Closure of Sets Proof Homework | Equations & Solution Attempt

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a proof related to the closure of sets in a mathematical context, specifically focusing on intersections and limit points. Participants are exploring the properties of closures in relation to sequences and their limit points.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to approach the proof in multiple ways but expresses uncertainty about their validity. They seek feedback on their reasoning regarding limit points and the notation used. Other participants question the assumptions about the intersection of sets and the implications of limit points being in either set.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the original poster's attempts, providing feedback and suggesting areas for clarification. There is an acknowledgment of potential misconceptions regarding the properties of closures and intersections, with some guidance offered on how to think about the problem.

Contextual Notes

There is a mention of a counterexample related to the closure of intersections, indicating that the original poster may be working under a misunderstanding of this concept. The discussion also highlights the importance of careful notation and definitions in the proof process.

mynameisfunk
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Homework Statement



See attachment

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I am not sure how I should approach this first off. I have tried this 3 ways but I always decide they don't work. Click on the other attachment to see my work, It's only the first part of the first one, but I would just like to know if it works.
 

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That looks ok so far, but you might want to elaborate on why if x_i is in A or B for all i, then the limit point x is either a limit point of A or a limit point of B. And you might want to be a little more careful about notation. {x_i} can mean either the whole sequence or it could be a singleton set consisting of the single element x_i. If x_i is an element of A, then {x_i} isn't necessarily an element of A, it's a subset of A. The second half of the proof should be even easier.

If you are trying to prove the closure of the intersection is the intersection of the closures, then stop. It's false. Look for a counterexample.
 
OK thanks, I am working on the second one now...
How do I know if (A[tex]\cap[/tex]B) [tex]\cap[/tex] (A[tex]\cap[/tex]B)' is empty?
I am assuming this must be the case in order for the two not to be equal to each other..
It seems like they don't necessarily have to be since a limit of some {x_i} in A can be in B and vice versa? It seems like it is true to me..
 
mynameisfunk said:
OK thanks, I am working on the second one now...
How do I know if (A[tex]\cap[/tex]B) [tex]\cap[/tex] (A[tex]\cap[/tex]B)' is empty?
I am assuming this must be the case in order for the two not to be equal to each other..
It seems like they don't necessarily have to be since a limit of some {x_i} in A can be in B and vice versa? It seems like it is true to me..

You might be thinking too hard. Think about two open intervals on the real line. The closures are 'bigger' than the intervals. The closures might intersect even though the intervals don't.
 
Thanks tons, Dick.
 

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