Is Path-Connectivity Equivalent to Connectivity in $\mathbb{R}^2$?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the relationship between path-connectivity and connectivity in sets within $\mathbb{R}^2$. Participants explore specific sets and question whether a set can be path-connected without being connected, as well as the implications of continuity on the connectedness of certain sets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants inquire whether a set in $\mathbb{R}^2$ can be path-connected only if it is connected, suggesting that if a set is not connected, it cannot be path-connected.
  • Participants present specific sets, such as $A$ and $B$, and indicate that they have shown these sets to be connected, seeking hints on how to determine their path-connectedness.
  • There is a discussion about the set $C$, which is defined in terms of the tangent function, and whether the discontinuity of the tangent function implies that the set is not connected.
  • One participant suggests using the gluing lemma and making sketches to analyze the first set, while also noting that $x_1$ is a continuous function of $x_2$ for the second set.
  • Another participant asks how to express the set $C$ as a disjoint union of non-empty, closed subsets of $\mathbb{R}^2$, indicating uncertainty about this approach.
  • Further questions arise regarding the necessity of visualizing the graph for the first set and the implications of the relationship $x_1=\sqrt{1+x_2^2}$ for the second set.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty and seek clarification on various points, indicating that there is no consensus on the implications of continuity for connectedness or the path-connectedness of the discussed sets.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the need for more information to draw conclusions about the connectedness of set $C$, highlighting the dependence on definitions and the continuity of functions involved.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

Can a set in $\mathbb{R}^2$ be path-connected only when it is connected, i.e. when we know that a set is not connected then it cannot be path-connected? (Wondering)

We have the sets
  • $\displaystyle{A=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : 1\leq x_1^2+x_2^2\leq 4\}}$
  • $\displaystyle{B=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : x_1^2-x_2^2=1, x_1, x_2>0\}}$

I have shown that these sets are connected. Could you give me a hint how we could check whether they are path-connected or not? (Wondering) I have also an other question. Suppose we have the set $\displaystyle{C=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : x_2\cos x_1=\sin x_1\}}$. This is equivalent to $\displaystyle{C=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : x_2=\tan x_1\}}$.
We have that the tangens function is not continuous on the whole $\mathbb{R}$, since it is not defined everywhere. Is this enough to say that this implies that the set is not connected? Or do we need more information to get that conclusion? (Wondering)
 
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mathmari said:
Hey! :o

Can a set in $\mathbb{R}^2$ be path-connected only when it is connected, i.e. when we know that a set is not connected then it cannot be path-connected? (Wondering)

We have the sets
  • $\displaystyle{A=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : 1\leq x_1^2+x_2^2\leq 4\}}$
  • $\displaystyle{B=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : x_1^2-x_2^2=1, x_1, x_2>0\}}$

I have shown that these sets are connected. Could you give me a hint how we could check whether they are path-connected or not? (Wondering)

For the first set: Make a sketch, then use the gluing lemma.
For the second set: $x_1$ is a continuous function of $x_2$ on the interval $(0,\infty)$.

mathmari said:
I have also an other question. Suppose we have the set $\displaystyle{C=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : x_2\cos x_1=\sin x_1\}}$. This is equivalent to $\displaystyle{C=\{x\in \mathbb{R}^2 : x_2=\tan x_1\}}$. We have that the tangens function is not continuous on the whole $\mathbb{R}$, since it is not defined everywhere. Is this enough to say that this implies that the set is not connected? Or do we need more information to get that conclusion? (Wondering)

Could you write $C$ as the disjoint union of non-empty, closed subsets of $\mathbb{R}^2$?
 
Krylov said:
Could you write $C$ as the disjoint union of non-empty, closed subsets of $\mathbb{R}^2$?

I don't really have an idea about that. Could you give me a hint? (Wondering)
 
Krylov said:
For the first set: Make a sketch, then use the gluing lemma.
For the second set: $x_1$ is a continuous function of $x_2$ on the interval $(0,\infty)$.

For the first set: Can we see that only with the graph? (Wondering)

For the second set: We have that $x_1=\sqrt{1+x_2^2}$. What do we get from that? (Wondering)
 

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