Is F continuous if it is both upper and lower semicontinuous?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the continuity of a set-valued map F defined on the interval [0, 2π] and its properties regarding upper and lower semicontinuity. Participants explore definitions and implications of these concepts in the context of mathematical analysis.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that the set-valued map F is continuous but not upper semicontinuous at any α ∈ [0, 2π].
  • Others question the claim of continuity, noting that continuity typically implies upper semicontinuity, leading to confusion about the definitions being used.
  • A participant provides definitions of upper and lower semicontinuity, clarifying the conditions under which a set-valued map is considered semicontinuous.
  • One participant argues that F appears to be lower semicontinuous by demonstrating that for any open set intersecting F(α), there exists a neighborhood around α where F(β) also intersects that open set.
  • Another participant challenges the assertion of upper semicontinuity by constructing a specific open set that shows F(β) does not fit within it for β ≠ α.
  • A later reply emphasizes that the standard definition of continuity for set-valued maps requires both upper and lower semicontinuity, suggesting a potential misunderstanding in earlier claims.
  • Some participants reference external resources discussing the continuity of set-valued functions and the distinction between continuity and "strict continuity."

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express disagreement regarding the continuity of F, particularly whether it can be continuous while being not upper semicontinuous. The discussion remains unresolved with competing views on the implications of the definitions provided.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the discussion regarding the definitions of continuity and semicontinuity, as well as the assumptions made about the properties of the set-valued map F. The implications of these definitions on the continuity of F are not fully reconciled.

moh salem
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1/ Prove that the set-valued map F defined by
F : [0, 2π] ⇒ R2 as
F(α) := {λ(cos α, sin α) : λ ≥ 0}.
is continuous,
but not upper semicontinuous at any α ∈ [0, 2π].
2/ What is the fact that " F is continuous if it is both u.s.c. and l.s.c".
I would like illustrate that and thank you.
 
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Do you know the definitions of u.s.c and l.s.c?
 
Definition(u.s.c.)
Let X and Y be two topological spaces and F:X→P(Y)\{φ} be a set-valued map, we say that F is upper semicontinuous at x₀∈X, u.s.c. for short, if for any open V containing F(x₀) there exists a neighborhood N(x₀) of x₀ such that F(x)⊆V for all x∈N(x₀). We say that F is upper semicontinuous if it is so at every x∈X.
Definition(l.s.c.)
Let X and Y be two topological spaces and F:X→P(Y)\{φ}. We say that F is lower semicontinuous at x₀, l.s.c. for short, if for every open set V in Y with V∩F(x₀)≠φ, there exists a neighborhood N(x₀) for x₀ such that V∩F(x)≠φ for all x∈N(x₀). F is called lower semicontinuous if it is lower semicontinuous at each x∈X.
 
It appears to be lower semicontinuous but not upper semicontinuous.

To see it's lower semicontinuous, fix an open set ##V\subseteq \mathbb R^2## which intersects ##F(\alpha)## for some given ##\alpha\in[0,2\pi]##. That is, ##\lambda(\cos\alpha,\sin\alpha) \in V## for some ##\lambda\geq0##. You can check that for ##\beta## sufficiently close to ##\alpha##, the openness of ##V## implies ##\lambda(\cos\beta,\sin\beta) \in V##, and in particular, ##V## intersects ##F(\beta)##.

To see it's not upper semicontinuous at any ##\alpha\in [0,2\pi]##, consider the set ##V = \{\lambda(\cos\beta, \sin\beta): \enspace \beta\in \mathbb R, \enspace \lambda \in (-1, \infty), \enspace \lambda|\alpha-\beta|<1\}##. You can verify that ##V## is an open superset of ##F(\alpha)##, and that ##F(\beta) \nsubseteq V## for any ##\beta\neq\alpha##.
 
I see this as just the equivalent of the definition of continuity at a point; from Wiki:

337874d01d7807fe9881a5c60fab239a.png
, but I am confused at your statement that it is continuous but not u.s.c for ## \alpha \in [0, 2\pi ] ## , since continuity implies u.s.c. Maybe you want continuity for ## \alpha ## outside of ## [0, 2\pi] ## ?

Sorry to nitpick so much, but in my understanding, your definition of lower semicontinuity implies continuity. What def. of continuity are you using, the inverse image of open/closed is open/closed?
 
Last edited:
thank you very much, , economicsnerd.
Also like to thank WWGD.
 
The file attachment in down, please help me.
 

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The usual definition of a set-valued map being continuous is that it's both upper and lower semicontinuous. So of course, it can't be continuous without being lower semicontinuous.
 
Browsing the web, it appears that the study of set valued functions is on the frontier of mathematical research. The PDF http://pareto.uab.es/~adaniilidis/DP_2010.pdf gives various definitions related to the continuity of set valued functions and distinguishes between continuity and "strict continuity".
 

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