Proving Constant Function f: X → Y is Continuous

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The discussion focuses on proving that a continuous function from R to R, with the usual topology on the domain and a discrete topology on the range, must be a constant function. The proof presented argues that if the function is not constant, it would yield two distinct values leading to a contradiction with the properties of open sets. Additionally, the discussion includes a proof that any constant function from one topological space to another is continuous, as the preimage of any open set is either empty or the entire space, both of which are open. The responses indicate that while the proofs are conceptually correct, clarity and precision in the write-up are needed. Overall, the thread emphasizes the importance of rigor in mathematical proofs.
math25
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Hi, can someone please check if my proof is correct

1. a) Assume f : R -> R is continuous when the usual topology on R is
used in the domain and the discrete topology on R is used in the range. Show
that f must be a constant function.

My attempt :

Let f: R --> R be continuous. Suppose that f is not constant, then f assumes
at least 2 values, p and q.
In R we can find two disjoint open intervals I and J such that
p is in I and q is in J.
By continuity f^{-1} and f^{-1}[J] are open.
They are disjoint as I and J are, and non-empty as p and q have preimages.
This contradicts the fact above. So f must be constant.

#1 b) Prove that for any two topological spaces (X; T1) and (Y; T2), if
y0 is in Y then the constant function f : X -> Y defi ned by f(x) = y0 is continu-
ous.

My Attempt:

f:x->y is continuous if for every v in T2 , f inverse (v) is in T

let y0 in Y then f(x) = y0 for every x in X is continuous and X is open set

If y0 is not in v, then f inverse (v) = empty set so its always open...therefore every constant function is always continuous.

thanks
 
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math25 said:
Hi, can someone please check if my proof is correct

1. a) Assume f : R -> R is continuous when the usual topology on R is
used in the domain and the discrete topology on R is used in the range. Show
that f must be a constant function.

My attempt :

Let f: R --> R be continuous. Suppose that f is not constant, then f assumes
at least 2 values, p and q.
In R we can find two disjoint open intervals I and J such that
p is in I and q is in J.
By continuity f^{-1} and f^{-1}[J] are open.
They are disjoint as I and J are, and non-empty as p and q have preimages.
This contradicts the fact above. So f must be constant.

Contradicts what fact?
#1 b) Prove that for any two topological spaces (X; T1) and (Y; T2), if
y0 is in Y then the constant function f : X -> Y defi ned by f(x) = y0 is continu-
ous.

My Attempt:

f:x->y is continuous if for every v in T2 , f inverse (v) is in T

let y0 in Y then f(x) = y0 for every x in X is continuous and X is open set

If y0 is not in v, then f inverse (v) = empty set so its always open...therefore every constant function is always continuous.

thanks
This is fine, but your write-up is sloppy.
 
Question: A clock's minute hand has length 4 and its hour hand has length 3. What is the distance between the tips at the moment when it is increasing most rapidly?(Putnam Exam Question) Answer: Making assumption that both the hands moves at constant angular velocities, the answer is ## \sqrt{7} .## But don't you think this assumption is somewhat doubtful and wrong?

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