A set is closed iff it equals an intersection of closed sets

In summary, the conversation is about proving that a subset A of a metric space M is closed if and only if it is equal to the intersection of sets D(A,\epsilon) and N(A,\epsilon) for some positive value of epsilon. The method of proof involves using DeMorgan's laws and showing that an arbitrary point in the intersection also belongs to A.
  • #1
missavvy
82
0

Homework Statement



Let M be a metric space, A a subset of M, x a point in M.

Define the metric of x to A by

d(x,A) = inf d(x,y), y in A

For [itex]\epsilon[/itex]>0, define the sets

D(A,[itex]\epsilon[/itex]) = {x in M : d(x,A)<[itex]\epsilon[/itex]}

N(A,[itex]\epsilon[/itex]) = {x in M: d(x,A)[itex]\leq[/itex][itex]\epsilon[/itex]}

Show that A is closed iff A = [itex]\bigcap[/itex]N(A,[itex]\epsilon[/itex]) for [itex]\epsilon[/itex]>0

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I was able to do the <= implication.
I'm having trouble doing the => one...

If I assume A is closed, all I know is that its compliment is open, which is a union of open sets... then should I just use that fact and DeMorgans laws to show A is in fact an intersection of those closed N(A,[itex]\epsilon[/itex])?

OR should I take an arbitrary point in A, and show it belongs to the intersection..??

Just need some help on what method I should try to use.

Thanks!
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
So, for [itex]\Rightarrow[/itex], you must prove that

[tex]A=\bigcap{N(A,\varepsilon)}[/tex]

There are 2 things to prove now: [itex]\subseteq[/itex] and [itex]\supseteq[/itex]. Only [itex]\supseteq[/itex] is nontrivial. For this: take a point in the intersection, and prove that it is in A.
 

FAQ: A set is closed iff it equals an intersection of closed sets

What does it mean for a set to be closed?

A set is considered closed if it contains all of its boundary points, meaning that it includes the endpoints of its interval. In other words, if a point is near the set, then that point is also part of the set.

What is the difference between a closed set and an open set?

A closed set contains all of its boundary points, while an open set does not. This means that an open set has no points on its boundary, and a closed set may or may not have points on its boundary.

What is the definition of an intersection of sets?

The intersection of two or more sets is the set of all elements that are common to all of the sets. In other words, it is the set of elements that are shared by all of the sets being intersected.

How does the statement "a set is closed iff it equals an intersection of closed sets" relate to topology?

This statement is a fundamental theorem in topology, which studies the properties of spaces and their transformations. It is used to define the concept of a closed set and to prove theorems about closed sets in topological spaces.

Can you provide an example of a set that is closed and equals an intersection of closed sets?

Yes, the set of all even integers is closed and equals the intersection of the sets of all multiples of 2, 4, 6, and so on. This is because the set of even integers contains all of its boundary points (odd integers), and it is the common set shared by all of the intersecting sets (multiples of 2).

Back
Top