How can you prove that a retract of a Hausdorff space is always closed?

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    2016
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SUMMARY

Every retract of a Hausdorff space is closed, as established through two distinct proofs presented in the discussion. The proofs leverage the properties of Hausdorff spaces, specifically the separation axioms that ensure distinct points can be separated by neighborhoods. The discussion emphasizes the significance of understanding retracts in topology, particularly in the context of closed sets within Hausdorff spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Hausdorff spaces in topology
  • Familiarity with the concept of retracts
  • Knowledge of separation axioms in topological spaces
  • Basic proof techniques in mathematical topology
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Hausdorff spaces in detail
  • Explore the concept of retracts and their implications in topology
  • Learn about various separation axioms beyond Hausdorff
  • Review proof techniques specific to topology, such as open and closed set arguments
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, particularly those specializing in topology, students studying advanced mathematical concepts, and educators looking to deepen their understanding of closed sets in Hausdorff spaces.

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Here is this week's POTW:

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Give two different proofs of the following result: Every retract of a Hausdorff space is closed.

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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
Let $X$ be a Hausdorff space, $A\subset X$ a subspace, and $r : X \to A$ a retraction. I'll show $A$ is closed in two ways.

Proof 1. Since $X$ is Hausdorff, its diagonal $\Delta$ is closed. Since $r$ is continuous and $A = (\operatorname{id},r)^{-1}(\Delta)$, then $A$ is closed.

Proof 2. Let $x$ be a closure point of $A$. There is a net $\{x_\alpha\}$ in $A$ which converges to $x$. Continuity of $r$ implies $r(x_\alpha)$ converges to $r(x)$. Since $r$ is a retraction, $r(x_\alpha) = x_\alpha$. Hence, $\{x_\alpha\}$ converges to $r(x)$ as well. The Hausdorff property of $X$ implies $x = r(x)$. In particular, $x\in A$. As $x$ was arbitrary, $A$ is closed.
 

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