MHB Can a homeomorphism of the closed unit disk map $S^1$ onto $S^1$?

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    2017
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A homeomorphism of the closed unit disk onto itself must indeed map the boundary circle, \( S^1 \), onto itself. This is due to the properties of continuous functions and the preservation of topological structure in homeomorphisms. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the behavior of such mappings at the boundary. A partially correct solution was provided by a participant, with further insights shared in the thread. Overall, the problem emphasizes the fundamental characteristics of homeomorphisms in topology.
Euge
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Happy New Year, MHB! Since the year has just started I figured I'd start with a light problem which I'm sure several of you can solve.

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Prove that a homeomorphism of the closed unit disk onto itself must map $S^1$ onto $S^1$.

-----Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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Honorable mention goes to vidyarth for a partially correct solution. You can read my solution below.
Let $\bar{D}^2$ be the closed unit disk in $\Bbb R^2$. Let $f : \bar{D}^2 \to \bar{D}^2$ be a homeomorphism. Suppose there exists a $z\in S^1$ such that $f(z)\notin S^1$. There is a homeomorphism $\bar{D}^2\setminus\{z\} \xrightarrow{~} \bar{D}^2\setminus \{f(z)\}$ induced by the restriction of $f$ to $\bar{D}^2\setminus\{z\}$. As $z\in S^1$, $\bar{D}^2\setminus\{z\}$ is contractible (since it is a convex subspace of the plane). Since $f(z)$ lies in the interior of $\bar{D}^2$, $\bar{D}^2\setminus\{f(z)\}$ deformation retracts to $S^1$. So the induced map on fundamental groups gives an isomorphism $0 \to \Bbb Z$, which is a contradiction.
 

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