Proving Constant Function f: X → Y is Continuous

You should say, "In summary, the proof shows that assuming f is not constant leads to a contradiction, proving that f must be a constant function." Also, for #1b, you can say, "In summary, the proof shows that for any y0 in Y, the constant function f(x) = y0 is continuous since its inverse always leads to an empty set, making it open in any topological space."
  • #1
math25
25
0
Hi, can someone please check if my proof is correct

1. a) Assume f : R -> R is continuous when the usual topology on R is
used in the domain and the discrete topology on R is used in the range. Show
that f must be a constant function.

My attempt :

Let f: R --> R be continuous. Suppose that f is not constant, then f assumes
at least 2 values, p and q.
In R we can find two disjoint open intervals I and J such that
p is in I and q is in J.
By continuity f^{-1} and f^{-1}[J] are open.
They are disjoint as I and J are, and non-empty as p and q have preimages.
This contradicts the fact above. So f must be constant.

#1 b) Prove that for any two topological spaces (X; T1) and (Y; T2), if
y0 is in Y then the constant function f : X -> Y defi ned by f(x) = y0 is continu-
ous.

My Attempt:

f:x->y is continuous if for every v in T2 , f inverse (v) is in T

let y0 in Y then f(x) = y0 for every x in X is continuous and X is open set

If y0 is not in v, then f inverse (v) = empty set so its always open...therefore every constant function is always continuous.

thanks
 
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  • #2
math25 said:
Hi, can someone please check if my proof is correct

1. a) Assume f : R -> R is continuous when the usual topology on R is
used in the domain and the discrete topology on R is used in the range. Show
that f must be a constant function.

My attempt :

Let f: R --> R be continuous. Suppose that f is not constant, then f assumes
at least 2 values, p and q.
In R we can find two disjoint open intervals I and J such that
p is in I and q is in J.
By continuity f^{-1} and f^{-1}[J] are open.
They are disjoint as I and J are, and non-empty as p and q have preimages.
This contradicts the fact above. So f must be constant.

Contradicts what fact?
#1 b) Prove that for any two topological spaces (X; T1) and (Y; T2), if
y0 is in Y then the constant function f : X -> Y defi ned by f(x) = y0 is continu-
ous.

My Attempt:

f:x->y is continuous if for every v in T2 , f inverse (v) is in T

let y0 in Y then f(x) = y0 for every x in X is continuous and X is open set

If y0 is not in v, then f inverse (v) = empty set so its always open...therefore every constant function is always continuous.

thanks
This is fine, but your write-up is sloppy.
 

1. What is a constant function?

A constant function is a type of mathematical function where the output (or dependent variable) is always the same, regardless of the input (or independent variable). In other words, the function has a constant value and does not change.

2. How do you prove that a constant function is continuous?

In order to prove that a constant function is continuous, we must show that the limit of the function at any point is equal to the value of the function at that point. This can be done by using the definition of continuity, which states that for any point x0 in the domain of the function, the limit of the function as x approaches x0 is equal to f(x0). Since a constant function has the same value for all inputs, this condition is always satisfied and therefore the function is continuous.

3. Can a constant function be discontinuous?

No, a constant function cannot be discontinuous. As mentioned before, in order for a function to be continuous, the limit of the function at any point must be equal to the value of the function at that point. Since a constant function has the same value for all inputs, this condition is always satisfied and therefore the function is continuous.

4. Are all constant functions continuous?

Yes, all constant functions are continuous. As mentioned before, in order for a function to be continuous, the limit of the function at any point must be equal to the value of the function at that point. Since a constant function has the same value for all inputs, this condition is always satisfied and therefore the function is continuous.

5. Is proving the continuity of a constant function useful?

Yes, proving the continuity of a constant function is useful in many mathematical and scientific applications. It allows us to confidently use the function in various calculations and proofs, and it can also serve as a building block for proving the continuity of more complex functions. Additionally, understanding the concept of continuity and how it applies to constant functions can deepen our understanding of mathematical concepts and their applications.

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