# Math Help - Partially ordered set with no maximal element

1. ## Partially ordered set with no maximal element

Let $P$ be a non-empty partially ordered set and assume that no element of $P$ is maximal. Use the Axiom of Choice to show that there exists a function $f: \omega \rightarrow P$ such that $f(n) < f(n^+)$ $\forall n \in \omega$

2. Here's my idea. We're going to construct a relation that you can apply Axiom of Choice to for obtaining the function you desire.

Pick some arbitrary $y_{0} \in P$

Construct a set of ordered pairs R s.t. it has two properties.

(1) $<0,y_{0}> \in R.$

(2) if for some $x \in \mathbb{N}$ and $y \in P
\ \exists \in P$
$\rightarrow$ <x^{+}, y'> s.t. y P_{r} y'

You know that there will always exist greater y's because P has no maximal unit.

Then from axiom of choice you can create a function from this relation and I believe it should have all the properties you want.

3. Thank you a lot for your help; could you please just edit the equations, as they're given as "Latex Error: Syntax Error"'s now?

Thank a lot,

Mimi

4. I've edited my eqns. Also P_{r} represents the partial order relationship that is assumed in P.