Confusion on the definition of a quotient map

In summary, a quotient map is a surjective map where a subset of the target space is open if and only if its preimage is open in the domain space. In the given example, the map p from X to Y is a quotient map, as it is surjective, closed, and continuous. However, the image of the open set [0,1] in Y is not open, yet its preimage in X is open, which may seem contradictory. However, upon closer inspection, it is revealed that the pullback is not actually open in X.
  • #1
Esran
73
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Let X and Y be topological spaces; let p:X -> Y be a surjective map. The map p is said to be a quotient map provided a subset U of Y is open in Y if and only if p^-1(U) is open in X.

Let X be the subspace [0,1] U [2,3] of R, and let Y be the subspace [0,2] of R. The map p:X -> Y defined by p(x) = x for x in [0,1] and p(x) = x-1 for x in [2,3] is readily seen to be surjective, closed, and continuous. So, it's a quotient map.

Here's where my problem comes in. The image of the open set [0,1] is the subset [0,1] of Y. But [0,1] is not open in Y, yet its pullback is open in X. Doesn't this contradict that p is a quotient map? Is there something wrong with my definition?
 
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  • #2
The pullback is not open in X. What is p^-1([0,1]) exactly? In particular, what is p^-1(1)?
 
  • #3
Haha! Thanks for clearing that up.
 

1. What is the definition of a quotient map?

A quotient map is a type of mapping between topological spaces that preserves the essential structure and properties of the spaces, such as connectedness and compactness.

2. How is a quotient map different from other types of maps?

A quotient map is different from other types of maps because it takes into account the equivalence relation between elements in the pre-image space, and maps them to the corresponding equivalence class in the image space. This allows for the preservation of important topological properties.

3. What is the purpose of a quotient map?

The purpose of a quotient map is to simplify the structure of a topological space by collapsing certain elements into equivalence classes, while still preserving the important topological properties. This can make it easier to study and understand the space.

4. Can you provide an example of a quotient map?

One example of a quotient map is the projection map from a cylinder to a circle. The cylinder can be thought of as a stack of circles, and the projection map collapses all the circles onto a single circle, preserving the connectedness and compactness of the original space.

5. What are some common misconceptions about quotient maps?

Some common misconceptions about quotient maps include thinking that they are only used in algebraic topology, or that they are the same as a continuous surjection. However, quotient maps can be useful in many different areas of mathematics, and they are not always surjections. It is important to understand the specific definition and properties of quotient maps in order to use them correctly.

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