Topological Basis Homework: If-Then Conditions

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the conditions for a collection of subsets β to be a basis for a topology τ in a topological space (χ, τ). It establishes that β is a basis if and only if β is a subset of τ and for every open set U in τ containing a point p, there exists a set V in β such that p is in V and V is a subset of U. The proof provided demonstrates the logical flow from the definitions to the conclusion, confirming that every open set in τ can indeed be expressed as a union of elements from β.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of topological spaces and the notation (χ, τ)
  • Familiarity with the concept of basis in topology
  • Knowledge of set theory, particularly unions and subsets
  • Ability to follow logical proofs and implications in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions of open sets and closed sets in topology
  • Learn about different types of topologies, such as discrete and indiscrete topologies
  • Explore examples of bases for various topological spaces
  • Investigate the implications of bases on continuity and convergence in topology
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This discussion is beneficial for students of mathematics, particularly those studying topology, as well as educators and researchers looking to deepen their understanding of the foundational concepts in topological spaces.

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Homework Statement


Let (χ,τ) be a topological space and β be a collection of subsets of χ. Then β is a basis for τ if and only if:
1. β ⊂ τ
2. for each set U in τ and point p in U there is a set V in β such that p ∈ V ⊂ U.

2. Relevant definitions

Let τ be a topology on a set χ and let β ⊂ τ. Then β is a basis for the topology τ if and only if every open set in τ is the union of elements of β.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm proving the if and only if. So for one direction, I have the following:
Suppose β ⊂ τ and for each set U in τ and point p in U, there is a set, call it Vp in β such that p ∈ Vp ⊂ U.
Consider the union ∪ Vp. Every point p in U is also in the union ∪ Vp. So it follows that U ⊂ ∪ Vp.
Notice every point p in the union ∪ Vp is also in U. So it follows that ∪ Vp ⊂ U.
This shows U = ∪ Vp, hence U is a union of elements of β, and therefore β is a basis.

For the other direction, this is what I attempted, but I am not sure the logic follows:
Suppose β is a basis. Then every open set U in τ is the union of elements of β, call them Bi for i in some index. So U = ∪ Bi, with all Bi open.
I'm thinking this follows from the definition that all such collections of {Bi} ⊂ τ, which implies that β ⊂ τ. (satisfying point 1)
Now Suppose there is some point p in U. Then it follows that p is in at least one such Bi, call it V. Therefore there exists a set V in β such that p ∈ V ⊂ U, satisfying point 2.
 
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Numberphile said:

Homework Statement


Let (χ,τ) be a topological space and β be a collection of subsets of χ. Then β is a basis for τ if and only if:
1. β ⊂ τ
2. for each set U in τ and point p in U there is a set V in β such that p ∈ V ⊂ U.

2. Relevant definitions

Let τ be a topology on a set χ and let β ⊂ τ. Then β is a basis for the topology τ if and only if every open set in τ is the union of elements of β.

The Attempt at a Solution


I'm proving the if and only if. So for one direction, I have the following:
Suppose β ⊂ τ and for each set U in τ and point p in U, there is a set, call it Vp in β such that p ∈ Vp ⊂ U.
Consider the union ∪ Vp. Every point p in U is also in the union ∪ Vp. So it follows that U ⊂ ∪ Vp.
Notice every point p in the union ∪ Vp is also in U. So it follows that ∪ Vp ⊂ U.
This shows U = ∪ Vp, hence U is a union of elements of β, and therefore β is a basis.

For the other direction, this is what I attempted, but I am not sure the logic follows:
Suppose β is a basis. Then every open set U in τ is the union of elements of β, call them Bi for i in some index. So U = ∪ Bi, with all Bi open.
I'm thinking this follows from the definition that all such collections of {Bi} ⊂ τ, which implies that β ⊂ τ. (satisfying point 1)
Now Suppose there is some point p in U. Then it follows that p is in at least one such Bi, call it V. Therefore there exists a set V in β such that p ∈ V ⊂ U, satisfying point 2.

That sounds good to me. I'm a little fuzzy on what you are saying about condition 1. But note both sides of your 'if and only if' state that ##\beta \subset \tau## - so there is not much to prove there.
 
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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