Chapter 1: Problem 6
Show that the set of all real numbers constitutes an incomplete metric space if we choose $$ d(x, y)=|\arctan x-\arctan y| $$
Short Answer
Expert verified
The real numbers with \(d(x, y) = |\arctan(x) - \arctan(y)|\) form an incomplete metric space because not all Cauchy sequences converge within it.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the definition of a metric space
A metric space consists of a set alongside a metric (or distance function) that measures the distance between any two elements in the set. For a space to be a metric space, the metric must satisfy four properties: non-negativity, identity of indiscernibles, symmetry, and the triangle inequality.
02
Verify if d(x, y) is a valid metric
Given the metric \(d(x, y) = |\arctan(x) - \arctan(y)|\), we need to ensure it satisfies the metric properties. Non-negativity is satisfied as absolute values are non-negative. Identity of indiscernibles is verified: \(d(x, x) = 0\). Symmetry holds since absolute value is symmetric: \(d(x, y) = d(y, x)\). Lastly, check the triangle inequality: for any real numbers \(x, y, z\), \(d(x, z) \leq d(x, y) + d(y, z)\) holds true owing to the properties of the absolute value and the arctan function.
03
Identify completeness criteria
A metric space is complete if every Cauchy sequence converges to a limit within the space. A sequence \((x_n)\) is Cauchy if, for any \(\epsilon > 0\), there exists an integer \(N\) such that for all \(m, n > N\), \(d(x_n, x_m) < \epsilon\).
04
Test with a Cauchy sequence
Consider the sequence \(x_n = n\), i.e., the sequence of natural numbers. Under the usual arctan metric, \(d(x_n, x_m) = |\arctan(n) - \arctan(m)|\). As \(n, m \to \infty\), \(\arctan(n)\) and \(\arctan(m)\) both approach \(\frac{\pi}{2}\). Therefore, for any given \(\epsilon > 0\), we can choose \(N\) large enough such that \(|\arctan(n) - \arctan(m)| < \epsilon\) for all \(n, m > N\), confirming that \((x_n)\) is a Cauchy sequence.
05
Check convergence within the space
While \((x_n)\) is Cauchy, it does not converge within the set of real numbers with \(\arctan(x)\) as convergence implies a real limit, but \(\arctan(x_n)\) only approaches \(\frac{\pi}{2}\), not achievable within the real number set itself with real indices. Thus, the space is not complete, as not all Cauchy sequences converge within the space.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Metric Space
A metric space provides a way of measuring distance between elements of a set, helping us establish structure numerically. It consists of a set paired with a distance function, known as a metric. This metric must satisfy four critical properties:
- Non-negativity: The distance between any two points must always be zero or positive. Mathematically, for any points \(x\) and \(y\), this is expressed as \(d(x, y) \geq 0\).
- Identity of indiscernibles: This implies that a distance of zero means no difference; i.e., \(d(x, y) = 0\) if and only if \(x = y\).
- Symmetry: The metric should work both ways equally, so \(d(x, y) = d(y, x)\).
- Triangle inequality: The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, which autotranslates to \(d(x, z) \leq d(x, y) + d(y, z)\).
Cauchy Sequence
A Cauchy sequence is an essential concept in analysis when exploring completeness. Such a sequence ensures that its elements are getting arbitrarily close to each other as they progress.For a sequence \((x_n)\) to be considered Cauchy, the following must be true:
- For every positive number \(\epsilon\), no matter how small, there exists a number \(N\) such that for any \(m, n > N\), the distance \(d(x_n, x_m) < \epsilon\).
Arctan Function
The arctan function, known as the inverse tangent, provides the angle whose tangent is a given number. It is particularly intriguing because, unlike linear functions, it approaches asymptotic limits rather than extending linearly.Important characteristics of the arctan function include:
- Its values range between \(-\frac{\pi}{2}\) and \(\frac{\pi}{2}\).
- As the input values approach both positive and negative infinity, the function approaches but never quite reaches these asymptotic limits.
- This behavior gives rise to interesting properties when used within metrics, particularly in regard to convergence.
Completeness Criteria
In mathematics, especially in analysis, completeness is a critical property of metric spaces, determining whether every Cauchy sequence not only converges but converges to a limit that exists within the space.
To assess completeness, we pursue the following steps:
- Identify or create a Cauchy sequence within the space.
- Determine if the sequence converges to a limit within the same space.