Proving a rectangle is connected.

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that the set K = {(x,y) ∈ ℝ² : |x| ≤ 1, |y| ≤ 1} is a connected subset of ℝ². The proof utilizes a continuous function f: [-2, 2] → K defined by f(x) = {(x,y) : |y| ≤ 1}, demonstrating that the image of a connected space under a continuous function remains connected. The conclusion is that since [-2, 2] is connected and f is continuous, K is also connected. The method of connecting any two points in K via a straight line further supports this claim.

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Homework Statement


Let K ={(x,y)[itex]\in[/itex]ℝ2:|x|≤1,|y|≤1}
Prove that K is a connected subset of ℝ2

The Attempt at a Solution



Suppose f:[-2,2]→K and define f(x)={(x,y):|y|≤1}

Dist(f(x),f(y))=sup(d(a,b):a[itex]\in[/itex]f(x),b[itex]\in[/itex]f(y))=d(x,y)=|x-y|. Using this equality it is easily shown that f(x) is continuous.

So f is continuous and [-2,2] is connected therefore f([-2,2])=k is connected.

Proving things are connected is very difficult and was just wondering if my proof was vaguely correct?
 
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f(x)={(x,y):|y|≤1}
What does that mean? What is f(0), for example?

Here is a possible approach: for every two points (x1,y1), (x2,y2) in K, the straight line between them is part of K.
 

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