Closed Sets A & B: Does A+B Follow Suit?

In summary, the conversation discusses whether A+B is closed given that A and B are closed sets in R. The participants consider different scenarios, including constructing convergent sequences and using the definition of a closed set. It is eventually concluded that A+B may not always be closed, but if both A and B are bounded or compact, then A+B will be closed.
  • #1
ZioX
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Homework Statement


Given A and B are closed sets in R does it follow that A+B is closed? (A+B={a+b|a in A and b in B})


Homework Equations


A set X is closed iff all of its limiting points are in X.


The Attempt at a Solution


I don't think this is true. I've tried constructing convergent sequences A and B and having the limit of the sum not being contained in A+B. But then A and B can't be closed.
 
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  • #2
Ok, let A=N where N={1,2,3...}. Let B={-n+1/(n+1)} for n in N. I claim 0 is in the closure of A+B. But is not in A+B. Can you prove me wrong? Whew, that took a while.
 
  • #3
Gah. That's nice and clean. Thanks.
 
  • #4
No problem. Though it did hurt. I figure if you are having problems, it's not going to be easy for me, either.
 
  • #5
Incidentally, if A and B are both bounded, A+B is closed. I'm not sure about the case when only one of them is bounded though.
 
  • #6
Well, if the C sequence is convergent and A is bounded then the A sequence has a convergent subsequence (compact). Doesn't that imply the corresponding B subsequence is convergent and seal everyone's fate?
 
  • #7
Not bad. My idea for the case where both were compact was to send AxB under +:RxR->R, the product and images of compact sets being compact.
 

FAQ: Closed Sets A & B: Does A+B Follow Suit?

What are closed sets A and B?

Closed sets A and B refer to two subsets of a larger set that are closed under a given operation. This means that when the operation is applied to elements within the subsets, the resulting element is still within the subset.

What does it mean for A+B to follow suit?

For A+B to follow suit means that the operation performed on elements within set A will also hold true for elements within set B. In other words, the operation is consistent between the two subsets.

How can I determine if A+B follows suit?

To determine if A+B follows suit, you can perform the operation on a few elements from each set and see if the resulting elements are still within their respective sets. If they are, then A+B follows suit.

What is the significance of A+B following suit?

When A+B follows suit, it indicates that the operation is consistent and predictable between the two subsets. This can be useful in mathematical or scientific calculations and proofs.

Are there any exceptions to A+B following suit?

In some cases, there may be exceptions to A+B following suit. For example, if the operation is not defined for certain elements in one of the sets, then A+B may not follow suit. It is important to carefully consider the properties of the operation and the elements within each set to determine if there are any exceptions.

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