Metric spaces, making proof formal

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the image of a continuous mapping \( f: \mathbb{R} \to X \) lies within a closed subset \( C \) of a metric space \( X \) when \( f(x) \) belongs to \( C \) for rational \( x \). The proof utilizes the definition of continuity and the property of closed sets, specifically that every convergent sequence in \( C \) converges within \( C \). The conclusion is that the denseness of irrational numbers in \( \mathbb{R} \) ensures that \( f(\mathbb{R}) \) must also reside in \( C \).

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Homework Statement



Suppose that X is a metric Space and supposed that the mapping f:R-->X is continuous. Let C be a closed subset of X and let f(x) belong to C if x is rational. Prove that f(R) is in C.

Homework Equations


Def. a set X is closed if every convergent sequence in X converges within X.
Def. a mapping f:X-->Y is continuous at a point p in X provided that whenever a sequence {pk} in X converges to p, the image sequence {f(pk)} converges to f(p)

The Attempt at a Solution


let {uk} be in Q. and uk-->u in Q. then the continuity of f implies f(uk)-->f(u), f(uk),f(u) are in C since uk,u are in Q.

Now since f is a cont mapping and f(uk) must converge to f(u) continuously, f can't just jump over all the irrationals between f(uk) and f(u). so the denseness of irrationals forces f(R) to be in C.

this last part is in no way formal but makes sense to me... can someone please help me formalize this proof. and fix my logic if i am going wrong anywhere.
 
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To help out your logic, why don't you start with "Let r be an element of R. I must show that f(r) is in C." Now do you see what sort of sequence to choose.
 

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