Well-Ordering Minimal Elements are Unique

Theorem

Let $\struct {S,\preceq}$ be a well-ordered set.

Then every non-empty subset of $S$ has a unique minimal element.

Proof

The proof consists of a uniqueness and an existence part.

Let $S'$ be a non-empty subset of $S$.

Existence

As $S$ is well-ordered by $\preceq$, we have by definition the existence of a minimal elements $s$ of $S'$ (with respect to $\preceq$).

$\Box$

Uniqueness

Let $s, s'$ be minimal elements of $S'$.

By Well-Ordering is Total Ordering, we have at least one of $s \preceq s'$, $s'\preceq s$.

Since both $s$ and $s'$ are minimal elements, we conclude that necessarily $s = s'$.

$\blacksquare$

Also see

• Definition:Well-Ordered Set
• Well-Ordering is Total Ordering