# A countability problem of $\mathbb{R}$

I am having a really hard time coming up with a proof for this problem. For every finite set $F\subseteq \mathbb{R}$, let $\Sigma(F)$ denote the sum of the numbers in $F.(\Sigma(\emptyset)=0)$. Show that if $S\subseteq (0,+\infty)$ and $\Sigma(F)\leq100$ for every finite set $F \subseteq S$, then $S$ is finite or countable. I can't see why $S$ could be countable but not uncountable. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

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I think this was asked an uncountable number of times on the site, in several and many variables. –  Asaf Karagila Aug 16 '14 at 22:13
I did search through the questions but did not find a similar one. I'll try looking again. –  fishy Aug 16 '14 at 22:15
Here are some examples of similar. As for the possibility that $S$ is countable, pick any convergent series whose limit is $\leq 100$. –  Asaf Karagila Aug 16 '14 at 22:19
Thanks for the links. I think I have a better idea on how to approach the problem now. –  fishy Aug 16 '14 at 22:28

Hint: Let $S_n=\{s\in S\mid s>\frac{1}{n}\}$. How many elements can be in $S_n$ if $\sum(F)<100$ for all finite $F\subseteq S$?
$S=\{1,1/2,1/4,1/8,1/16,\ldots\}$ is an example of a countably infinite set that meets the requirements.
@egreg OP said "I can't see why $S$ could be countable but not uncountable", so I gave an example. –  Chris Culter Aug 16 '14 at 23:10
You are misreading that part of the question, @ChrisCulter. The question isn't "are there examples of countably infinite $S$," but why can there exist such infinite sets but not uncountably infinite sets. –  Thomas Andrews Aug 16 '14 at 23:45