Does the Interval [-1,∞) Include Any Open Sets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether the interval [-1, ∞) on the number line R contains any open sets. Participants explore the implications of the interval being half-open and the definitions of open and closed sets.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants argue that since [-1, ∞) includes -1, it cannot be considered an open set.
  • Others point out that while [-1, ∞) is not an open set, it does contain open sets, such as the interval (4, 7).
  • A participant questions the clarity of the original question, distinguishing between asking if [-1, ∞) is an open set versus asking if it contains an open set.
  • Another participant suggests that any non-zero interval on the reals contains various combinations of open and closed sets, implying that [-1, ∞) must also contain open sets.
  • One participant expresses uncertainty about the original poster's question and discusses the dependency of set membership on the specification of the set.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that [-1, ∞) is not an open set, but there is disagreement regarding the interpretation of the question and the nature of the sets contained within it.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved distinctions between the definitions of open and closed sets, and the implications of half-open intervals on set membership and containment.

zli034
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On the number line R, does [-1,[tex]\infty[/tex]) contain an open set?

because it includes -1, don't think it is an open set.
 
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zli034 said:
On the number line R, does [-1,[tex]\infty[/tex]) contain an open set?

because it includes -1, don't think it is an open set.

It's a half open interval that you've shown. If you define a set {[tex][-1,\infty)[/tex]} then it contains at least one half open subset.
 
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Is the question: Is [tex][-1, \infty)[/tex] an open set?

Or is the question: Does [tex][-1, \infty)[/tex] contain an open set?
 
Office_Shredder said:
Is the question: Is [tex][-1, \infty)[/tex] an open set?

Or is the question: Does [tex][-1, \infty)[/tex] contain an open set?

What's the difference?
 
It is not an open set. But it contains the open set (4, 7) for example.
 
g_edgar said:
It is not an open set. But it contains the open set (4, 7) for example.
I guess I'm not understanding the OP's question. Any non zero interval on the reals "contains" every possible combination: [a,b],(a,b),(a,b],[a,b). Any such interval has a bijective mapping to the entire set of reals, so of course the interval [-1,[tex]\infty)[/tex] "contains" open sets.

EDIT: Perhaps I'm mistaken, but in terms of open and closed sets or subsets, I'm considering the actual membership of a given set to be dependent on the specification (choice) of that set. Therefore I could specify that every subset of C:C subset of R be closed.
 
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