Equivalence of Metrics and Completeness in Metric Spaces

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the equivalence of metrics in metric spaces, specifically focusing on the conditions under which two metrics, d and d', are considered equivalent. The original poster presents a statement regarding the completeness of metric spaces and seeks to explore the implications of metric equivalence on the completeness of the spaces (S,d) and (S,d').

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Mathematical reasoning, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to connect the completeness of (S,d) with the completeness of (S,d') by considering Cauchy sequences and their behavior under the equivalence of metrics. Some participants question whether a Cauchy sequence in one metric is also Cauchy in the other metric, suggesting that the constants M and M' play a role in this relationship.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, exploring the implications of the definitions of Cauchy sequences in the context of the two metrics. There is a focus on understanding how the constants associated with the metrics influence convergence and the completeness of the spaces. Some guidance is being offered regarding the relationship between the metrics and the behavior of sequences, but no consensus has been reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions of Cauchy sequences and completeness, with some uncertainty about how to apply the constants M and M' in their reasoning. The discussion reflects an exploration of the assumptions underlying the equivalence of metrics and their impact on the properties of the metric spaces involved.

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Homework Statement


We say that two metrics d, d' on a space S are equivalent if each "dominates" the other in the following sense: there exist constants M, M'>0 such that
d'(x,y)<=M' d(x,y) and d(x,y)<=M d'(x,y) for all x,y in S.

If metrics d, d' are equivalent, prove that (S,d) is complete<==>(S,d') is a complete metric space.


The Attempt at a Solution


If (S,d) is complete then every Cauchy sequence in S converges to a limit in S. I want to go somewhere along the lines of saying that multiplying by a constant will not change its convergence...am I going along the right lines here? I don't really know how else to go about this.
 
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Let's do the => direction first. Take a cauchy sequence {x_n} in (S,d'). Is {x_n} cauchy in (S,d)?
 
I'm guessing it is yes. Because we have M' that we can multiply the sequence by?
 
And, of course, a sequence convertes if and only if "given \epsilon&gt; 0, there exist N such that ...

Given \epsilon&gt; 0 in d', what does that tell you about \epsilon/M&#039; in d?
 
HallsofIvy said:
And, of course, a sequence convertes if and only if "given \epsilon&gt; 0, there exist N such that ...

Given \epsilon&gt; 0 in d', what does that tell you about \epsilon/M&#039; in d?

To finish the first part of your response, "there exists N such that..."
is the end of that "n larger than N will be equal to some epsilon>0"?

For the second part, epsilon/M' will be some small value in d...?
 
If d(x_n, L)&lt; \epsilon[/tex] for all n&gt; N, then d&amp;#039;(x_n,L)= M&amp;#039;\epsilon and conversely.
 

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