State and prove an intermediate value theorem for functions mapping into the digital line.

excefebraxp

excefebraxp

Answered question

2022-09-04

State and prove an intermediate value theorem for functions mapping into the digital line.


The digital line is defined as Z with the topology given by the basis elements B ( n ) = { n } , if n odd, and B ( n ) = { n 1 , n , n + 1 } if n even.

I really have no clue, where to start. I have tried just using the regular intermediate value theorem, but I cannot prove it in this case. Can anyone help me?

Answer & Explanation

Kenny Kramer

Kenny Kramer

Beginner2022-09-05Added 14 answers

Theorem. Let f : X Z be a function from a space X to the digital line. Suppose f is continuous on a connected subspace A of X. Let a, b f ( A ). Then for any c∈Z such that c is between a and b, there exists an x A such that c = f ( x ).

To prove the theorem, first show that any connected subspace of Z is a set of consecutive integers (use a proof by contradiction to do this). Since A is connected and f is continuous on A, f ( A ) is also connected, and is therefore a set of consecutive integers. Hence, for any c between a and b, c f ( A ), which means c = f ( x ) for some x A.

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