Proving Openness of Subset of S in R2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving that a specific subset S of R², defined by the inequalities 0 < x < 1 and 1 < y < 2, is an open set according to the definition of openness in Euclidean space.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the definition of an open set and discuss the necessity of demonstrating the existence of a radius r for points within the set S. There are attempts to define r in relation to the coordinates of points in S and to show that open balls around these points remain within S.

Discussion Status

The conversation is active, with participants questioning assumptions made about the implications of the definition of openness. Some suggest specific values for r and discuss the implications of these choices on the proof. There is no explicit consensus yet, as differing views on the assumptions and definitions are being explored.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the complexities of the inequalities involved in the definition of the set S and how they relate to the concept of open balls in R². There is an emphasis on ensuring that the chosen radius r is valid for all points in S.

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Homework Statement



Using the definition of an open set, prove that the subset of S ={(x, y)∈ R2 | 0 <x< 1, 1< y<2} the Euclidean space R2 is open.


The Attempt at a Solution



The definition I learned is a set S [tex]\subset[/tex] Rn is said to be open in Rn if for all x[tex]\in[/tex] S, [tex]\exists[/tex] r greater than 0, such that every point y [tex]\in[/tex] Rn satisfying ||x-y|| < r also belongs to S.
So, what I think is choose r =x for all x ∈ S, there exists r greater than 0, such that if |x1 - x | < r then B(r,x)[tex]\subset[/tex] S, S is open.

but I think it is too simple, I really have no idea how to prove a set open with all the inequalities and functions going on..
 
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I think you need to show that r exists, as you defined, for any point in your set...

so say you take
[tex]\textbf{s} = (s,t) \in S = \left\{ (x, y) \in \mathbb{R}^2 | 0 < x < 1, 1< y<2 \right\}[/tex]

now find r, such that for any p = (p,q) with |p-s| < r, then p is also in S

if you can demonstrate this is true for any arbitrary point s of S, then you have shown it is true for every point in S, and so S is open
 
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I don't think what lanedance said about the part where if |p-s| < r, then p is also in S, is true. That's what you're trying to prove. So, you can't assume that. Well, it's true that to show the set S is open, you need to find r such that the open ball about s = (s,t) with radius r is totally contained in S.
One instance of r that I have in mind right now is by letting r = min{s, 1-s, t-1, 2-t} >0. Then, once you've define your r, you need to prove that the open ball is contained in S. To show this, let p = (p1,p2) be an arbitrary point in B(s, r). So, this is implies that d(p, s) < r . Now, with that information, you need to prove that p also belongs to the set S. To do this, you've got to show that 0<p1<1 and 1<p2<2. Once you show this, it implies that p belongs to S by definition. Therefore, the open ball B(s, r) is contained in S.
 
anlys said:
I don't think what lanedance said about the part where if |p-s| < r, then p is also in S, is true.
yes it is, that is the definition of open in terms of open balls, which seems to be exactly what you have done below

anlys said:
That's what you're trying to prove. So, you can't assume that. Well, it's true that to show the set S is open, you need to find r such that the open ball about s = (s,t) with radius r is totally contained in S.
One instance of r that I have in mind right now is by letting r = min{s, 1-s, t-1, 2-t} >0. Then, once you've define your r, you need to prove that the open ball is contained in S. To show this, let p = (p1,p2) be an arbitrary point in B(s, r). So, this is implies that d(p, s) < r . Now, with that information, you need to prove that p also belongs to the set S. To do this, you've got to show that 0<p1<1 and 1<p2<2. Once you show this, it implies that p belongs to S by definition. Therefore, the open ball B(s, r) is contained in S.
 

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