Are [a,b) and (a,b] Homeomorphic in Absolute Value Topology?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the homeomorphism properties of certain spaces in the context of absolute value topology on the real number line. The specific spaces under consideration are [a,b) and (a,b], as well as (a,b) and the union of two disjoint intervals (r,s)U(u,v).

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to determine if the spaces [a,b) and (a,b] are homeomorphic, citing convergence properties of sequences as a potential reason for their non-homeomorphism. They also express uncertainty about how to approach the second part regarding (a,b) and (r,s)U(u,v).
  • Some participants question the definition and implications of absolute value topology, suggesting that it may influence the homeomorphic nature of the spaces.
  • Others suggest considering connectedness as a property that may help in analyzing the second part of the question.
  • There is a discussion about the necessity of constructing a specific mapping to prove homeomorphism, with varying opinions on whether an explicit function is required.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants exploring different aspects of homeomorphism and connectedness. Some guidance has been offered regarding the properties of connected spaces, while others are questioning the assumptions made about the spaces in question. Multiple interpretations of the absolute value topology and its implications are being explored.

Contextual Notes

One participant notes that their course has not yet covered connectedness, which may limit their ability to engage fully with the second part of the problem. There is also a mention of the topics covered in their course, including derived sets and continuity, which may influence their understanding of the current discussion.

TimNguyen
Messages
79
Reaction score
0
Hi all, I have the following question.
Are the following spaces homeomorphic in the real number space with absolute value topology?
1) [a,b) and (a,b]
2) (a,b) and (r,s)U(u,v) where r < s < u < v.

For 1), I got that they are not homeomorphic because it fails the topological property that sequences in a set converges to a point in the set. As seen, a sequence could converge to a point a in [a,b), which is in the set, but is not contained in the set (a,b].
-Is this correct?

For 2), I'm not really sure at all. I was wondering if I should try to create a function that maps (a,b) to (r,s)U(u,v) and show the properties for homeomorphisms under topological spaces but I can't find out a function.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
What exactly is the absolute value topology? It sounds like it is is symmetric with respect to the two kinds of half open intervals, in which case the first two spaces are homeomorphic, but it's hard to answer this without knowing exactly what the toopology is.
 
The absolute value topology is exactly what it should be on the real number line. Open sets are open intervals, closed sets are closed intervals.
 
that is the standard, or metric topology.

Of course the first two sets are homeomorphic, I don't get your objection.

And, if you believe tow spaces are not homeomorphic, it suffices to pretend there is a homeomorphism, you don't actually have to construct it or write it down.
 
I think he's been confused by the fact the identity map is not a homeomorphism of [a, b) and (a, b].
 
For 2), think of connectedness.
 
The second part involves connectedness, which apparently you aren't familiar with. A space is connected if it cannot be decomposed into the union of two disjoint, non-empty open sets. Clearly two disjoint open intervals are not connected, and it can be shown that an interval is. This proof is fairly straightforward but a little long, so if you can't just use the fact that an interval is connected, you might want to look for a different approach. But it can be easily shown that any space homeomorphic to a connected space is connected from the definition I gave above, so this method will get you there, it just might not be the easiest way.
 
Unfortunately, you are correct, my course has not covered connectedness yet. So far, this is what I've covered in the course regarding topological spaces: derived sets, continuity, homeomorphisms, and the separation axioms.

Also, for [a,b) and (a,b], is it necessary that I find a function that maps to one another in order to prove it's a homeomorphism?

Thanks for the help, by the way.
 
It is necessary to prove such a map exists, whether or not you have to exhibit it explicitly is another matter. certainly writing it out is sufficient to demonstrate it exists, and I'm sure if you think geometrically you can describe the map easily enough. it is after all clear how to map [-1,1) to (-1,1] I hope, if you think geometrically.
 
  • #10
For 2:
What are the sets that are both open and closed in (a,b)?
What are the sets that are both open and closed in (r,s)U(u,v)?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 58 ·
2
Replies
58
Views
5K
  • · Replies 43 ·
2
Replies
43
Views
7K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 61 ·
3
Replies
61
Views
7K
  • · Replies 29 ·
Replies
29
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
Replies
20
Views
5K
Replies
5
Views
2K