Is There a Direct Proof for (0,1) ~ [0,1]?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the question of whether there is a direct proof that the open interval (0,1) is bijective to the closed interval [0,1]. Participants explore various approaches, including indirect proofs and mappings, while seeking clarity on the existence of a direct proof.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests an indirect proof involving a mapping from the natural numbers to (0,1) using a tangent function, but acknowledges that this does not directly prove (0,1) ~ [0,1].
  • Another participant claims there is a trivial direct proof and references a previous discussion on the forum, implying that it is straightforward.
  • A request for a link to the mentioned proof is made, indicating difficulty in finding it.
  • Questions arise regarding the nature of a 1-1 mapping from the natural numbers to (0,1), highlighting a need for clarification.
  • A participant proposes a mapping of irrational numbers to themselves and outlines a method for mapping rational numbers, although the explanation includes unclear elements.
  • A later reply corrects a typographical error in the previous mapping explanation, indicating a focus on the cotangent function.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the existence and nature of a direct proof, with some asserting it is trivial while others seek clarification and further details. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the proof.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express uncertainty about the mappings proposed, and there are unresolved questions about the definitions and properties of the functions discussed.

grossgermany
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Prove (0,1) ~ [0,1]

I can think of an indirect proof:
1st step: make (0,1) ~ N , using a tangent function that is a 1-1 mapping from N to (0,1).
2nd step: since (0,1) is a subset of [0,1], if (0,1) is uncountable, then [0,1] must be uncountable
Problem: But these two steps doesn't necessarily mean (0,1)~[0,1], how can I resolve that? Even better, is there a direct proof? I really can't think of f such that f(0.0000...1)=0
 
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Yes, there is a direct proof. It is trivial. It has even been given on this forum in the last couple of weeks. It is no harder than finding a bijection from {01,2,3,4...} to {1,2,3,4...}.
 
do you have a link? I searched and found nothing
 
What exactly is a 1-1 mapping from N to (0,1)?
 
First, map the inrrational numbers into themselselves.

Since the rational number are countable, we can order them: [itex]r_1, r_2, r_3, \cdot\cot\cot[/itex]

Now, map [itex]r_1[/itex] to 0, [itex]r_2[/itex] to 1, [itex]r_n[/itex] to [itex]r_{n-2}[/itex] for n>1.
(I have absolutely no idea where "cot cot cot" came from!)
 
It's the cotangent function. You've seemed to have forgotten a 'd' in your code.
 

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