Convergence in a Discrete Metric Space - What Does It Mean?

In summary, a discrete metric space is complete if and only if every Cauchy sequence eventually becomes constant, resulting in convergence.
  • #1
vandanak
34
0
how is discrete metric space given by d((x1,x2,...xn)(y1,y2,...yn))=0 if xi=yi else 1
disc
is complete
 
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  • #2
Have you thought about what convergence of a sequence means in a discrete space?

A metric space is "complete" if and only if every Cauchy sequence converges. And, of course, a Cauchy sequence is one where [itex]\lim_{m,n\rightarrow \infty} d(a_n,a_m)= 0[/itex]. Since d(x,y)= 1 for [itex]x\ne y[/itex], in order for that to happen the sequence must be "eventually constant", i.e. for some N, if n,m> N, [itex]a_n= a_m[/itex] and it is easy to show that such a sequence converges.
 

What is a discrete metric?

A discrete metric is a mathematical concept used in the field of topology to measure the distance between two points in a set. It is defined as the number of steps it takes to get from one point to another, where each step is of equal distance.

How is discrete metric different from other metrics?

Unlike other metrics, the discrete metric only considers the distance between two points to be either 0 or 1. This means that there are no fractional or decimal distances, and all points are either adjacent (distance of 1) or the same point (distance of 0).

What are some applications of discrete metric?

The discrete metric is used in various fields, including computer science, biology, and physics. In computer science, it is used to measure the similarity between two data points, while in biology, it is used to analyze genetic sequences. In physics, it is used to study the behavior of particles in discrete spaces.

How is discrete metric related to topology?

Topology is the study of geometric properties that are preserved under continuous deformations, and the discrete metric is used to define a topology on a set. It helps to identify topological properties such as connectedness, compactness, and continuity.

Can discrete metric be generalized to higher dimensions?

Yes, the concept of discrete metric can be extended to higher dimensions, but it becomes more complex as the number of dimensions increases. In higher dimensions, the distance between two points is measured by the number of steps it takes to go from one point to another, where each step is of equal length in each dimension.

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