Is There a Direct Proof for (0,1) ~ [0,1]?

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In summary, the conversation discusses different methods for proving the equivalence of the sets (0,1) and [0,1]. The first method proposed is an indirect proof using a tangent function, while the second method is a direct proof using a bijection. A link is provided for further explanation and clarification.
  • #1
grossgermany
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Prove (0,1) ~ [0,1]

I can think of an indirect proof:
1st step: make (0,1) ~ N , using a tangent function that is a 1-1 mapping from N to (0,1).
2nd step: since (0,1) is a subset of [0,1], if (0,1) is uncountable, then [0,1] must be uncountable
Problem: But these two steps doesn't necessarily mean (0,1)~[0,1], how can I resolve that? Even better, is there a direct proof? I really can't think of f such that f(0.0000...1)=0
 
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  • #2
Yes, there is a direct proof. It is trivial. It has even been given on this forum in the last couple of weeks. It is no harder than finding a bijection from {01,2,3,4...} to {1,2,3,4...}.
 
  • #3
do you have a link? I searched and found nothing
 
  • #4
What exactly is a 1-1 mapping from N to (0,1)?
 
  • #6
First, map the inrrational numbers into themselselves.

Since the rational number are countable, we can order them: [itex]r_1, r_2, r_3, \cdot\cot\cot[/itex]

Now, map [itex]r_1[/itex] to 0, [itex]r_2[/itex] to 1, [itex] r_n[/itex] to [itex]r_{n-2}[/itex] for n>1.
(I have absolutely no idea where "cot cot cot" came from!)
 
  • #7
It's the cotangent function. You've seemed to have forgotten a 'd' in your code.
 

FAQ: Is There a Direct Proof for (0,1) ~ [0,1]?

What does the notation "(0,1) ~ [0,1]" mean?

The notation "(0,1) ~ [0,1]" represents an isomorphism between the open interval (0,1) and the closed interval [0,1]. This means that there is a one-to-one correspondence between the elements in these two sets, and they have the same structure and properties.

How are the intervals (0,1) and [0,1] different?

The main difference between the intervals (0,1) and [0,1] is that (0,1) does not include its endpoints, while [0,1] does. This means that (0,1) contains all real numbers between 0 and 1, excluding 0 and 1, while [0,1] includes 0 and 1 in addition to all the numbers between them.

Why is an isomorphism important in mathematics?

An isomorphism is important in mathematics because it allows us to see the underlying structure and relationships between different mathematical objects. It also allows us to translate concepts and ideas from one object to another, making it easier to understand and analyze complex mathematical systems.

How is an isomorphism represented graphically?

An isomorphism can be represented graphically by a one-to-one correspondence between the elements of two sets. In the case of (0,1) ~ [0,1], this can be shown by graphing the two intervals on a number line and demonstrating that every point on one interval has a corresponding point on the other interval.

Can an isomorphism exist between other types of mathematical objects?

Yes, an isomorphism can exist between different types of mathematical objects, as long as they have the same structure and properties. For example, there can be an isomorphism between two groups, two vector spaces, or even two topological spaces.

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