Definition of Absorbing Set in Topology Vector Space

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

An "absorbing set" in a topological vector space is defined as a set A ⊆ X such that X = ∪_{n∈ℕ} nA. This definition, presented in functional analysis classes, is considered too restrictive by some, as it limits expansion to natural numbers rather than allowing for arbitrary scalar multiplication. Additionally, it is established that every neighborhood of zero in a topological vector space is absorbing, as any open neighborhood can be scaled to encompass the entire space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of topological vector spaces
  • Familiarity with the concept of neighborhoods in topology
  • Knowledge of scalar multiplication in vector spaces
  • Basic principles of functional analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of neighborhoods in topological vector spaces
  • Study the implications of scalar multiplication on absorbing sets
  • Explore alternative definitions of absorbing sets in various mathematical contexts
  • Learn about the role of absorbing sets in functional analysis
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, students of functional analysis, and anyone studying topological vector spaces will benefit from this discussion.

AxiomOfChoice
Messages
531
Reaction score
1
Is this a legitimate definition for an "absorbing set" in a topological vector space?

A set [itex]A\subset X[/itex] is absorbing if [itex]X = \bigcup_{n\in \mathbb N} nA[/itex].

This is the definition the way it was presented to us in my functional analysis class, but I'm looking at other sources, and it seems everyone talks about absorbing being something that can be arbitrarily expanded (by *any* scalar) to include the whole space. It seems that expansion just by natural numbers is too restrictive.
 
Physics news on Phys.org


My professor also claims that EVERY neighborhood of zero in a topological vector space is absorbing. This wasn't proved, and I can't think of why it would be the case.
 


Because if [tex]X = \bigcup_{n\in \mathbb N} nA[/tex], then any element of X eventually belongs (is absorbed) by a scaled version nA of A. A little thinking also shows that any open neighborhood is absorbing.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
10K
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
2K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 28 ·
Replies
28
Views
3K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
761
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
3K