Accumulation points of the domain of a function

In summary, the conversation discusses the relationship between accumulation points in the domain and image sets of a function. It is stated that if a is an accumulation point of the domain of a function, f(A) is also an accumulation point of the image set. The question of whether this is always true is raised and it is suggested to consider a function defined by f(x) = 0. It is noted that in this case, f(A) may not always be an accumulation point when A is an accumulation point. It is also questioned if there are any cases where having f(A) be an accumulation point would be useful in proving theorems or leading to other concepts.
  • #1
demonelite123
219
0
let a function f: A -> R^m where A is a subset of R^n. if a is an accumulation point of the domain of f, the set A, then f(A) is an accumulation point of the set R^m.

i'm not sure if this statement is true or not but if it is, how would I prove this result? i was thinking of using the fact that if a function is continuous and the sequence x_n approaches x, then f(x_n) approaches f(x). but the function need not be continuous for a limit to exist.

the question I'm trying to answer for myself is that, if a is not an accumulation point of the domain of a function then the limit as x approaches a is not well defined since it could be any number you choose and you could prove the result vacuously. so if a is an accumulation point of the domain does that necessarily mean that f(a) is an accumulation point as well?
 
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  • #2
How about we consider [itex]f:\bbold{R} \to \bbold{R}[/itex] defined by [itex]f(x) = 0[/itex]? Take an accumulation point in the domain of [itex]f[/itex] and see if you find an accumulation point in the image set.
 
  • #3
ah i see. in this case since 0 is the only possible point in the codomain of f(x), f(A) is not always an accumulation point when A is an accumulation point.

are there cases where having f(A) be an accumulation point would be useful? as in proving some theorem or leading to some other concepts? or does having an accumulation point at f(A), given A is an accumulation point, not have much further significance whatsoever?
 

FAQ: Accumulation points of the domain of a function

What is an accumulation point in the context of a function's domain?

An accumulation point, also known as a limit point, is a value in the domain of a function where the function values get arbitrarily close as the input approaches the accumulation point.

How can I determine the accumulation points of a function's domain?

To determine the accumulation points of a function's domain, you can plot the function on a graph and identify any points where the function approaches a certain value as the input approaches that point. You can also use algebraic methods such as finding the limit of the function as the input approaches a certain value.

Are accumulation points the same as critical points?

No, accumulation points and critical points are not the same. Critical points are values in the domain where the derivative of the function is equal to zero, while accumulation points are values where the function values get arbitrarily close as the input approaches that value.

Can a function have multiple accumulation points?

Yes, a function can have multiple accumulation points in its domain. This can happen when the function has multiple points where the function values get arbitrarily close as the input approaches those points.

What is the significance of accumulation points in the study of functions?

Accumulation points are important in the study of functions because they can help us understand the behavior of a function near certain values in its domain. They can also help us identify points where the function may not be defined or where it may have a discontinuity.

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