Does Minimum of Complex Set Subset Exist?

In summary, the conversation discusses the existence of a minimum value in a set ##L_B##, given that the set ##B## is convex. The question arises if the convexity of ##L_B## is sufficient for the existence of a minimum. A counterexample is given and the suggestion is made to consider if ##B## is also compact. It is concluded that a compact set always has a minimum, since it is both bounded and closed.
  • #1
Bashyboy
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5

Homework Statement


The following doesn't come from a textbook, and I am very uncertain whether it is true or false. Suppose that ##B \subseteq \mathbb{C}## is a convex set, and consider the set ##L_B := \{|b|: b \in B \}##.

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution


My question is, will ##min~L_B## exist? My thought was that ##B## being convex implied that ##L_B## is convex; but I am unsure whether convexity of ##L_B## is sufficient to conclude that ##min~L_B##. Please refrain from giving me an entire answer, but I would appreciate a few hints.
 
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  • #2
Think about an open set in ##\mathbb{R}##.
 
  • #3
Ah, a counterexample! For instance, if we have ##B = (0,1)##, then ##L_B = B##, yet ##B## does not have a minimum. What if we stipulate that ##B## must also be compact?
 
  • #4
Does a compact set always have a minimum?
 
  • #5
A compact set is both bounded and closed.
 
  • #6
Since a compact set is bounded and closed, the infimum is the minimum, and the minimum exists.
 

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