Is a finite group of homeomorphisms with no fixed points able to act properly discontinuously on a Hausdorff space?

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    2017
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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the problem of demonstrating that a finite group of homeomorphisms, denoted as $\Gamma$, acting on a Hausdorff space $M$ with the property that all non-identity elements are fixed point free, results in a proper discontinuous action. The conclusion is that such a group $\Gamma$ indeed acts properly discontinuously on the space $M$. This is established through the properties of homeomorphisms and the characteristics of Hausdorff spaces.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of finite groups in topology
  • Knowledge of homeomorphisms and their properties
  • Familiarity with Hausdorff spaces
  • Concept of proper discontinuous actions in topological spaces
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of finite groups in topology
  • Explore the concept of homeomorphisms in detail
  • Research Hausdorff space characteristics and their implications
  • Investigate proper discontinuous actions and their applications in topology
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, topologists, and students studying group actions in topology, particularly those interested in the properties of homeomorphisms and Hausdorff spaces.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Suppose $\Gamma$ is a finite group of homeomorphisms of a Hausdorff space $M$ such that every non-identity element of $\Gamma$ is fixed point free. Show that $\Gamma$ acts on $M$ properly discontinuously.

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No one solved this week's problem. You can read my solution below.
Fix $p\in M$. For each $g\in \Gamma\setminus\{1\}$, $p \neq gp$. Since $M$ is Hausdorff, for every $g\in \Gamma\setminus\{1\}$, there are disjoint open sets $U_g \ni p$ and $V_g \ni gp$. Set $$W = \bigcap_{g\in \Gamma\setminus\{1\}} (U_g \cap g^{-1}(V_g))$$ Since each of the sets $U_g \cap g^{-1}(V_g)$ is an open neighborhood of $p$ and $\Gamma\setminus\{1\}$ is finite, then $W$ is open neighborhood of $p$. Given $g\neq 1$, $gW\cap W = \emptyset$. Indeed, if $gW\cap W \neq \emptyset$, then there are $w,w'\in W$ for which $gw = w'$. As $w'\in U_g$ and $w\in g^{-1}(V_g)$, we have $w' = gw \in U_g \cap V_g$, a contradiction. Consequently, $\Gamma$ acts on $M$ properly discontinuously.
 

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