Open Subsets in a Metric Space .... Stromberg, Theorem 3.6 ... ....

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around understanding the proof of Theorem 3.6 from Karl R. Stromberg's "An Introduction to Classical Real Analysis," specifically regarding the implications of defining a radius \( r \) as the minimum of several radii \( r_1, r_2, \ldots, r_n \) in the context of open sets and open balls in a metric space.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Peter seeks a rigorous demonstration that \( B_r(a) \subset U_j \) for each \( j = 1, 2, \ldots, n \) when \( r = \text{min} \{ r_1, r_2, \ldots, r_n \} \).
  • One participant suggests that if \( r \leq r_j \) for all \( j \), then \( B_r(a) \subseteq B_{r_j}(a) \subset U_j \) for all \( j \), implying the inclusion holds.
  • Another participant emphasizes the need for clarity on "Definition 3.3" and the meaning of \( B_r(a) \), suspecting it relates to the definition of open sets and open balls.
  • It is noted that if \( r_1 < r_2 \), then \( B_{r_1}(a) \subset B_{r_2}(a) \), indicating a relationship between the sizes of the open balls.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty about the definitions and implications of the theorem, with some agreeing on the relationships between the open balls while others seek further clarification on the definitions involved. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the rigorous proof sought by Peter.

Contextual Notes

There is a lack of clarity regarding "Definition 3.3" and the specific properties of open sets and open balls, which may affect the understanding of the theorem and its proof.

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I am reading Karl R. Stromberg's book: "An Introduction to Classical Real Analysis". ... ...

I am focused on Chapter 3: Limits and Continuity ... ...

I need help in order to fully understand the proof of Theorem 3.6 on page 94 ... ... Theorem 3.6 and its proof read as follows:
View attachment 9114
In the above proof by Stromberg we read the following:

" ... ... Letting $$r = \text{min} \{ r_1, r_2, \ ... \ ... \ r_n \}$$ we see that $$B_r (a) \subset U_j \text{ for each } j = 1,2, \ ... \ ... n$$ ... ... "Although it seems plausible ... I do not see ... rigorously speaking, why the above statement is true ...

Can someone demonstrate rigorously that letting $$r = \text{min} \{ r_1, r_2, \ ... \ ... \ r_n \}$$ ...

... implies that $$B_r (a) \subset U_j$$ for each $$j = 1,2, \ ... \ ... n$$ ... ... Surely it is possible that $$B_r (a)$$ lies partly outside some $$U_j$$ ... ...

Help will be appreciated ...

Peter
 

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The Theorem makes reference to "Definition 3.3" but you don't give us that definition. Also you are asking about "B_r(a)" but don't tell us what that means. Since the theorem is about "open sets", I strongly suspect, but can't be sure, that "Definition 3.3" is the definition of "open set" and that "B_r(a)" is the "open ball" centered at a with radius r.

If that is correct then B_r(a) is \{ p| d(p, a)&lt; r\}, the set of all points whose distance from point a (the center of the ball) is less than r (the radius of the ball). From that it follows immediately that if r_1&lt; r_2 then B_{r_1}(a)\subset B_{r_2}(a)- the smaller radius ball is inside the larger radius ball.
 
Peter said:
Can someone demonstrate rigorously that letting $$r = \text{min} \{ r_1, r_2, \ ... \ ... \ r_n \}$$ ...

... implies that $$B_r (a) \subset U_j$$ for each $$j = 1,2, \ ... \ ... n$$ ... ...
$r$ is the minimum of all the $r_j$ and so $r\leqslant r_j$ for all $j$; hence $B_r(a)\subseteq B_{r_j}(a)\subset U_j$ for all $j=1,\ldots,n$.
 
Olinguito said:
$r$ is the minimum of all the $r_j$ and so $r\leqslant r_j$ for all $j$; hence $B_r(a)\subseteq B_{r_j}(a)\subset U_j$ for all $j=1,\ldots,n$.
Thanks for the help Olinguito ...

Peter

- - - Updated - - -

HallsofIvy said:
The Theorem makes reference to "Definition 3.3" but you don't give us that definition. Also you are asking about "B_r(a)" but don't tell us what that means. Since the theorem is about "open sets", I strongly suspect, but can't be sure, that "Definition 3.3" is the definition of "open set" and that "B_r(a)" is the "open ball" centered at a with radius r.

If that is correct then B_r(a) is \{ p| d(p, a)&lt; r\}, the set of all points whose distance from point a (the center of the ball) is less than r (the radius of the ball). From that it follows immediately that if r_1&lt; r_2 then B_{r_1}(a)\subset B_{r_2}(a)- the smaller radius ball is inside the larger radius ball.

Thanks for the help HallsofIvy ...

Peter
 

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