Can a Finite Measure Space Have Uncountably Many Positive Measure Members?

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SUMMARY

No finite measure space can contain uncountably many members in its σ-algebra with strictly positive measure. This conclusion is derived from the properties of measure theory, specifically the countable additivity and the definition of finite measures. The problem posed highlights a fundamental limitation in measure spaces, emphasizing that the existence of uncountably many positive measure sets contradicts the finite nature of the measure space.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of measure theory concepts
  • Familiarity with σ-algebras
  • Knowledge of finite measures
  • Basic principles of countable additivity
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  • Study the properties of σ-algebras in measure theory
  • Explore examples of finite measure spaces
  • Investigate the implications of countable additivity in measure theory
  • Learn about Lebesgue measure and its properties
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Mathematicians, students of advanced calculus, and anyone studying measure theory or related fields will benefit from this discussion.

Euge
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Here is this week's POTW:

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Prove that no finite measure space can have uncountably many members in its $\sigma$-algebra with strictly positive measure.

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No one answered this week’s problem. You can read my solution below.

Suppose $(X,M,\mu)$ is a finite measure space with uncountably many $A\in M$ such that $\mu(A) > 0$. There exists an $n \in \Bbb N$ such that uncountably many $A\in M$ with $\mu(A) > 1/n$. If $A$ is the countable disjoint union of sets $A_i\in M$ of measure greater than $1/n$, then $A\in M$ and $\mu(A) = \sum \mu(A_i) = \infty$. This is a contradiction.
 

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