# Homework Help: Topology homework problem

1. May 31, 2010

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data

Prove that the set of rational numbers with the relative topology as a subset of the real numbers is not locally compact

2. Relevant equations

none

3. The attempt at a solution

I am totally confused and want someone to give me a proof. I have looked at some stuff online but nothing made sense.

2. May 31, 2010

Re: Topology

You would like someone to give you a proof? I would like someone to give me a Saleen S7. Neither is going to happen in the immediate future. Note this from the guidelines.

1) Did you show your work? Homework helpers will not assist with any questions until you've shown your own effort on the problem. Remember, we help with homework, we don't do your homework.

3. May 31, 2010

Re: Topology

A topological space X is locally compact if for each p $$\in$$ X, there is an open set W such that p $$\in$$ W and $$\overline{W}$$, the closure of W, is compact.
So, since we are trying to show that Q is not locally compact, we need to show that there exists p $$\in$$ X such that for all open sets W and p $$\notin$$ W and $$\overline{W}$$ is not compact.