Proving Constant Function f: X → Y is Continuous

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a continuous function f: R → R, with the usual topology on R as the domain and the discrete topology on R as the range, must be a constant function. The proof demonstrates that if f is not constant, it leads to a contradiction by showing that the preimages of disjoint open intervals are also disjoint and non-empty. Additionally, it is established that for any two topological spaces (X; T1) and (Y; T2), the constant function f: X → Y defined by f(x) = y0 is continuous, as the preimage of any open set is either empty or open.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of continuous functions in topology
  • Familiarity with the concepts of open sets and topological spaces
  • Knowledge of the discrete topology and its properties
  • Basic principles of proof by contradiction
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of continuous functions in different topological spaces
  • Learn about the implications of the discrete topology on continuity
  • Explore proof techniques in topology, particularly proof by contradiction
  • Investigate the relationship between constant functions and continuity in various contexts
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Mathematicians, students of topology, and anyone interested in the properties of continuous functions and their proofs in mathematical analysis.

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.
 

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