Discrete sets and uncountability of limit points

In summary, a discrete subset $D$ of $\mathbb R$ is defined as a set where for every $x$ in $D$, there exists a small interval around $x$ that only contains $x$. The question asks if there exists a discrete set $D$ in $\mathbb R$ such that the set of limit points of $D$ is an uncountable set. The conversation involves proving that the set of limit points of a discrete set has to be nowhere dense, and constructing a counterexample using the midpoints of intervals in the Cantor set. Ultimately, the final suggestion is a counterexample in the form of $D=\displaystyle \bigcup_{m=0}^{\infty}
  • #1
caffeinemachine
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Definition: A subset $D$ of $\mathbb R$ is said to be discrete if for every $x\in D$ there exists $\epsilon>0$ such that $(x-\epsilon,x+\epsilon)\cap D=\{x\}$.

Question: Does there exist a discrete subset $D$ of $\mathbb R$ such that the set of limit points of $D$ is an uncountable set.
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Progress:
We claim that the set of limit points, $D'$, of a discrete set $D$ has to be nowhere dense.

To prove the above claim we just need to show that:
1. D' is a closed set (This doesn't even require $D$ to be discrete).
2. $\text{Int}(D')$ is empty.

(1) is obvious.
To show (2) assume the contradictory. Let $(a,b)\subseteq D'$. Now let $x\in (a,b)\cap D$ (such an $x$ has to exist). Now clearly since $D$ is discrete, $x\notin D'$. Also, using the property of discrete sets, we know that there is an open set $O$ which contains $x$ and satisfies $O\cap D=\emptyset$. Thus $O\cap D'=\emptyset$. This means $O\cap (a,b)=\emptyset$ and we get our contradiction.
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So if we are construct a counterexample we should be aiming towards constructing a nowhere dense set of limit points of a discrete set.

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  • #2
As an off-the-cuff suggestion, can you take $D$ to consist of the midpoints of the intervals in the construction of the Cantor set?
 
  • #3
Opalg said:
As an off-the-cuff suggestion, can you take $D$ to consist of the midpoints of the intervals in the construction of the Cantor set?
Thanks Opalg. I think this is a counterexample.

$D=\displaystyle \bigcup_{m=0}^{\infty} \left( \bigcup_{k=0}^{3^m-1} \left\{\frac{2k+1}{2\cdot 3^m}\right\}\right)$

Let me wrestle with the details though. The first thing is to verify that this actually is a discrete set.
 

FAQ: Discrete sets and uncountability of limit points

What is a discrete set?

A discrete set is a set of points or values that are separated from each other by a finite or countably infinite distance. In other words, there are no points in between the values in a discrete set.

What does it mean for a set to be uncountable?

A set is considered to be uncountable if the number of elements in the set is greater than the number of natural numbers. In other words, it is impossible to assign a unique natural number to each element in the set.

What is a limit point?

A limit point is a point that is either in a set or is infinitely close to the set. In other words, every neighborhood of a limit point contains at least one point from the set.

How can a set have uncountable limit points?

A set can have uncountable limit points if the set is either infinite or contains an infinite number of points that are infinitely close to each other. This is known as a limit point continuum.

Why is the concept of uncountability important in mathematics?

The concept of uncountability is important in mathematics because it allows us to distinguish between sets that have the same cardinality (number of elements). It also has applications in various branches of mathematics, such as analysis, topology, and set theory.

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