Topology: is this a convex set?

Telemachus
Messages
820
Reaction score
30

Homework Statement


Hi there, I have a set similar to this \{(x,y)\in{\mathbb{R}^2}:x^2+y^2\neq{k^2},k\in{\mathbb{Z}\} (its the same kind, but with elipses).

And I don't know if it is convex or not. If I make the "line proof", then I should say no. What you say?

Bye there, and thanks.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
It's the x-y plane with circles (or ellipses) removed, isn't it? I'd agree and say no, not convex. Are you supposed to prove this? Can you? Or is it just an opinion question?
 
Last edited:
Just an opinion question. Thanks Dick.
 
There are two things I don't understand about this problem. First, when finding the nth root of a number, there should in theory be n solutions. However, the formula produces n+1 roots. Here is how. The first root is simply ##\left(r\right)^{\left(\frac{1}{n}\right)}##. Then you multiply this first root by n additional expressions given by the formula, as you go through k=0,1,...n-1. So you end up with n+1 roots, which cannot be correct. Let me illustrate what I mean. For this...
Back
Top