Metric spaces, making proof formal

In summary, the conversation discusses proving that f(R) is in C, given that X is a metric space and f:R-->X is continuous. It is stated that a set X is closed if every convergent sequence in X converges within X, and a mapping f:X-->Y is continuous at a point p in X if whenever a sequence {pk} in X converges to p, the image sequence {f(pk)} converges to f(p). The attempt at a solution involves choosing a sequence {uk} in Q and showing that f(uk) converges to f(u) and is in C. The logic behind this is that since f is a continuous mapping, it cannot "jump over" all the irration
  • #1
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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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  • #2
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.
 

1. What is a metric space?

A metric space is a mathematical concept used to define the distance between points in a set. It consists of a set of elements and a metric function that assigns a non-negative value to the distance between any two elements in the set.

2. What is a metric function?

A metric function, also known as a distance function, is a mathematical function that measures the distance between two points in a set. It takes in two elements from the set and returns a non-negative real number as the distance between them.

3. How is a metric space different from a normed vector space?

A metric space only defines the concept of distance between points in a set, while a normed vector space also includes the concept of direction and magnitude. In a normed vector space, the distance between two points is determined by their difference and a norm function, while in a metric space, the distance is determined by a metric function.

4. What is the importance of making proofs formal in metric spaces?

In mathematics, proofs are used to verify the validity of a statement or theorem. By making proofs formal in metric spaces, we can ensure that the results and conclusions drawn are accurate and can be replicated by others. This helps in building a solid foundation for future research and applications of metric spaces.

5. Can metric spaces be applied in real-world situations?

Yes, metric spaces have various applications in the real world, such as in computer science, physics, and engineering. They are used in fields like image and signal processing, data analysis, and optimization problems. Metric spaces also have applications in geography and economics, where they are used to measure distances between locations and analyze consumer preferences, respectively.

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