Compact Subsets of R .... Sohrab, Proposition 4.1.1 (Lindelof)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on Proposition 4.1.1 from Houshang H. Sohrab's "Basic Real Analysis" (Second Edition), specifically addressing the countability of subsets of rational numbers within the context of open balls in topology. Participants clarify that while the set of indices $$\{x\}$$ may be uncountable, the corresponding set of radii $$\{\rho_x\}$$ remains countable due to the nature of rational numbers. The proof's structure is examined, emphasizing that the union of countable subcollections can indeed cover the open set $$O$$ as stated in the proposition.

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  • Understanding of basic topology concepts, particularly open sets and open balls.
  • Familiarity with countability in set theory, especially regarding rational numbers.
  • Knowledge of the notation and terminology used in real analysis, such as $$\mathbb{R}$$ and $$\mathbb{Q}$$.
  • Ability to interpret mathematical proofs and propositions, specifically in the context of real analysis.
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  • Study the concept of countability in set theory, focusing on rational and irrational numbers.
  • Examine the properties of open sets in topology, particularly in relation to compactness and Lindelöf properties.
  • Review the proof techniques used in real analysis, especially those involving unions of sets and indexed collections.
  • Explore additional examples of propositions similar to Proposition 4.1.1 to reinforce understanding of the concepts discussed.
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I am reading Houshang H. Sohrab's book: "Basic Real Analysis" (Second Edition).

I am focused on Chapter 4: Topology of $$\mathbb{R}$$ and Continuity ... ...

I need help in order to fully understand the proof of Proposition 4.1.1...Proposition 4.1.1, some preliminary notes and its proof read as follows:
View attachment 9081
My questions are as follows:Question 1

In the above proof by Sohrab we read the following:

" ... ... Now the set $$\{ \rho_x \ : \ x \in O \} \subset \mathbb{Q}$$ is countable ... ... "

But ... it seems to me that since the $$x$$'s are uncountable that the number of $$\rho_x$$ is uncountable ... but that many (at times infinitely many ... ) have the same values since each is equal to a rational number and these are countable ...

... so in fact there are an uncountably infinite number of open balls $$B_{ \rho_x } (x)$$ ... there are just a countable number of different values for the radii of the open balls ...

Is my interpretation correct ... ?

Question 2

In the above proof by Sohrab we read the following:

" ... ... If for each $$k \in \mathbb{N}$$ we pick $$\lambda_k \in B_{ \rho_k } (x_k) \subset O_{ \lambda_k }$$, then we have a countable subcollection $$\{ O_{ \lambda_k } \}_{ k \in \mathbb{N} } \subset \{ O_\lambda \}_{ \lambda \in \Lambda }$$ which satisfies $$O = \bigcup_{ k = 1 }^{ \infty } O_{ \lambda_k }$$ ... ..."Can someone please explain/demonstrate clearly (preferably in some detail) how the process described actually results in a countable subcollection where $$O = \bigcup_{ k = 1 }^{ \infty } O_{ \lambda_k }$$ ...


... indeed, given that $$\{ O_{ \lambda_k } \}_{ k \in \mathbb{N} } \subset \{ O_\lambda \}_{ \lambda \in \Lambda }$$

... it looks as if $$\bigcup_{ k = 1 }^{ \infty } O_{ \lambda_k } \subset O$$ ... ?

In addition to answers to the two questions, any explanations/clarifications of the overall strategy and tactics of the proof would be very gratefully received ...

Help will be much appreciated ...

Peter
 

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The \rho_n are defined to be rational. The set of all rational numbers is countable so this subset is countable.
 
HallsofIvy said:
The \rho_n are defined to be rational. The set of all rational numbers is countable so this subset is countable.
Thanks HallsofIvy ...

Yes, the $$\rho_n$$ or $$\rho_k$$ are constructed or defined to be rational ... but the $$\rho_x$$ are also defined/constructed to be rational ... so my comments under question 1, I think, are correct ... do you agree ... am I interpreting the situation correctly ...

Can you comment on Question 2 ...?

Peter
 
No, the set of all rational numbers is countable. Any set of rational numbers is at most countable. If a set of rational numbers, $\{r_x\}$, is indexed by "x" from an uncountable set that just means that there are a lot of duplicates- there are uncountably many different "x" such that "$r_x$" are the same.
 
HallsofIvy said:
No, the set of all rational numbers is countable. Any set of rational numbers is at most countable. If a set of rational numbers, $\{r_x\}$, is indexed by "x" from an uncountable set that just means that there are a lot of duplicates- there are uncountably many different "x" such that "$r_x$" are the same.
Thanks HallsofIvy ...

Peter
 

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