is a probability measure on every sigma-algebra on X.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A sigma-algebra A on a nonempty set X and a point x0X.

[L1]

The Dirac set function has value 1 exactly on the measurable sets containing x0, and value 0 otherwise (The Dirac set function at a point).

[L2]

A probability measure is a measure whose value on the whole space is 1 (Probability measures and probability spaces).

[L3]

A nonnegative extended series is the supremum of its finite partial sums, with the empty sum equal to 0 (Series in the nonnegative extended real line).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

One has δx0()=0 and δx0(X)=1.

givenL1
1.2

If (Ek) is pairwise disjoint, then x0 belongs to at most one Ek. If it belongs to none, both δx0(kEk) and kδx0(Ek) are 0; if it belongs to the unique Er, both are 1.

givenL1L3
2.1

Step 1.2 proves countable additivity and step 1.1 gives the empty-set and total-mass conditions, so δx0 is a probability measure.

step 1.1step 1.2L2
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Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures

Definition

Let μ be a measure and let c[0,+]. Define the scalar set function cμ by three disjoint branches:

(cμ)(E):={0,c=0,cμ(E),0<c<+,0,c=+ and μ(E)=0,+,c=+ and μ(E)>0.

Thus neither the zero branch nor the infinite branch forms the undefined extended-real product 0(+).

For measures (μk)kN on the same measurable space and weights ck[0,+], their countable weighted sum is the pointwise set function

(k=0ckμk)(E):=k=0(ckμk)(E),

using Series in the nonnegative extended real line. Finite weighted sums are defined by the corresponding finite partial sum, with the empty weighted sum the zero set function. The fact that all these set functions are measures is Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures are measures .

TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures are measures

Statement

Let (μk) be measures on one measurable space and let ck[0,+]. Each scalar multiple ckμk, defined by the zero, finite-positive, and positive-infinity branches of Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures, is a measure. Every finite or countable weighted sum kckμk is also a measure.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Measures (μk) on (X,A) and coefficients ck[0,+].

[L1]

Scalar multiplication has separate c=0, 0<c<+, and c=+ branches, and weighted sums are pointwise nonnegative extended sums (Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures).

[L2]

For a nonnegative extended double sequence, the two iterated sums are equal (Tonelli's theorem for double series of nonnegative extended real numbers).

[L3]

A measure vanishes at the empty set and is countably additive on disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

For c=0, the set function cμ is the zero measure.

givenL1L3
1.2

For 0<c<+, (cμ)()=0; for disjoint (Ej), multiplying the finite partial-sum identities by c and taking their supremum gives cμ(jEj)=jcμ(Ej), whether the common value is finite or +.

givenL1L3algebra
1.3

For c=+, a disjoint union has μ-measure zero exactly when every member has μ-measure zero: this follows directly from countable additivity and nonnegativity. Hence the infinite branch takes value 0 on the union exactly when every term value is 0, and otherwise both it and the series of term values are +; this branch is a measure without forming 0(+).

givenL1L3
2.1

Steps 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 prove that every scalar multiple ckμk is a measure for all possible coefficients.

step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3
3.1

Put ν(E)=k(ckμk)(E). Then ν()=0.

givenL1step 2.1
3.2

If (Ej) is disjoint, then step 2.1 and Tonelli give ν(jEj)=kj(ckμk)(Ej)=jk(ckμk)(Ej)=jν(Ej).

step 2.1L1L2L3
4.1

Steps 3.1 and 3.2 prove that the countable weighted sum is a measure; the same proof for a finite index range, or zero coefficients thereafter, gives every finite weighted sum, including the empty zero measure.

step 3.1step 3.2L3
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

A measure on a finite sigma-algebra is a finite weighted sum over its atoms

Statement

Let A be a finite sigma-algebra on X. Its atoms are the nonempty measurable sets containing no proper nonempty measurable subset. The atoms form a finite partition of X, every measurable set is the union of the atoms it contains, and every measure μ on (X,A) has the representation

μ=C an atomμ(C)δxC,

where xCC is chosen once for each atom and scalar multiplication uses the explicit infinite-coefficient branch. If X=, there are no atoms and the representation is the empty weighted sum.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A finite sigma-algebra A on X and a measure μ on it.

[L1]

A measure is finitely additive on disjoint measurable families (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L2]

A Dirac measure at x has value 1 exactly on sets containing x (The Dirac set function at a point, A Dirac set function is a probability measure).

[L3]

A coefficient + times a measure is 0 on its null sets and + elsewhere; finite and empty weighted sums are defined pointwise (Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures, Series in the nonnegative extended real line, Finite sums and finite products, by recursion).

[L4]

A finite set is equinumerous with some natural number (Finite, countably infinite, countable, uncountable), and a natural-number-indexed finite family of nonempty sets has a choice function in ZF (Every natural-number-indexed list of nonempty sets has a choice function on its family of values).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

For xX define Cx:={AA:xA}. The intersected family is nonempty because it contains X, and it is finite, so CxA and xCx.

given
1.2

Enumerate the finite family of atoms by a natural number. Applying finite choice to that enumeration selects one representative xCC for every atom; when X=, the family and the choice function are empty.

givenL4choose
2.1

If yCx, then x and y belong to exactly the same members of A: otherwise the complement of a measurable set separating them would contradict yCx. Hence Cy=Cx, while yCx gives CyCx=; the distinct Cx form a finite measurable partition of X.

step 1.1
3.1

Every Cx is an atom, and if AA and xA, then CxA by definition; conversely, if C is an atom and xC, then the nonempty measurable set CxC forces Cx=C. Consequently every atom is one of the partition blocks and every measurable A is the disjoint union of the atoms it contains.

step 1.1step 2.1
4.1

For measurable A, finite additivity and step 3.1 give μ(A)=CAμ(C).

step 3.1L1L3
4.2

For each atom C, the term μ(C)δxC(A) equals μ(C) when CA and 0 otherwise; this remains true when μ(C)=+ because [L3] uses the null/non-null infinite branch.

step 3.1step 1.2L2L3
5.1

Summing step 4.2 over the atoms and comparing with step 4.1 proves the representation. For X= both sides are the zero measure and the sum is empty.

step 4.1step 4.2L3
TheoremStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Every measure on a countable discrete space is its weighted sum of Dirac measures

Statement

Let X be at most countable and equip it with P(X). Every measure μ on this discrete measurable space is determined by the weights wx:=μ({x}) and satisfies

μ(E)=xEwx,μ=xXwxδx.

For finite X this is a finite sum over a bijective finite listing; for countably infinite X it is a series over a bijection NX. No point is repeated. Each coefficient, including +, is uniquely forced by μ.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: An at most countable set X and a measure μ on (X,P(X)).

[L1]

An at most countable set is finite or is in bijection with N (Finite, countably infinite, countable, uncountable).

[L2]

A measure vanishes at the empty set and is countably additive on disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L3]

The Dirac set function δy has value 1 on sets containing y and 0 otherwise (The Dirac set function at a point); Dirac set functions are probability measures (A Dirac set function is a probability measure); and nonnegative finite and countable weighted sums of measures are measures (Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures, Nonnegative scalar multiples and countable weighted sums of measures are measures).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

If X=, then μ is the zero measure and the asserted expression is the empty weighted sum.

givenL2L3
1.2

If X is finite and nonempty, choose a bijection e:nX for some n1. Every EX is the finite disjoint union of the singletons {e(i)} with e(i)E, so μ(E)=i<n, e(i)Eμ({e(i)}).

givenL1L2
1.3

If X is countably infinite, choose a bijection e:NX. Every EX is the disjoint union of the sequence whose k-th term is {e(k)} when e(k)E and otherwise, so μ(E)=k:e(k)Eμ({e(k)}).

givenL1L2
1.4

Evaluating any asserted representation at the singleton {x} leaves only the Dirac term at x, so its coefficient must be μ({x}).

givenL3
2.1

In the finite case, the weighted Dirac sum with coefficients we(i)=μ({e(i)}) has the value computed in step 1.2 on every E; the explicit positive-infinity branch gives 0 off e(i) and + on sets containing it.

step 1.2L3
2.2

In the countably infinite case, the countable weighted Dirac sum has the value computed in step 1.3 on every E, with the same interpretation of infinite coefficients.

step 1.3L3
3.1

Steps 1.1, 2.1 and 2.2 prove the representation in the empty, finite nonempty, and countably infinite cases, and step 1.4 proves uniqueness of every coefficient.

step 1.1step 2.1step 2.2step 1.4L1
LemmaStatement: AI-adaptedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Assuming countable choice, an infinite-measure set in a semifinite measure space has arbitrarily large finite-measure subsets

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice. Let μ be semifinite and let E be measurable with μ(E)=+. For every real R>0 there is measurable FE such that

R<μ(F)<+.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Axiom of Countable Choice, a semifinite measure μ, a measurable E with μ(E)=+, and a real R>0.

[L1]

Semifiniteness means that every measurable set of positive measure contains a measurable subset of positive finite measure (Finite, sigma-finite, and semifinite measures).

[L2]

Countable choice selects one member from every nonempty natural-number-indexed family (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)).

[L3]

Measures are continuous from below on increasing measurable sequences (Continuity from below for measures) and countably subadditive (Finite and countable subadditivity of measures).

[L4]

If AB, μ(A)<+, and μ(B)=+, then μ(BA)=+ (Measure of a set difference when the smaller set has finite measure).

[L6]

For every real ε>0 there is a natural n1 with 1/n<ε (For every ε>0 in a complete ordered field there is a natural n1 with 1/n<ε).

Proof

technique · contradiction
1.1

Let M:=sup{μ(F):FE measurable and μ(F)<+}. The family is nonempty because it contains , and semifiniteness makes M>0.

givenL1L5
2.1

If M=+, the definition of supremum directly supplies a finite-measure FE with μ(F)>R, so only the case M<+ can fail the conclusion.

givenstep 1.1L5
2.2

Suppose for contradiction that M<+. For each n, the family of measurable finite-measure FE with μ(F)>M1/(n+1) is nonempty; [L2] selects one such Fn for every n.

step 1.1L2assume-contrachoose
3.1

Put Gn=k<n+1Fk and G=nGn. Finite subadditivity makes every Gn finite-measure, while μ(Gn)M by the definition of M and μ(Gn)>M1/(n+1) because FnGn; [L6] shows these lower bounds approach M, and continuity from below gives μ(G)=M<+.

step 1.1step 2.2L3L5L6
4.1

By [L4], μ(EG)=+. Semifiniteness supplies measurable HEG with 0<μ(H)<+.

step 3.1L1L4choose
5.1

The disjoint set GHE has finite measure M+μ(H)>M, contradicting the definition of M. Hence M=+, and step 2.1 gives the required F.

step 2.1step 3.1step 4.1discharge-contradiction
DefinitionDefinition: AI-adaptedProof: Not applicablejudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

The semifinite part of a measure

Definition

Let μ be a measure on (X,A). Its semifinite part is the set function

μsf(E):=sup{μ(F):FA, FE, μ(F)<+},EA.

The set inside the supremum is nonempty because it contains the value μ()=0, and its supremum exists in [0,+] by Every subset of R has a least upper bound and a greatest lower bound in R, agreeing with the real supremum and infimum on nonempty sets bounded in R. Assuming the Axiom of Countable Choice (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)), Assuming countable choice, the semifinite part is a semifinite measure and equals the original measure exactly when it is semifinite proves that this set function is a semifinite measure and identifies when it equals μ.

TheoremStatement: AI-adaptedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Assuming countable choice, the semifinite part is a semifinite measure and equals the original measure exactly when it is semifinite

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice. For every measure μ, its semifinite part μsf is a semifinite measure and μsfμ. Moreover,

μsf=μμ is semifinite.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ on (X,A) and the Axiom of Countable Choice.

[L1]

The semifinite part is the supremum of the finite values μ(F) over measurable FE (The semifinite part of a measure).

[L2]

Under countable choice, an infinite-measure set for a semifinite measure contains finite-measure subsets of arbitrarily large measure (Assuming countable choice, an infinite-measure set in a semifinite measure space has arbitrarily large finite-measure subsets).

[L3]

A measure is countably additive on disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras), and measures are monotone (Measures are monotone).

[L4]

A natural-number-indexed finite family of nonempty sets has a choice function in ZF (Every natural-number-indexed list of nonempty sets has a choice function on its family of values).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

One has μsf()=0 and μsf(E)μ(E) for every measurable E, since every finite-measure FE satisfies μ(F)μ(E).

givenL1L3
1.2

Let (Ek) be disjoint and E=kEk. If FE is measurable with μ(F)<+, then the FEk are disjoint finite-measure subsets of Ek, so μ(F)=kμ(FEk)kμsf(Ek). Taking the supremum over F gives μsf(E)kμsf(Ek).

givenL1L3
1.3

Conversely, for each finite initial range, the supremum property and finite choice permit finite-measure FkEk arbitrarily close to μsf(Ek); their finite disjoint union has finite measure and lies in E. If one of the finitely many suprema is +, use an arbitrarily large finite value instead. Hence every finite partial sum k<nμsf(Ek) is at most μsf(E), and so is their supremum.

givenL1L3L4choose
1.4

The set function μsf is semifinite: if μsf(E)>0, its defining supremum supplies a measurable FE with 0<μ(F)<+, and then μsf(F)=μ(F).

givenL1L3
1.5

For the reverse direction, suppose μ is semifinite. If μ(E)<+, the choice F=E gives μsf(E)=μ(E); if μ(E)=+, [L2] makes the defining finite values unbounded, so again μsf(E)=μ(E).

givenL1L2
2.1

Steps 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 give the empty-set condition and both countable-additivity inequalities, so μsf is a measure; step 1.4 makes it semifinite.

step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3step 1.4L3
3.1

For the forward direction of the displayed equivalence, if μsf=μ, then μ is semifinite because step 2.1 proves that μsf is semifinite.

step 2.1
4.1

Steps 3.1 and 1.5 prove both directions of the equivalence, while step 1.1 records the pointwise inequality μsfμ.

step 1.1step 3.1step 1.5
TheoremStatement: AI-adaptedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Assuming countable choice, every measure is the sum of its semifinite part and a zero-infinity-valued measure

Statement

Assume the Axiom of Countable Choice. For a measure μ, define

ν(E):={0,E is sigma-finite for μ,+,E is not sigma-finite for μ.

Then ν is a measure taking only the values 0 and +, and

μ=μsf+ν.

The zero-infinity summand in such a decomposition need not be unique.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A measure μ on (X,A) and the Axiom of Countable Choice.

[L1]

Under countable choice, the semifinite part is a semifinite measure and agrees with a measure exactly when that measure is semifinite (Assuming countable choice, the semifinite part is a semifinite measure and equals the original measure exactly when it is semifinite).

[L2]

Sigma-finiteness means admitting a countable measurable cover by finite-measure sets (Finite, sigma-finite, and semifinite measures).

[L3]

Countable choice selects countably many covers (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω)), and a product of two at most countable sets is at most countable (A product of two at most countable sets is at most countable).

[L4]

Under countable choice, a countable union of at most countable sets is at most countable (Countable unions of at most countable sets, assuming ACω).

[L5]

Counting measure is a measure (Counting measure is a measure), and R is uncountable (R is uncountable (Cantor's nested intervals, 1874)).

[L6]

A countable union has measure at most the nonnegative sum of the measures of its members (Finite and countable subadditivity of measures).

[L7]

The value μsf(E) is the supremum of the values of finite-measure measurable subsets of E (The semifinite part of a measure).

[L8]

Counting measure assigns a finite set its cardinality and an infinite set + (Counting measure on an arbitrary set).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

A measurable subset of a sigma-finite set is sigma-finite. Under [L3], a countable union of sigma-finite measurable sets is sigma-finite: select a finite-measure cover for each member and flatten the resulting N×N family to one countable cover.

givenL2L3choose
1.2

If E is sigma-finite for μ, restriction of the measure axioms makes μE a measure, and it is semifinite: a positive-measure subset must meet one member of a finite-measure cover in positive measure, since otherwise [L6] would make it null. The semifinite part of this restriction, evaluated at E, is exactly the supremum in [L7]. Thus [L1] applied to μE gives μsf(E)=μ(E).

givenL1L2L6L7
1.3

For nonuniqueness, take counting measure # on the uncountable set R. It is semifinite: every set of positive counting measure is nonempty, so one of its points gives a singleton subset of finite positive measure 1 by [L8]. Hence [L1] makes its semifinite part itself. Besides the zero measure, define η(E)=0 for countable E and + for uncountable E. One has η()=0; for a disjoint sequence, [L4] makes the union countable exactly when every member is countable, so countable additivity has both sides 0 in that case and both sides + otherwise. Thus η is a measure, and both 0 and η satisfy #=#sf+0=#sf+η.

givenL1L4L5L8
2.1

Therefore, for a disjoint sequence (Ek), the union is sigma-finite exactly when every Ek is sigma-finite. Hence ν(kEk)=0 exactly when every ν(Ek)=0, and otherwise both sides of ν(kEk)=kν(Ek) are +; also ν()=0.

step 1.1L2
2.2

If E is sigma-finite, step 1.2 gives (μsf+ν)(E)=μ(E)+0; if E is not sigma-finite, then μ(E)=+ and (μsf+ν)(E)=μsf(E)+(+)=+.

step 1.2L2
3.1

Step 2.1 proves that ν is a zero-infinity-valued measure.

step 2.1
4.1

Step 2.2 proves μ=μsf+ν, and step 1.3 supplies two distinct zero-infinity summands for the same semifinite part, proving the final assertion.

step 2.2step 1.3
LemmaStatement: Literature-sourcedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Finite measures agreeing on a generating pi-system and on the whole space are equal

Statement

Let P be a pi-system on X and let A=σX(P). If finite measures μ and ν on (X,A) agree on P and satisfy μ(X)=ν(X), then μ=ν on A.

The total-mass equality is separate because this library's pi-system convention does not require XP.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: A pi-system P generating A, and finite measures μ,ν agreeing on P and on X.

[L1]

A pi-system is a nonempty family closed under binary intersections and need not contain X (Pi-systems).

[L2]

If a lambda-system contains a pi-system P, then it contains σX(P) (Dynkin's pi-lambda theorem).

[L3]

Measures are finitely and countably additive (Measures on sigma-algebras) and continuous from below (Continuity from below for measures).

[L4]

For finite measures, the value on a relative difference is obtained by subtracting the smaller-set value (Measure of a set difference when the smaller set has finite measure).

[L5]

The generated sigma-algebra is the intersection of all sigma-algebras containing the generating family (The sigma-algebra generated by a family of sets).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Let D:={AA:μ(A)=ν(A)}. Then XD by the total-mass hypothesis and PD by the agreement hypothesis.

givenL1
1.2

If AB lie in D, finiteness and [L4] give μ(BA)=μ(B)μ(A)=ν(B)ν(A)=ν(BA), so BAD.

givenL4algebra
1.3

If AnA and each AnD, continuity from below gives μ(A)=supnμ(An)=supnν(An)=ν(A), so AD.

givenL3
2.1

Steps 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 show that D is a lambda-system containing P.

step 1.1step 1.2step 1.3
3.1

Dynkin's theorem gives A=σX(P)D, so μ(A)=ν(A) for every AA.

step 2.1L2L5
TheoremStatement: AI-adaptedProof: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

Measures agreeing on a generating pi-system are equal under an increasing finite-measure exhaustion from that pi-system

Statement

Let P be a pi-system on X generating A, and let μ,ν be measures on (X,A) that agree on P. Suppose there is an increasing sequence (Pn) in P with

X=nPn,μ(Pn)=ν(Pn)<+(nN).

Then μ=ν on A.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Measures μ,ν, a generating pi-system P, and an increasing finite-measure exhaustion (Pn) as in the Statement.

[L1]

Finite measures agreeing on a generating pi-system and on the whole space are equal (Finite measures agreeing on a generating pi-system and on the whole space are equal).

[L2]

Measures are continuous from below (Continuity from below for measures).

[L3]

A pi-system is closed under binary intersections (Pi-systems).

[L4]

For a measurable Pn, the set function Aμ(APn) is a measure on the original sigma-algebra (The restriction of a measure to a measurable set is a measure).

Proof

technique · direct
1.1

Fix n and define μn(A):=μ(APn) and νn(A):=ν(APn) on A. By [L4] these are measures, and their total masses are the common finite value μ(Pn)=ν(Pn).

givenL4
1.2

If QP, then QPnP by [L3], so μn(Q)=μ(QPn)=ν(QPn)=νn(Q).

givenL3
2.1

The finite uniqueness lemma applied to steps 1.1 and 1.2 gives μ(APn)=ν(APn) for every AA and every n.

step 1.1step 1.2L1
3.1

For fixed A, the sets APn increase to A; continuity from below and step 2.1 give μ(A)=supnμ(APn)=supnν(APn)=ν(A). Thus the measures agree everywhere.

step 2.1L2

5 · Examples, counterexamples and false statements

False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

FALSE: every subset of a measure-null set is measurable

Statement

False claim. In every measure space, every subset of a measurable null set is measurable. Equivalently, every measure space is complete in the sense of Complete measure spaces.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The two-point set X={0,1} and the family A={,X}.

[L1]

A measure has value 0 at the empty set and is countably additive on pairwise disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L2]

Completeness requires every subset of every measurable null set to belong to the sigma-algebra (Complete measure spaces).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

The family A is a sigma-algebra on X, and the set function μ()=μ(X)=0 is a measure: both sides of countable additivity are 0 for every disjoint measurable sequence.

givenL1
1.2

The set X is measurable and μ(X)=0, but {0}X and {0}A.

given
2.1

By step 1.2 the measure space of step 1.1 is not complete, so the claimed universal measurability of subsets of null sets is false.

step 1.1step 1.2L2
False statementConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

FALSE: continuity from above needs no finiteness hypothesis

Statement

False claim. For every decreasing sequence (Ek) of measurable sets, one has μ(kEk)=infkμ(Ek), without requiring any Ek to have finite measure. The valid theorem Continuity from above when one set has finite measure includes precisely that missing hypothesis.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: Counting measure # on N and the tails Ek:={nN:kn}.

[L1]

Counting measure assigns + to every infinite set (Counting measure on an arbitrary set) and is a measure (Counting measure is a measure).

[L2]

Continuity from above is proved when one member of the decreasing sequence has finite measure (Continuity from above when one set has finite measure).

[L3]

The natural order is defined by mn exactly when m+k=n for some natural k (Order on the natural numbers), natural addition is cancellative (Addition is cancellative), and k<k+1 (Discreteness: σ(n) is the immediate successor).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

The tails decrease, Ek+1Ek, and E0=N.

givenL3
1.2

Every Ek is infinite, because nk+n injects N into it; hence #(Ek)=+ for every k.

givenL1L3
1.3

The intersection is empty: if n belonged to every tail, it would belong to En+1, which would say n+1n, contrary to discreteness of the natural order.

givenL3
2.1

Thus #(kEk)=#()=0 but infk#(Ek)=+. This refutes the claim and shows why [L2] cannot be applied: no tail has finite counting measure.

step 1.2step 1.3L1L2
False statementConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

FALSE: agreement on an arbitrary generating family determines a measure

Statement

False claim. If two probability measures agree on any family that generates the sigma-algebra, then they agree everywhere. The valid theorem Measures agreeing on a generating pi-system are equal under an increasing finite-measure exhaustion from that pi-system requires the generating family to be a pi-system.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The set X={NW,NE,SW,SE} and the family G of its north row, south row, west column, and east column.

[L1]

A sigma-algebra generated by G is the smallest sigma-algebra containing G (The sigma-algebra generated by a family of sets).

[L2]

A probability measure is a measure of total mass 1 (Probability measures and probability spaces).

[L3]

A pi-system is nonempty and closed under binary intersections (Pi-systems), and agreement on a generating pi-system with the stated finite exhaustion determines a measure (Measures agreeing on a generating pi-system are equal under an increasing finite-measure exhaustion from that pi-system).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

Define μ by masses 1/2 at NW,SE and 0 at the other points, and define ν by masses 1/2 at NE,SW and 0 at the other points. Finite summation over subsets makes both probability measures on P(X).

givenL2
1.2

Intersections of a row and a column give every singleton, so σX(G)=P(X); but those singleton intersections are not themselves in G, so G is not a pi-system.

givenL1L3
2.1

Each row and each column contains one point of mass 1/2 for each measure, so μ and ν agree on every member of G.

givenstep 1.1algebra
3.1

The measures differ, for example μ({NW})=1/2 while ν({NW})=0. Together with steps 2.1 and 1.2 this refutes the claim and identifies the missing intersection-closure hypothesis.

step 1.1step 2.1step 1.2L3
False statementConstruction: Literature-sourcedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passaudited 2026-08-21Open item page →

FALSE: every finitely additive nonnegative set function on a sigma-algebra is a measure

Statement

False claim. Every finitely additive nonnegative set function on a sigma-algebra is countably additive and therefore is a measure.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The power-set sigma-algebra P(N).

[L1]

Finite additivity requires additivity on disjoint pairs and value 0 at the empty set (Finitely additive nonnegative set functions).

[L2]

A measure must be countably additive on disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L3]

Finite sets are those equinumerous with a natural number (Finite, countably infinite, countable, uncountable).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

Define m(A)=0 when AN is finite and m(A)=+ when A is infinite; in particular m()=0.

givenL3
2.1

If disjoint A,B have finite union, then both are finite and m(AB)=0=0+0; if their union is infinite, at least one is infinite and both sides of m(AB)=m(A)+m(B) are +. Thus m is finitely additive.

step 1.1L1
2.2

The singletons {k} are disjoint, each has value 0, and their union is N, which has value +.

step 1.1L3
3.1

Step 2.2 violates countable additivity, so the finitely additive set function of step 2.1 is not a measure and the claim is false.

step 2.1step 2.2L2
False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-generatedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

FALSE: measures are additive on arbitrary countable unions

Statement

False claim. For every measure and every measurable sequence (Ek), whether or not it is pairwise disjoint,

μ(kEk)=kμ(Ek).

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The one-point measurable space X={x} with sigma-algebra P(X) and its Dirac probability δx.

[L1]

Countable additivity in the definition of a measure applies only to pairwise disjoint sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L2]

The Dirac set function assigns 1 to measurable sets containing x and 0 otherwise (The Dirac set function at a point), and it is a probability measure (A Dirac set function is a probability measure).

[L3]

A nonnegative extended series starts at index 0 and is the supremum of its partial sums (Series in the nonnegative extended real line).

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

Define E0=E1={x} and Ek= for k2. Then kEk={x}.

given
2.1

The union has Dirac measure 1, while the term values are 1,1,0,0,, whose nonnegative extended sum is 2.

step 1.1L2L3algebra
3.1

Since 12, the claimed equality fails; the repeated set at indices 0 and 1 pinpoints the absent disjointness hypothesis in [L1].

step 2.1L1
False statementConstruction: AI-adaptedVerification: AI-adaptedprecheck passjudge pass (deepseek-v4-pro + gpt-5.6-terra)audited 2026-08-21Open item page →

FALSE: a measure on an infinite set that vanishes on every singleton is the zero measure

Statement

False claim. If X is infinite and a measure μ on X satisfies μ({x})=0 for every xX, then μ is the zero measure.

Facts & Assumptions

Given: The Axiom of Countable Choice and the uncountable set X=R.

[L1]

A sigma-algebra is closed under complements and countable unions (Sigma-algebras), and a measure is countably additive on disjoint measurable sequences (Measures on sigma-algebras).

[L2]

Countable means finite or in bijection with N (Finite, countably infinite, countable, uncountable), and under countable choice a countable union of at most countable sets is at most countable (The Axiom of Countable Choice (ACω), Countable unions of at most countable sets, assuming ACω).

[L3]

Refutation

technique · direct
1.1

Let A consist of the countable and cocountable subsets of X. Complements exchange the two classes, and [L2] shows that a countable union of countable members is countable; if one member is cocountable, the union is cocountable. Hence A is a sigma-algebra.

givenL1L2L3
2.1

Define μ(A)=0 for countable A and μ(A)=1 for cocountable A. In a disjoint measurable sequence at most one member is cocountable; if none is, the union is countable by [L2], and if one is, the union is cocountable. Thus the value on the union equals the sum of the values, so μ is a probability measure.

step 1.1L1L2
3.1

Every singleton is countable and has measure 0, while X is cocountable and has measure 1.

step 2.1L2L3
4.1

The measure in step 2.1 vanishes on every singleton but is not the zero measure by step 3.1, so it refutes the claim.

step 2.1step 3.1

Sources