Find a countable set that is also open

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In summary, a countable set is a set that can be counted using natural numbers and examples include positive integers, even numbers, and rational numbers. A set is considered open in mathematics if every point has a neighborhood contained within the set. Yes, a countable set can also be open, such as the set of positive integers. There are various ways to find a countable set that is also open, including modifying a known countable set or using mathematical techniques. Finding a countable set that is also open is important in mathematics for understanding properties, applications, and simplifying proofs.
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Find a countable set that is also open or prove that one cannot exist
 
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seacoast123 said:
Find a countable set that is also open or prove that one cannot exist
No countable subset of the real line is open. To prove it, assume $C$ is a countable open subset of $\mathbb R$ and $x$ be any point in $C$.

Then there exists $\delta>0$ such that $(x-\delta,x+\delta)\subseteq C$.

But $(x-\delta,x+\delta)$ is uncountable (why?).

Hence $C$ cannot be countable.
 

FAQ: Find a countable set that is also open

1. What is a countable set?

A countable set is a set that has a finite or infinite number of elements, which can be counted using the natural numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.). Examples of countable sets include the set of positive integers, the set of even numbers, and the set of all rational numbers.

2. What does it mean for a set to be open?

In mathematics, a set is considered open if every point in the set has a neighborhood that is also contained in the set. This means that there is some distance around each point in the set where all other points in that distance are also part of the set.

3. Can a countable set be open?

Yes, a countable set can be open. For example, the set of all positive integers is both countable and open, as every point (integer) has a neighborhood of other integers that are also part of the set.

4. How do you find a countable set that is also open?

There are many different ways to find a countable set that is also open. One approach is to start with a known countable set, such as the set of all positive integers, and then modify it to make it open. Another approach is to use mathematical techniques, such as Cantor's diagonal argument, to construct a countable set that is also open.

5. Why is finding a countable set that is also open important?

Finding a countable set that is also open is important in mathematics because it allows us to better understand the properties of countable sets and open sets. It also has applications in fields such as analysis, topology, and measure theory. Additionally, having a countable set that is also open can help simplify proofs and make certain mathematical concepts easier to grasp.

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