Accumulation/densification points.

  • Context: Graduate 
  • Thread starter Thread starter Galileo
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Points
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definitions and terminology related to accumulation points and densification points within the field of topology. Participants are seeking clarity on the equivalent English terms for these concepts, specifically in the context of topological spaces without involving metrics, sequences, or limits.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines an accumulation point as a point x in a topological space X where every open neighborhood of x has a non-empty intersection with a subset A.
  • The same participant proposes a definition for a densification point, suggesting it is a point x in X where every open neighborhood of x contains a point of A unequal to x.
  • Another participant notes that if x is an isolated point in A, it qualifies as an accumulation point but not as a densification point.
  • A later reply mentions that topologists primarily use the concept of accumulation points, while analysts may still refer to the second concept as "limit point," which can create confusion for topology students during exams.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the usage of the term "densification point," with some suggesting it is not commonly used in modern topology. There is no consensus on the equivalence of terms or their relevance in current mathematical discourse.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential confusion arising from the differing terminologies used by topologists and analysts, as well as the implications for students transitioning between these fields.

Galileo
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Messages
1,980
Reaction score
7
I noticed a small difference in two definitions I thought were equal.
We have two different words for these points in Dutch. Can someone tell me the equivalent english terms?
These definitions are strictly in the field of Topology (no metrics or sequences or limits allowed).

Let X be a topological space and A a subset of X.

Accumulation point (translated from Dutch 'ophopingspunt'):
A point [itex]x \in X[/itex] is called an accumulation point of [itex]A[/itex] if every open neighbourhood of [itex]x[/itex] has a non-empty intersection with [itex]A[/itex].

This one's a toughy to translate. Here are a few attempts:
Densification point - Aggregation point (translated from Dutch 'verdichtingspunt'):
A point [itex]x \in X[/itex] is called a 'densification' point of [itex]A[/itex] if every open neighbourhood of [itex]x[/itex] contains a point of [itex]A[/itex] unequal to [itex]x[/itex].

BTW: I think I've seen these being mixed up in Dutch as well...

Anyone?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
There is a difference when x is in A, but is an isolated point. In this case x is an accumulation point, but not a "densification" point.
 
mathman said:
There is a difference when x is in A, but is an isolated point. In this case x is an accumulation point, but not a "densification" point.
I know. I asked if someone knew the equivalent english names. :wink:
 
well topologists use mostly the concept of accumulation point, and do not use the other concept at all nowadays, at least in my opinion, (not a topologist though).

analysts however, being old fashioned, still use the second concept and call it "limit point".

this causes topology students some difficulty when taking prelim exams written by analysts.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
4K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
4K
  • · Replies 15 ·
Replies
15
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
941
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
4K
  • · Replies 17 ·
Replies
17
Views
3K