Proving Locally Closed Property of M Union N in Topological Spaces

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on proving that the union of two locally closed subsets, M and N, in a topological space X is also locally closed. A subset S is defined as locally closed if it can be expressed as the intersection of an open set O and a closed set C in X. The participants analyze the expression M ∪ N = (O ∩ C) ∪ (O' ∩ C') and explore set-theoretical identities to establish the proof. A counterexample using the real numbers is suggested to clarify potential misconceptions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of topological spaces and their properties
  • Familiarity with open and closed sets in topology
  • Knowledge of set-theoretical operations and identities
  • Basic experience with proofs in mathematical analysis
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of locally closed sets in topology
  • Learn about counterexamples in topology, particularly in \mathbb{R}
  • Explore set-theoretical identities relevant to unions and intersections
  • Review the definitions and examples of open and closed sets in various topological spaces
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students and educators in mathematics, particularly those studying topology, as well as mathematicians interested in set theory and its applications in topological spaces.

Carl140
Messages
49
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement




Let X be a topological space, a subset S of X is said to be locally closed if
S is the intersection of an open set and a closed set, i.e
S= O intersection C where O is an open set in X and C is a closed set in X

Prove that if M,N are locally closed subsets then M union N is locally closed.



The Attempt at a Solution



So M = O intersection C and N = O' intersection C' where O, O' are open sets in X and
C, C' are closed sets in X.
It follows that M union N = (O intersection C) U (0' intersection C').
From h ere I played with this expression a while using distributive laws but got stuck,
somewhere I end up with the union of a closed set and an open set, i.e O U C, but I think
we cannot said anything about this particular union. Maybe I'm missing some useful
set-theoretical identity. Can you please help?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Carl140 said:
Let X be a topological space, a subset S of X is said to be locally closed if
S is the intersection of an open set and a closed set, i.e
S= O intersection C where O is an open set in X and C is a closed set in X

Prove that if M,N are locally closed subsets then M union N is locally closed.
Are you certain you have the problem statement written correctly, Carl? Consider [tex]\mathbb{R}[/tex] with open sets [tex]\emptyset[/tex], [tex]\mathbb{R}[/tex] and [tex](-\infty,a)[/tex] for [tex]a\in\mathbb{R}[/tex] for a counterexample.
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
3K
Replies
12
Views
3K
  • · Replies 8 ·
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
593
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
20
Views
5K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K