Preimage Problem: Understand Closure & Metrics

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The discussion focuses on the preimage problem in the context of metric spaces, specifically using the function f_1(x,y) = x - y. It establishes that the preimage f^*(B) of a closed set B in Y under f is closed in X, exemplified by the closed interval (-∞, 1]. The continuity of f is confirmed through the characterization of open and closed sets in the respective metrics d_X and d_Y. The participants seek clarity on how to express the preimage in a more accessible manner, particularly regarding the set A_4.

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[PLAIN]http://img855.imageshack.us/img855/5949/metric.jpg

If [itex]X,Y[/itex] are sets and [itex]f:X\to Y[/itex] is a function with [itex]B\subset Y[/itex], the preimage is defined [itex]f^*(B) = \{x\in X : f(x) \in B\}[/itex].

If [itex]d_X, d_Y[/itex] are metrics on [itex]X,Y[/itex], continuity of [itex]f[/itex] can be characterised as follows:

The preimage of any open (resp. closed) set in [itex](Y,d_Y)[/itex] is open (resp. closed) in [itex](X,d_X)[/itex].

Hence, for example if we define [itex]f_1 (x,y) = x-y[/itex] then [itex]f_1[/itex] is continuous and [itex]A_1 = f_1^*\left( (-\infty ,1] \right)[/itex]. Since [itex](-\infty , 1][/itex] is closed, [itex]A_1[/itex] is closed.

Similarly for [itex]A_2[/itex] and [itex]A_3[/itex], but not sure about [itex]A_4[/itex]. Can I write it in a way that makes it more obvious/easier to work with the preimage?
 
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Left f(x,y)= x- y, a continuous function. The set of all (x, y) such that [itex]x- y\le 1[/itex] is the preimage, by that function, of the set [itex]\{z| z\le 1\}[/itex]. Since that is a closed interval, it follows that A1 is a closed sert.
 


I know that ([itex]A_1[/itex] is the one I proved already!) - it's [itexA_4[/tex] that I can't see how to do...
 

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