Proving Metric Space Reflexivity with Three Conditions

In summary, the three conditions of a metric space, (1) d(x, y)>=0 for all x, y in R, (2) d(x, y)=0 iff x=y, and (3) d(x, y)<=d(x, z)+d(z, y) for all x, y, z in R, imply that d(x, y)=d(y, x). This means that the condition of reflexivity is not necessary to define a metric space, as it can be implied by the other three conditions. To prove this, one could look for a counterexample to the proof.
  • #1
GridironCPJ
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Homework Statement



Show that the following three conditions of a metric space imply that d(x, y)=d(y, x):

(1) d(x, y)>=0 for all x, y in R
(2) d(x, y)=0 iff x=y
(3) d(x, y)=<d(x, z)+d(z, y) for all x, y, z in R

(Essentially, we can deduce a reduced-form definition of a metric space, one without explicitly stating the reflexivity condition because the other 3 conditions imply it)

Homework Equations



The three conditions above.

The Attempt at a Solution



I've gone in circles, getting nowhere.
 
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  • #2
I would start looking for a counterexample of what you're trying to prove.
 

1. What is a metric space?

A metric space is a mathematical structure that consists of a set of points and a function that measures the distance between any two points in that set. The function, called a metric, must follow certain rules to be considered a metric space.

2. How is reflexivity defined in a metric space?

Reflexivity in a metric space means that the distance between any point and itself is always zero. In other words, every point in the metric space is considered to be at a distance of zero from itself.

3. What are the three conditions for proving metric space reflexivity?

The three conditions for proving metric space reflexivity are:

  • The distance between any point and itself is always zero.
  • The distance between any two distinct points is always positive.
  • The distance between two points is symmetric, meaning the distance from point A to point B is the same as the distance from point B to point A.

4. How do these three conditions prove metric space reflexivity?

These three conditions together ensure that every point in the metric space is at a distance of zero from itself, which is the definition of reflexivity. They also ensure that the distance between any two distinct points is always positive, and that the distance between two points is symmetric, satisfying the requirements for a metric space.

5. Can these conditions be used to prove reflexivity in other mathematical structures?

Yes, these conditions can be used to prove reflexivity in other mathematical structures, as long as the structure has a concept of distance or similarity between elements. However, the specific conditions may vary depending on the structure.

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