MHB How Does a Connected Subspace Generate Another in Topological Groups?

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    2015
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A connected subspace of a topological group containing the identity can algebraically generate another connected subspace within the group. The problem emphasizes the relationship between connectedness and algebraic generation in topological groups. No responses were provided for this week's Problem of the Week, indicating a lack of engagement from participants. The original poster has shared their solution for further insight. This discussion highlights the importance of exploring connectedness in the context of topological groups.
Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Show that a connected subspace of a topological group $\pi$ which contains the identity must algebraically generate another connected subspace of $\pi$.
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No one answered this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
Let $C$ be a connected subspace of $\pi$ which contains the identity. In particular, the subgroup $\langle C\rangle$ generated by $C$ contains the identity. Let $x$ be a non-identity element of $\langle C\rangle$. There exists an index $k$, elements $c_1,\ldots, c_k\in C$, and positive integers $n_1,\ldots, n_k$ such that $x = c_1^{\epsilon_1 n_1}\cdots c_k^{\epsilon_k n_k}$, where the $\epsilon_i$ are $\pm 1$. Since multiplication and inversion are continuous and $C$ is connected, the sets $C^{\epsilon_1},\ldots, C^{\epsilon_k}$ are connected. Hence $C^{\epsilon_1}\cdots C^{\epsilon_k}$, the continuous image of the connected set $C^{\epsilon_1}\times \cdots \times C^{\epsilon_k}$ (in $\pi^k$) under multiplication, is connected. Since both $x$ and the identity belong to $C^{\epsilon_1}\cdots C^{\epsilon_k}$, it follows that $x$ belongs to the connected component of $\langle C\rangle$ at the identity. Since $x$ was arbitrary, $\langle C\rangle$ is connected.