Proving A is Contained in M or N of Disconnected X

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on proving that a connected subset A of a disconnected set X, which is expressed as the union of two nonempty closed disjoint sets M and N, must be contained entirely within either M or N. The scope includes theoretical reasoning and mathematical proof techniques.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests starting a proof by contradiction, assuming A intersects both M and N, leading to the conclusion that A would be the union of two nonempty disjoint sets, which contradicts the connectedness of A.
  • Another participant clarifies that since X is disconnected, M and N are nonempty disjoint open-and-closed sets, and if A is connected, it must be the case that A itself is the only non-empty disjoint open-and-closed set relative to the topology on X.
  • A participant proposes that if A intersects both M and N, then both intersections AnM and AnN must be clopen, leading to the conclusion that one of them must be empty due to the connectedness of A.
  • Another participant asserts that assuming both AnM and AnN are nonempty leads to a contradiction, as they would form a disconnection of A, which is also connected.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of A intersecting both M and N, with some arguing for the necessity of one intersection being empty while others explore the consequences of both being nonempty. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the specifics of the proof.

Contextual Notes

There are limitations in the assumptions made about the nature of the intersections and the properties of the sets involved, particularly regarding the definitions of open and closed sets in the context of the topology on X.

math8
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If A is a connected subset of a disconnected set X s.t. X=MUN , M,N nonempty closed disjoint sets, how do we show, A is either contained in M or in N?

I can start a proof, but then, I am kind of stuck.
I would go by contradiction and say A intersection M is non empty and A intersection N is non empty. Hence A would be the union of 2 non empty disjoint sets. But since A is connected, A intersection M and A intersection N cannot be both open. So without loss of generality, say A intersection M is not open. Hence X\(A intersection M) is not closed.
Then I get stuck. Any help?
 
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X is disconnected. That means, there are at least two nonempty disjoint open-and-closed sets. You are conveniently given these two sets. They are M and N.

If A is connected, that means that, relative to the topology on X, there is only one non-empty disjoint open-and-closed set. Namely, A itself.

Now, suppose that A intersects both M and N. What can you say about AnM and AnN? For both, is the set empty? Is it closed?
 
I guess AnM and AnN are both clopen. But since A is connected, one of the AnM or AnN has to be empty. Say, AnM is empty. So ACN.

Is that right?
 
assume that AnM and AnN are non empty and A is connected. Since M and N are a disconnection of X they are open in X and by the subspace topolgoy A'=AnM and A''=AnN are open and disjoint in A and form a disconnection of A. contradiction QED
 

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