Proving B(r,x) is a Subset of S^c: Basic Topology Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter trap101
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Topology
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around a basic topology question concerning the relationship between a ball defined by a radius and a point, and the complement of a set. The original poster attempts to show that the ball \( B(r,x) \) is a subset of \( S^c \), where \( S \) is defined as the ball of radius \( \rho \) centered at the origin.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking, Conceptual clarification

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definitions of the terms used, such as whether \( |X| \) refers to a number or a vector, and clarify the meaning of \( S^c \). The original poster expresses confusion about the inequalities needed to prove the subset relationship. Some participants suggest using the triangle inequality to establish a relationship between the distances involved.

Discussion Status

The discussion is ongoing, with participants exploring various interpretations and clarifications. Some guidance has been offered regarding the use of the triangle inequality, and there is a recognition of the need to establish the correct inequalities to support the original poster's claim.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted lack of clarity regarding the definitions of the sets and the parameters involved, particularly the nature of \( S \) and the relationship between \( |x| \) and \( \rho \). The original poster has acknowledged the messy presentation of their question, which has led to some confusion among participants.

trap101
Messages
339
Reaction score
0
Assume ##|X| > \rho## , let ##r = |X| - \rho##

Now I am trying to show that ##B(r,x)\subseteq S^c##

This should be a simple question, but I am struggling trying to find the right inequlity.

Attempt:

let ##y## be a point in ##B(r,x)##.

I know that ##|x - y| < r##.

I have to somehow show that ##|y| > \rho##

this is where my argument falls apart:

##|y| \leq |y-x| + |x|< r + \rho## (by triangle inequality)

but this doesn't show that ##|y| > \rho##

what am I missing?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's awfully hard to figure out what you are trying to say here.

trap101 said:
Assume |X| > \rho , let r = |X| - \rho
Is "X" a number and |X| its absolute value (as opposed to a vector and its length)? If a vector or point, in R2, R3, or Rn?

Now I am trying to show that B(r, x) \subset Sc
Okay, Is "x" the same as "X", above? I presume that B(r, x) is the ball of radius r centered on x (in some metric space) but what is Sc? I would guess "the compliment of set S" but what is S?

This should be a simple question, but I am struggling trying to find the right inequlity.

Attempt:

let y be a point in B(r,x).

I know that |x - y| < r.

I have to somehow show that |y| > \rho

this is where my argument falls apart:

|y| <= |y-x| + |x| (by triangle inequality) < r + \rho

but this doesn't show that |y| > \rho

what am I missing?
 
HallsofIvy said:
It's awfully hard to figure out what you are trying to say here.


Is "X" a number and |X| its absolute value (as opposed to a vector and its length)? If a vector or point, in R2, R3, or Rn?


Okay, Is "x" the same as "X", above? I presume that B(r, x) is the ball of radius r centered on x (in some metric space) but what is Sc? I would guess "the compliment of set S" but what is S?




I apologize my writing of the question is very messy. You are right on both counts. X is a vector in Rn, Sc is the complement of S, and S is a subset of Rn. Sorry for making it messy.
 
Then your question makes no sense. You are given that |x|&gt; \rho, and you want to prove that B(r, x)\subset S^c, the complement of set S? But what is "S". You don't mention it in the hypotheses.
 
HallsofIvy said:
Then your question makes no sense. You are given that |x|&gt; \rho, and you want to prove that B(r, x)\subset S^c, the complement of set S? But what is "S". You don't mention it in the hypotheses.


Sorry. S is B(\rho, 0) , that is the ball of radius \rho about the origin.
 
OK, you want to show that if ##0<\rho<\|x\|## and ##r=\|x\|-\rho##, then ##B(x,r)\subseteq B(0,\rho)^c##. Let ##y\in B(x,r)## be arbitrary. You want to show that ##\|y\|>\rho##. I suggest this as the first step:
$$\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\|.$$
 
Fredrik said:
OK, you want to show that if ##0<\rho<\|x\|## and ##r=\|x\|-\rho##, then ##B(x,r)\subseteq B(0,\rho)^c##. Let ##y\in B(x,r)## be arbitrary. You want to show that ##\|y\|>\rho##. I suggest this as the first step:
$$\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\|.$$



Ok using: $$\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\|.$$

I was trying this before but didn't feel it would be valid. Now since ##r=\|x\|-\rho##, I can then say

## r + \rho = \|x\|##

now can I say that:

##\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\|\geq r + \rho = \|x\| - r##

which wold reduce to ##\|y\|\geq\rho ##
 
trap101 said:
Ok using: $$\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\|.$$

I was trying this before but didn't feel it would be valid.
Are you familiar with the triangle inequality in the form ##\|x+y\|\geq \|x\|-\|y\|##? (This can be derived from the usual version). Write ##\|y\|=\|(y-x)+x\|## and then use this.

trap101 said:
## r + \rho = \|x\|##

now can I say that:

##\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\|\geq r + \rho = \|x\| - r##
This should be ##\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\| > r+\rho-r##. (Because ##\|x\|=r+\rho## and ##\|y-x\|<r##).
 
Fredrik said:
This should be ##\|y\|\geq\|x\|-\|y-x\| > r+\rho-r##. (Because ##\|x\|=r+\rho## and ##\|y-x\|<r##).

Yea I just copied the code wrong for that, but no i was not aware of the triangle inequality in that form. I'm gping to go derive it now. Thanks. If I have an issue I will ask for assistence
 

Similar threads

Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
2
Views
1K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
14
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
1K