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

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    2017
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SUMMARY

A homeomorphism of the closed unit disk must map the boundary circle, denoted as $S^1$, onto itself. This conclusion is established through the properties of continuous functions and the nature of homeomorphisms, which preserve topological properties. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding the implications of mapping in topology, specifically within the context of the closed unit disk.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of homeomorphisms in topology
  • Familiarity with the closed unit disk and its properties
  • Knowledge of the boundary of a topological space
  • Basic concepts of continuous functions
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  • Study the properties of homeomorphisms in more depth
  • Explore the implications of mapping boundaries in topology
  • Learn about continuous functions and their characteristics
  • Investigate examples of homeomorphisms in different topological spaces
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Mathematicians, topology students, and anyone interested in the properties of homeomorphisms and their applications in topological spaces.

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 $S^1$.

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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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