How Do You Prove the Equivalence of These Definitions of Measurability?

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SUMMARY

The equivalence of two definitions of measurability in Lebesgue measure is established through the use of open and closed sets. The first definition states that a set E is measurable if for every ε > 0, there exists an open set O containing E such that the Lebesgue outer measure m_*(O \setminus E) is less than ε. The second definition asserts that for every ε > 0, there exists a closed set F within E such that m_*(E \setminus F) is less than ε. This equivalence can be demonstrated by leveraging the properties of measurable sets and the open/closed duality.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Lebesgue measure and outer measure
  • Familiarity with open and closed sets in topology
  • Knowledge of real analysis concepts, particularly measurability
  • Experience with the definitions and properties of measurable sets
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of Lebesgue outer measure in detail
  • Explore the open/closed duality in topology
  • Review the relevant sections in Stein-Shakarchi's textbook, Real Analysis
  • Practice problems related to measurability and set theory
USEFUL FOR

Students of real analysis, mathematicians focusing on measure theory, and educators seeking to clarify the concept of measurability in Lebesgue measure.

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One possible definition of measurability is this: A set [tex]E \subseteq \mathbb R^d[/tex] is (Lebesgue) measurable if for every [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex] there exists an open set [tex]\mathcal O \supseteq E[/tex] such that [tex]m_*(\mathcal O \setminus E) < \epsilon[/tex]. Here, [tex]m_*[/tex] indicates Lebesgue outer measure.

Apparently, an equivalent definition is this: "For every [tex]\epsilon > 0[/tex] there exists a closed set [tex]F \subseteq E[/tex] such that [tex]m_*(E\setminus F) < \epsilon[/tex]."

Showing the equivalence of these definitions was a practice problem recently for the final exam in my real analysis class. But I couldn't get it, and even though I'm on break now, it's bugging me. Can someone help? Thanks! (This is also apparently a problem in Stein-Shakarchi's textbook, Real Analysis.)
 
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==>: Suppose E is measurable. Then E^c is measurable. Let O be the open set associated to E^c as in the definition of measurability. Then use F=O^c.

<==: Same thing, just use the open/closed duality in the same way.
 

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