Closed set equivalence theorem

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the closed set equivalence theorem, specifically examining the condition where a set S is equal to the union of itself and its boundary, denoted as S ∪ Bdy S. Participants are exploring the implications of this condition in the context of set closure and open sets.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to establish the relationship between a set and its closure, questioning the existence of a minimum distance from points in the complement of S to points in S. There is also discussion about the definitions and implications of the terms used, such as "closure" and "boundary."

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants seeking clarification on definitions and the reasoning behind certain steps in the proof. Some have expressed confusion about the implications of the conditions stated in the problem, while others are questioning the assumptions made in the original poster's approach.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted concern regarding the completeness of the definitions provided, particularly the term "S ∪ Bdy S," and the implications of assuming the existence of a minimum distance in the context of real numbers.

ssayan3
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Homework Statement


Hi guys, this problem gave me some trouble before, but I'd like to know if I have it worked out now...

"If S = S\cupBdyS, then S is closed (S_{compliment} is open)



Homework Equations


S is equal to it's closure.


The Attempt at a Solution


1. Pick a point p in S^{compliment}.
2. For all points q^{n} in S, let \delta = min{|p-q^{n}|}
3. Dfine B(p,\delta)
4. For any point in S^{compliment}, we can produce \delta>0 such that B(p,\delta)\subsetS^{compliment}. Therefore, all points in S^{compliment} are interior points; therefore, S_{compliment} is open, and S is closed.
 
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I am having a hard time figuring out what you mean by "S\cupBdyS"
 
Oh! I'm sorry if I was unclear about something...

"S\cupBdyS" refers to the union of the set S with its boundary, and is called Closure(S)

It can also be referred to as the union of the interior of S with the boundary of S.

(Someone tell me if I made an error!)
 
ssayan3 said:

Homework Statement


Hi guys, this problem gave me some trouble before, but I'd like to know if I have it worked out now...

"If S = S\cupBdyS, then S is closed (S_{compliment} is open)



Homework Equations


S is equal to it's closure.


The Attempt at a Solution


1. Pick a point p in S^{compliment}.
2. For all points q^{n} in S, let \delta = min{|p-q^{n}|}
How do you know there exist such a minimum? Not every set has a minimum. Every set of real numbers, bounded below, has an infimum (greatest lower bound). But then how do you know it is not 0?

3. Dfine B(p,\delta)
4. For any point in S^{compliment}, we can produce \delta>0 such that B(p,\delta)\subsetS^{compliment}. Therefore, all points in S^{compliment} are interior points; therefore, S_{compliment} is open, and S is closed.
 
Argh, that makes it even worse for me because now I really have no idea how to finish this one.

What I have so far is:
1. Pick a point z in Compliment(S)
2.Then, z is not in S, and is not in Closure(S) by hypothesis
 

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