Definition of boundary point and equation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the definition of boundary points in the context of topology, particularly in relation to sequences and their convergence within the space \(\mathbb{R}^{n}\). Participants explore the implications of boundary definitions, the relationship between closure and sequences, and the conditions under which certain statements hold true.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Wayne proposes that if \(x \in \text{bd}\;C\), then there exists a sequence \(\{x_{k}\}\) such that \(x_{k} \notin \text{cl}\;C\) and \(\lim_{k\rightarrow \infty}x_{k} = x\), based on the definition of boundary points.
  • Another participant suggests that the boundary point can be defined as a point where every open neighborhood intersects both the set \(C\) and the complement of its closure.
  • Some participants discuss the equivalence of continuity and sequential continuity in first-countable spaces, noting that it is not an if-and-only-if result.
  • Wayne reiterates his initial claim and seeks clarification on whether his explanation is correct.
  • A participant challenges Wayne's claim by providing a counterexample where a boundary point does not allow for a sequence satisfying Wayne's criteria.
  • Further discussion reveals that even with restrictions on the closure of \(C\), similar issues arise with other examples, prompting suggestions to modify the conditions of the sequences involved.
  • There is a suggestion to replace the requirement that \(x_k \notin \overline{C}\) with \(x_k \notin C\) to address the concerns raised.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the definition and implications of boundary points, with some agreeing on the need for clarification and others providing counterexamples that challenge the initial claims. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the precise conditions under which the proposed statements hold true.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the dependence on the definitions of closure and boundary points, as well as the specific properties of the topological spaces being discussed. The examples provided highlight potential gaps in the initial claims without resolving them.

wayneckm
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Hello all,Suppose C\subseteq \mathbb{R}^{n}, if x \in \text{bd}\;C where \text{bd} denotes the boundary, a sequence \{x_{k}\} can be found such that x_{k} \notin \text{cl}\;C and \lim_{k\rightarrow \infty}x_{k} = x.

The existence of such sequence is guaranteed by the definition of boundary point, of which a neighborhood contains at least one point of C and at least one point of \mathbb{R}^{n}\C. (Explicit structure of the sequence is no longer our task...if you want, find it yourself...?)

Is my explanation right? Thanks.Wayne
 
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If you mean by boundary that the point that can not be separated from R^n or the set C by open sets then this seems to work.

What about saying that every open neighborhood of the point has non-empty intersection with the set C and with the complement of its closure? Does that say the same thing?
 
As a general comment, that result is true for all 1st-countable spaces ( it is actually
an iff) result, in that continuity is equivalent to sequential continuity.
 
Bacle said:
As a general comment, that result is true for all 1st-countable spaces ( it is actually an iff) result, in that continuity is equivalent to sequential continuity.
Nope, it is not iff. The result that continuity is equivalent to seq. continuity even holds in a Sequential space. Every 1st countable space is a seq. space, but not conversely (wikipedia gives the example "take the real line R and identify the set Z of integers to a point.")

See also this interesting article, which has the useful diagram

http://img37.imageshack.us/img37/2064/sequentialspace.png
 
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Well, we may be talking about slightly different things (I may have misread --and misunderestimated : -- the statement of the problem) ). What I mentioned was the sequence lemma:

For X a topological space and if A<X , then x is in Cl(A) iff there is a sequence
of points in A that converge to x.

In this case, this is an iff result with 1st countability.
 
Yes, I misunderstood you. I thought you claimed that "continuity is equivalent to sequential continuity" is equivalent to "the space being 1st countable".

You are right that that result about closure and sequences is an iff result in a 1st countable space. We can do even better: this is an iff result in a sequential space (so my post was not completely off topic :) )
 
wayneckm said:
Hello all,


Suppose C\subseteq \mathbb{R}^{n}, if x \in \text{bd}\;C where \text{bd} denotes the boundary, a sequence \{x_{k}\} can be found such that x_{k} \notin \text{cl}\;C and \lim_{k\rightarrow \infty}x_{k} = x.

The existence of such sequence is guaranteed by the definition of boundary point, of which a neighborhood contains at least one point of C and at least one point of \mathbb{R}^{n}\C. (Explicit structure of the sequence is no longer our task...if you want, find it yourself...?)

Is my explanation right? Thanks.


Wayne


?

Let C := R^n \ {0} and let x := 0.

Then x is in the boundary of C, but no sequence satisfying your criteria exists.
 
some_dude said:
?

Let C := R^n \ {0} and let x := 0.

Then x is in the boundary of C, but no sequence satisfying your criteria exists.


Thanks all comments so far.

So shall I include a restriction that \text{cl} C \neq \mathbb{R}?
 
wayneckm said:
Thanks all comments so far.

So shall I include a restriction that \text{cl} C \neq \mathbb{R}?

No, it still wouldn't work: e.g., let C = { x in R^n : |x| < 1 } \ {0}, the unit disk with the origin removed, and the same thing applies.

Just replace the requirement "x_k \notin \overline{C}" with "x_k \notin C" (overline denoting closure).
 
  • #10
I think you mean x_k\in C instead of x_k\notin C
 

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