- #1
R_beta.v3
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Homework Statement
If f is continuous, and f(x) = 0 for all x in A, where A is a dense set. Then f(x) = 0 for all x.
I am using the following definitions:
A set of real numbers A is dense if every open interval contains a point of A.
And the limit definition for a continuous function.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
Suppose there is an a such that f(a) > 0, then since f is continuous, there is an δ > 0, such that, for all x,
if |x - a| < δ, then |f(x) - f(a)| < f(a). So f(x) > 0 for all x in (-δ + a, δ + a).
But since (-δ + a, δ + a) is an open interval it contains a point of A call it z, but that is impossible, because then f(z) = 0 (By hypothesis), and f(z) > 0 because f(x) > 0 for all x in (-δ + a, δ + a). Assuming there is an a such that f(a) > 0 leads to a contradiction.
I did basically the same to show that there are no x with f(x) < 0.
Therefore f(x) = 0 for all x.
Am I correct?
Also, hello.