Exploring Real Numbers & Heine-Borel Theorem

In summary, there is a sequence of rational numbers that has every real number as an accumulation point. This can be shown through Hilbert's hotel and the proof that the rational numbers are countable. In regards to Q2, an open cover of a non-closed bounded set in the Heine-Borel Theorem can be found by considering the open interval of (-1, 1) in R and a collection of intervals with finite subcover.
  • #1
Kraziethuy
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1.Does a sequence exist that has every point of R(real numbers) as an accumulation point?

2.Show that closed is essential in the Heine-Borel Theorem by finding an open cover of a non-closed bounded set that does not have a finite sub-cover.

I think that the set of rational numbers has every real numbers as an accumulation point, but I'm unsure of the sequence of rational numbers.

Any help appreciated, thanks.
 
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  • #2
I think that the set of rational numbers has every real numbers as an accumulation point, but I'm unsure of the sequence of rational numbers.

You have the right idea. A potentially unsatisfying answer might be to simply enumerate the rational numbers (which is possible because they are countable).
Alternatively, are you familiar with Hilbert's hotel and the proof that the rational numbers are countable?
 
  • #3
For Q2, just consider the open interval of (-1, 1) in R. Consider an open cover like the collection of intervals, { (x-w, x+w), w=(1-|x|)/2: x from (-1, 1) }. If this collection has a finite subcover, would there be any points not covered by the subcovering (and thus a contradiction)?
 
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1. What are real numbers?

Real numbers are numbers that can be expressed as a decimal or fraction and can include both positive and negative numbers, as well as zero. They are used to represent quantities in the real world, such as measurements, money, and time.

2. How are real numbers different from other types of numbers?

Real numbers are different from other types of numbers, such as integers or rational numbers, because they include both whole numbers and numbers with decimals. They are also continuous, meaning there are an infinite number of real numbers between any two real numbers.

3. What is the significance of the Heine-Borel Theorem?

The Heine-Borel Theorem is a fundamental theorem in real analysis that states any closed and bounded set in the real number line is also compact. This has important implications for understanding the properties and behavior of real numbers and their subsets.

4. How is the Heine-Borel Theorem used in mathematics?

The Heine-Borel Theorem is used in mathematics to prove the existence of limits of sequences and to establish the compactness of sets. It is also used in the proofs of other important theorems, such as the Bolzano-Weierstrass Theorem and the Intermediate Value Theorem.

5. What are some real-world applications of the Heine-Borel Theorem?

The Heine-Borel Theorem has applications in various fields, such as physics, engineering, and economics. It is used to analyze the behavior of systems with continuous variables, such as the motion of particles or the flow of fluids. It is also used in optimization problems and in the study of differential equations.

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