Question about continuous function

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of continuous functions mapping metric spaces, specifically examining the relationship between the closure of a set and the closure of its image under a continuous function. The original poster seeks to demonstrate that f(∂E) can be a proper subset of ∂f(E) through an example.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to provide examples where the closure of the image equals the image of the closure, questioning if their reasoning is flawed. Other participants suggest the need for a specific example that meets the original question's criteria.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem, with some providing feedback on the original poster's attempts. A hint is given regarding the use of horizontal asymptotes in finding a suitable example, indicating a productive direction in the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted challenge in finding an appropriate example that satisfies the condition of the problem, with previous attempts leading to incorrect conclusions. The original poster expresses difficulty in identifying a suitable continuous function and set.

boombaby
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Homework Statement


If f is a continuous mapping of a metric space X into a metric space Y, Let E be any subset of X. How to show, by an example, that f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) ([tex]\overline{E}[/tex] is the closure of E) can be a proper subset of [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] ? And is there something wrong with my attempt below?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


If E is compact, [tex]\overline{E}[/tex] = E, f(E) is compact, [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] = f(E). Hence, f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex])= [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex]
If E is not compact, [tex]\overline{E}[/tex] is closed and hence is compact, if E is bounded in R^{k}. f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) is compact and hence [tex]\overline{f(\overline{E})}[/tex] = f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]).
since f(E) [tex]\subset{f(\overline{E})}[/tex] , [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] [tex]\subset{\overline{f(\oveline{\overline{E}})}}[/tex] = f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]). It is also true that f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) [tex]\subset{\overline{f(E)}}[/tex]. Hence f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) = [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex]
In both cases, f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) is not a proper subset of [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex]

I've no idea of other kind of function that is continuous and with E otherwise defined.
Any hint would be greatly appreciated:)
 
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boombaby said:

Homework Statement


If f is a continuous mapping of a metric space X into a metric space Y, Let E be any subset of X. How to show, by an example, that f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) ([tex]\overline{E}[/tex] is the closure of E) can be a proper subset of [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] ? And is there something wrong with my attempt below?


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


If E is compact, [tex]\overline{E}[/tex] = E, f(E) is compact, [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] = f(E). Hence, f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex])= [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex]
If E is not compact, [tex]\overline{E}[/tex] is closed and hence is compact, if E is bounded in R^{k}. f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) is compact and hence [tex]\overline{f(\overline{E})}[/tex] = f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]).
since f(E) [tex]\subset{f(\overline{E})}[/tex] , [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] [tex]\subset{\overline{f(\oveline{\overline{E}})}}[/tex] = f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]). It is also true that f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) [tex]\subset{\overline{f(E)}}[/tex]. Hence f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) = [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex]
In both cases, f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) is not a proper subset of [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex]

I've no idea of other kind of function that is continuous and with E otherwise defined.
Any hint would be greatly appreciated:)
?? The problem was to show that f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) can be a proper subset of [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] and you have given two examples where that is NOT true. What's "wrong with that" is that you haven't answered the question!
 
HallsofIvy said:
?? The problem was to show that f([tex]\overline{E}[/tex]) can be a proper subset of [tex]\overline{f(E)}[/tex] and you have given two examples where that is NOT true. What's "wrong with that" is that you haven't answered the question!

Exactly. You want an example. There are perfectly fine examples from R->R. You don't need anything exotic. Can you find one? Hint, think about what happens if f has a horizontal asymptote.
 
to HallsofIvy,
I gave those two examples because I could not find a disired example :(

to Dick,
O I think I get it now...Let E=[1,[tex]\infty[/tex]), f(x)=1/x and everything is done...it is strange that I didn't get it...

Thanks a lot to all :)
 
boombaby said:
to HallsofIvy,
I gave those two examples because I could not find a disired example :(

to Dick,
O I think I get it now...Let E=[1,[tex]\infty[/tex]), f(x)=1/x and everything is done...it is strange that I didn't get it...

Thanks a lot to all :)

Not too strange. You were only thinking of bounded sets. This is called "thinking in the box". You're welcome.
 

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