Topology: Finite Complement & Defining Limit Points

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the finite complement topology defined on a set X, where the collection of open subsets O satisfies that the complement X - O is either finite or the entirety of X. The participants establish that in the case of an infinite set X, if subset A is finite, it has no limit points, while if A is infinite, every point in X is a limit point. The proof hinges on the properties of open sets and their intersections with subsets, clarifying the conditions under which limit points exist.

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  • Understanding of topology concepts, specifically finite complement topology.
  • Familiarity with limit points in topological spaces.
  • Knowledge of set theory, including subsets and complements.
  • Basic proof techniques in mathematics, particularly in topology.
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  • Study the properties of finite complement topology in more depth.
  • Learn about discrete topology and its implications for limit points.
  • Explore examples of limit points in various topological spaces.
  • Investigate the relationship between open sets and their complements in topology.
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Mathematicians, students of topology, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of limit points and topological spaces.

doodlepin
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Question is: X is a set and tau is a collection of subsets O of X such that X - O is either finite or all of X. Show this is a topology and completely described when a point x in X is a limit of a subset A in X.

I already proved that this satisfies the conditions for defining a topology (called the finite complement topology) But I am having a lot of trouble with defining when a point is a limit. I know that any open subset (defined by tau) containing such a limit point must have a non-empty intersection with A for it to be a limit point.

I have tried considering multiple cases: I know if X is finite then it is the discrete topology and therefore no limit points exist. So the non trivial case if when X is infinite.
Now, if A is finite then for any open subset containing x, O, the complement with A would obviously be finite so therefore non empty?
I'm sort of stuck and could use a nudge in some helpful direction.
 
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You are correct in saying that the only case you need to find out is when X is infinite.
Now there are two more cases to consider:
1) A is finite: I claim that A has no limit points in this case. Hint: consider X/A
2) A is infinite: I claim that every point is a limit point in this case. Take U open, then X/U is finite. So it can not happen that [tex]A\subseteq X\setminus U[/tex]. I'll let you complete the proof...
 
wow you are totally right. Thank you so much. Sometimes you start thinking too hard about something and you start to over analyze it. :)
 

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