3.7. CompletenessΒΆ

The material in this section is primarily based on [2, 23].

Recall from Sequences that in a Cauchy sequence, the points become increasingly closure to each other. We showed that every convergent sequence is a Cauchy sequence. However not every Cauchy sequence is a convergent sequence in a general metric space. This is an important issue to be examined in this section. There are metric spaces where every Cauchy sequence is also convergent. Such metric spaces are known as complete metric spaces.

In the remainder of this section, (X,d) and (Y,ρ) shall denote metric spaces.

3.7.1. Complete Metric SpacesΒΆ

Definition 3.46 (Complete metric space)

A metric space (X,d) is called complete if all of its Cauchy sequences converge in the space.

In other words, X is complete if every Cauchy sequence {xn} of X converges to a point x∈X.

Example 3.19 (Complete metric spaces)

  1. Rn with the standard metric d(x,y)=|xβˆ’y| is complete.

  2. The Euclidean space Rn, with the standard Euclidean metric (β„“2 distance), is complete.

Example 3.20 (The metric space of bounded functions)

Let X be a non-empty set. Let B(X) be the set of bounded (total) functions on X.

for any f,g∈B(X), define D:B(X)Γ—B(X)β†’R as:

D(f,g)β‰œsup{|f(x)βˆ’g(x)||x∈X}.

Since both f and g are bounded, hence D(f,g) is a real number. Thus domD=B(X)Γ—B(X). We claim that D is a metric:

  1. D(f,g) is nonnegative as it is the supremum of nonnegative numbers.

  2. D(f,f)=sup{|f(x)βˆ’f(x)|}=0. Also, if D(f,g)=0 then f(x)=g(x)βˆ€x∈X. Thus, f=g.

  3. By definition: D(f,g)=D(g,f).

  4. For the triangle inequality, we proceed as follows:

    Let f,g,h∈B(X). For each x∈X, we have:

    |f(x)βˆ’g(x)|≀|f(x)βˆ’h(x)|+|h(x)βˆ’g(x)|≀D(f,h)+D(h,g).

    Now, taking the supremum on the L.H.S. over all x∈X, we get:

    D(f,g)≀D(f,h)+D(h,g).

Next, we establish that (B(X),D) is a complete metric space. Towards this, introduce a zero function z:X→R as z(x)=0.

  1. Let {fn} be a Cauchy sequence of B(X).

  2. Thus, for every Ο΅>0, there exists n0 such that D(fn,fm)<Ο΅ for all m,n>n0.

  3. In particular, note that, by definition, |fn(x)βˆ’fm(x)|≀D(fn,fm) for every x∈X.

  4. Thus, for any x∈X, |fn(x)βˆ’fm(x)|<Ο΅ for all m,n>n0.

  5. Thus, {fn(x)} is a Cauchy sequence of real numbers at each x=X.

  6. Since, R is complete, hence {fn(x)} converges at each x=X.

  7. We define a new function f:X→R as f(x)=limfn(x) for each x=X.

  8. Since |fn(x)βˆ’fm(x)|<Ο΅ for all m,n>n0, hence |fn(x)βˆ’f(x)|≀ϡ for all n>n0 and all x∈X.

  9. Thus, |f(x)|≀ϡ+|fn(x)| for all x∈X.

  10. Thus, since fn is bounded, hence f is also bounded.

  11. Thus, f∈B(X).

  12. Finally, D(fn,f)=sup{|fn(x)βˆ’f(x)|}.

  13. Since |fn(x)βˆ’f(x)|≀ϡ for all x∈X, hence, taking the supremum on the L.H.S., D(fn,f)≀ϡ.

  14. Since D(fn,f)≀ϡ for all n>n0, hence limfn=f.

  15. Thus, every Cauchy sequence in B(X) converges in B(X).

  16. Thus, (B(X),D) is a complete metric space.

3.7.2. Closed SubsetsΒΆ

Theorem 3.58

Let (X,d) be a complete metric space. Then a subset A of X is closed if and only if (A,d) is a complete metric space in its own right.

Proof. Let A be closed.

  1. Let {xn} be a Cauchy sequence of A.

  2. Then, {xn} is a Cauchy sequence of X (since AβŠ†X).

  3. Thus, {xn} is convergent, since X is complete.

  4. Let limxn=x.

  5. Since A is closed and {xn} of A is convergent, hence x∈A due to Theorem 3.33.

  6. Thus, every Cauchy sequence of A converges in A.

  7. Thus, (A,d) is complete.

Let A be complete. We shall show that it contains all its closure points.

  1. Let x∈X be a closure point of A.

  2. By Theorem 3.31, there is a sequence {xn} of A that converges to x, i.e., limxn=x.

  3. Since {xn} converges in X, hence {xn} is a Cauchy sequence of X due to Proposition 3.19.

  4. But then, {xn} is a Cauchy sequence of A.

  5. Since, A is complete, hence {xn} converges in A.

  6. Thus, x∈A.

  7. Thus, A contains all its closure points. A is closed.

Recall that the diameter of a set is defined to be the supremum of distances between all pairs of points of the set.

Theorem 3.59

Let (X,d) be a complete metric space. Let {An} be a sequence of closed, nonempty subsets of X such that An+1βŠ†An for each n and

limnβ†’βˆždiamAn=0.

Then the intersection β‹‚n=1∞An consists of precisely one point.

This result is due to G. Cantor. A similar result was seen in nested interval property for real line.

Proof. Define:

A=β‹‚n=1∞An.

We shall first prove that A cannot have more than one point.

  1. Assume x,y∈A.

  2. Thus, x,y∈Anβˆ€n.

  3. Thus, 0≀d(x,y)≀diamAnβˆ€n.

  4. But then, limnβ†’βˆždiamAn=0 implies that d(x,y)=0.

  5. But, d(x,y)=0⟹x=y as d is a metric (Identity of indiscernibles).

  6. Thus, if x,yβˆˆβ‹‚n=1∞An, then x=y.

  7. Thus, A contains at most one point.

We now show that A cannot be empty.

  1. For each n choose xn∈An. It is possible due to axiom of choice.

  2. Since An+pβŠ†An, hence d(xn+p,xn)≀diamAn holds for every n,p.

  3. Thus, {xn} is a Cauchy sequence of X.

  4. Since X is complete, {xn} is convergent.

  5. Hence, the limit x=limnβ†’βˆžxn exists and x∈X.

  6. Since xm∈An for all mβ‰₯n, hence x is a closure point of An for each n (Theorem 3.31).

  7. But since An is closed, hence x∈An for each n.

  8. Thus, x∈A.

3.7.3. Nowhere Dense SetsΒΆ

Definition 3.47 (Nowhere dense/Rare)

A subset A of (X,d) is nowhere dense if its closure has an empty interior; i.e.,

intclA=βˆ….

It is also called a rare set.

Theorem 3.60

A is nowhere dense if and only if Xβˆ–(clA) is dense in X.

Proof. Let B=clA.

Recall from Theorem 3.15 that:

Xβˆ–(intB)=cl(Xβˆ–B)⟺intB=Xβˆ–(cl(Xβˆ–B)).

Now,

intclA=βˆ…βŸΊintB=βˆ…βŸΊXβˆ–(cl(Xβˆ–B))=βˆ…βŸΊcl(Xβˆ–B)=X⟺cl(Xβˆ–(clA))=X⟺Xβˆ–(clA) is dense in X.

Example 3.21

The set of integers Z is nowhere dense in R.

Corollary 3.1

If a set is open and dense, then its complement is rare (nowhere dense).

Proof. Let A be open and dense.

  1. B=Xβˆ–A is closed.

  2. Thus, clB=B.

  3. Hence, Xβˆ–(clB)=Xβˆ–B=A.

  4. But A is dense, hence B must be nowhere dense due to Theorem 3.60.

Theorem 3.61

The complement of a rare (nowhere dense) set is dense.

Proof. Let AβŠ†X be rare (nowhere dense).

  1. The interior of its closure is empty.

  2. Thus, its closure clA contains no open sets.

  3. Thus, A contains no open sets.

  4. Thus, every open set in X intersects with Xβˆ–A.

  5. Thus, Xβˆ–A is dense.

Proposition 3.20

The subset of a rare (nowhere dense) set is rare.

Proof. Let AβŠ†B and B be nowhere dense. Now

AβŠ†B⟹clAβŠ†clB⟹intclAβŠ†intclB.

Since B is nowhere dense, hence intclB is empty. This in turn implies that intclA is empty. Thus, A is nowhere dense.

Proposition 3.21

The boundary of a closed set is nowhere dense (rare).

Proof. Let A be closed. Thus, A=clA. Since bdA=clAβˆ–intA, hence bdAβŠ†A for a closed set.

  1. Assume bdA has a nonempty interior.

  2. Let x be an interior point of bdA.

  3. Since x∈bdAβŠ†A, hence x is an interior point of A.

  4. But boundary of A doesn’t includes its interior points.

  5. Hence, a contradiction.

  6. Thus, bdA has an empty interior.

  7. Finally intclbdA = \interior \boundary A = \EmptySetsince\boundary A$ is closed.

  8. Thus, bdA is rare.

3.7.4. Cantor SetΒΆ

Definition 3.48 (Cantor set)

Cantor set C is a subset of [0,1]. It is constructed as follows:

  1. Let C0=[0,1].

  2. Trisect C0 into [0,13],(13,23),[23,1].

  3. Remove the middle open interval (13,23) and form C1=[0,13]βˆͺ[23,1].

  4. Note that C1 is a disjoint union of 2=21 closed intervals.

  5. Trisect each closed interval of C1 and remove the middle open interval from each one of the trisections in an identical manner.

  6. Let C2=[0,19]βˆͺ[29,13]βˆͺ[23,79]βˆͺ[89,1].

  7. Note that C2 is a union of 4=22 disjoint closed intervals each of length 19=132.

  8. Inductively build Cn+1 from Cn using this procedure.

  9. Note that Cn is a union of 2n disjoint closed intervals of length 13n each.

  10. When Cn+1 is constructed from Cn, we get 2n+1 disjoint intervals of length 13n+1 each.

  11. Clearly Cn+1βŠ†Cn by construction for all n.

  12. Define the Cantor set as:

    Cβ‰œβ‹‚n=1∞Cn.

We next discuss different properties of the Cantor set.

Property 3.1 (Characterization in ternary expansions)

Consider the set EβŠ‚[0,1] whose every element has a ternary (base 3) expansion of only 0s and 2s; i.e., for every x∈E, we have a representation:

x=.d1d2d3… where di∈{0,2}

Then, E=C. In other words:

C=Eβ‰œ{βˆ‘n=1∞dn3n, where dn∈{0,2}}.

Proof. In the ternary (base 3), representation, each number x∈[0,1] can be written as:

x=.d1d2d3… where di∈{0,1,2}

such that

x=βˆ‘i=1∞di3i.

For example

1=.2222222...=2βˆ‘i=1∞13i=21/32/3=212=1.

It is possible that a number has two different ternary expansions. We can see that 13∈Ck for every k. Hence, 13∈C.Interestingly,

13=.1=.022222....

has two different ternary representations. One is a finite representation, and the other is an infinite representation involving only 0s and 2s. We say that 13∈C as it has a ternary representation consisting of only 0s and 2s.

We have to prove two things:

  1. EβŠ†C. Every number in [0,1] which has a ternary expansion containing only 0s and 2s belongs to C.

  2. CβŠ†E. Every number in C has a ternary expansion containing only of 0s and 2s.

Note that if A=[a,a+13n] is a closed interval contained in Cn then:

  1. [a,a+13n+1] is the first closed interval drawn from A in Cn+1.

  2. [a+23n+1,a+13n] is the second closed interval drawn from A in Cn+1.

EβŠ†C

  1. Let x=.d1d2… with di∈{0,2}.

  2. Start with A0=[0,1].

  3. Given A0:

    1. If d1=0, then let A1 be the first closed interval drawn from A0 : [0,13] contained in C1.

    2. Otherwise, if d1=2, then let A1 the second closed interval drawn from A0 : [23,1] contained in C1.

  4. Given Anβˆ’1=[a,a+13nβˆ’1],

    1. If dn=0, then let An be the first closed interval drawn from Anβˆ’1 contained in Cn.

    2. Otherwise (if dn=2), then let An be the second closed interval drawn from Anβˆ’1 contained in Cn.

  5. Inductively, we can keep picking closed interval An contained in Cn for every digit in the ternary expansion of x.

  6. Thus, x∈C.

CβŠ†E

  1. For every x∈C, we can construct a ternary expansion as follows.

  2. If x∈[0,13], then d1=0.

  3. Otherwise if x∈[23,1], then d1=2.

  4. Subsequently, whenever the first closed interval is chosen, then dn=0 and whenever the second closed interval is chosen, then dn=2.

  5. Thus, x has a ternary expansion consisting entirely of 0s and 2s.

  6. Thus, x∈E.

Property 3.2

Cantor set doesn’t contain any open interval.

Proof. Note that the total length of disjoint closed intervals in Cn is 2n3n=(23)n.

  1. Assume that there is an open interval (a,b)βŠ†C.

  2. Then, the length of the interval is bβˆ’a>0.

  3. But then there exists an n such that (23)n<bβˆ’a.

  4. Then, for all kβ‰₯n, (a,b) cannot be contained in Ck.

  5. We arrive at a contradiction.

Property 3.3

Cantor set has an empty interior.

Proof. Assume C has a nonempty interior and x∈intC.

  1. Then there is a neighborhood (xβˆ’Ο΅,x+Ο΅)βŠ‚C.

  2. But, C doesn’t contain any open intervals.

  3. We arrive at a contradiction.

Thus, C has an empty interior.

Property 3.4

Cantor set is a closed nowhere dense subset of R.

Proof. C is an (infinite) intersection of closed sets. Hence C is closed. clC=C. C has an empty interior. Thus, C is nowhere dense.

Property 3.5

The total length of the removed intervals from [0,1] to get C equals 1.

Proof. At the n-th step, we remove 2nβˆ’1 open intervals of length 3βˆ’n each.

Thus, total length removed in n-th step is 12(23)n.

Thus, total length removed is:

βˆ‘n=1∞12(23)n=122/31βˆ’2/3=1.

Property 3.6

Cantor set is uncountable. In particular:

cardC=card2N=cardR=c.

Recall that c denotes the cardinality of the continuum (Definition 1.84). The notation 2N was introduced in Theorem 1.17 to describe power sets. Theorem 1.16 established that

2N∼P⁑(N)∼R.

Proof. Recall that two sets are called equivalent (A∼B) if there is a bijective mapping between them.

Recall from Property 3.1 that:

C={βˆ‘n=1∞dn3n, where dn∈{0,2}}.
  1. Thus, each x∈C can be identified with a sequence d:Nβ†’{0,2} given by d={dn}.

  2. Thus, we have a bijective mapping between C and the set {0,2}N.

  3. Thus, C∼{0,2}N.

  4. This, in turn can be identified with a sequence c:N→{0,1} where c={cn} with cn=0 if dn=0 and cn=1 if dn=2.

  5. This gives us a bijective mapping between {0,2}N and {0,1}N.

  6. Recall that 2N={0,1}N with 2={0,1} (Theorem 1.17).

  7. Thus C∼2N and

    cardC=card2N=cardR=c.

3.7.5. Meager SetsΒΆ

Definition 3.49 (Meager set)

A union of countably many rare (nowhere dense) sets is said to be of first category or a meager set.

In other words, a subset A is called meager (or of first category) if there exists a sequence {An} of nowhere dense subsets such that

A=⋃n=1∞An.

Definition 3.50 (Co-meager set)

The complement of a meager set is called co-meager.

Definition 3.51 (Non-meager set)

A subset that is not meager is said to be non-meager or of second category.

Example 3.22

Consider the metric space R.

  1. Singleton sets are rare (nowhere dense) in R as they are closed and their interior is empty.

  2. The set of natural numbers N is rare since it is closed and its interior is empty (no open intervals in N).

  3. The set Q is not rare since its closure is entire R. It is meager since it is a countable union of rare singleton sets.

  4. The set of irrational numbers I is co-meager as I=Rβˆ–Q.

  5. The set R is non-meager.

Theorem 3.62

The subset of a meager set is meager.

Proof. Let A be a meager set and let BβŠ†A. Then,

A=⋃n=1∞An

where An are rare (nowhere dense).

But then

B=B∩A=Bβˆ©β‹ƒn=1∞An=⋃n=1∞An∩B.

Since subset of a nowhere dense set is nowhere dense, hence Bn=An∩B are nowhere dense. Hence

B=⋃n=1∞Bn

is meager (as it is a countable union of nowhere dense sets).

Theorem 3.63

The union of countably many meager sets is meager.

Proof. Recall from Theorem 1.10 that countable union of countable sets is countable.

  1. Let {Mn} be a countable collection of meager sets.

  2. Then, each Mn is a countable union of rare sets.

  3. Write Mn as ⋃iAn,i.

  4. Thus,

    M=⋃nMn=⋃n⋃iAn,i=⋃n,iAn,i.
  5. The family {An,i} is countable.

  6. Thus, M is a countable union of rare sets.

  7. Thus, M is meager.

Corollary 3.2

Since co-meager sets are complements of meager sets:

  1. Superset of a co-meager set is co-meager.

  2. Countable intersection of co-meager sets is co-meager.

3.7.6. Baire Category TheoremΒΆ

Theorem 3.64 (Baire category theorem)

A (nonempty) complete metric space is non-meager in itself.

In other words:

  • A (nonempty) complete metric space is not a countable union of rare sets.

Proof. Our proof strategy is following:

  1. For contradiction, we assume that X is meager with X=⋃iAi.

  2. We form a Cauchy sequence from points xiβˆ‰Ai.

  3. Since X is complete, we claim its convergence x=limxi.

  4. We further show that the limit point x cannot belong to any Ai.

Let us assume that X is a complete metric space which is meager in itself; i.e., there exists a countable collections of rare sets (rare in X) such that X is their union.

X=⋃k=1∞Ak

where Ak are rare (nowhere dense); i.e. intclAk=βˆ….

Recall from Theorem 3.60 that Bk=Xβˆ–clAk are dense in X. Also, Bk are open since they are complement of closed sets. Also, recall from Theorem 3.23 that a dense set has a nonempty intersection with every nonempty open set.

  1. B1=Xβˆ–clA1 is a nonempty open set.

  2. Thus, there exists an interior point x1 in B1 with an open ball B(x1,Ο΅1)βŠ†B1 where we can make Ο΅1<12.

  3. B2 is nonempty, open and dense. Thus, C2=B2∩B(x1,ϡ12) is nonempty and open.

  4. Thus, we can choose x2∈C2 such that x∈B(x2,Ο΅2)βŠ†C2 with Ο΅2≀ϡ12.

  5. Proceeding inductively in this manner, we obtain a sequence {xn} such that

    xn∈B(xn,Ο΅n)βŠ†Bn∩B(xnβˆ’1,Ο΅nβˆ’12).
  6. We have An∩B(xn,Ο΅n)=βˆ…. Ο΅n≀ϡnβˆ’12 with Ο΅1<12.

  7. By definition, xm∈B(xn,ϡn2) for every m>n.

  8. Thus, d(xm,xn)<Ο΅n2 for every m>n.

  9. Since Ο΅1<12, hence Ο΅n<12n+1.

  10. Thus, d(xm,xn)β†’0 as m,nβ†’βˆž.

  11. Thus, {xn} is a Cauchy sequence.

  12. Since X is complete, hence every Cauchy sequence is convergent.

  13. Thus there exists x∈X such that x=limxn. To which Ak does x belong then?

  14. Fix some n∈N. For every m>n we have:

    d(x,xn)≀d(x,xm)+d(xn,xm)<d(x,xm)+Ο΅n2.
  15. Thus taking the limit mβ†’βˆž leading to d(x,xm)β†’0, we get

    d(x,xn)≀ϡn2<Ο΅n.
  16. Hence x∈B(xn,ϡn) for all n∈N.

  17. Since An∩B(xn,Ο΅n)=βˆ…, hence xβˆ‰An for all n.

  18. But then xβˆ‰X since X=⋃nAn. A contradiction.

  19. Hence, X must be non-meager.

Theorem 3.65

If (X,d) is complete and X=⋃n=1∞An, then at least one An is non-rare; i.e., intclAnβ‰ βˆ… for some n.

Proof. If every An were rare, then X would be a meager set. But as per Baire category theorem, X must be non-meager since it is complete.

Hence, at least one An would be non-rare.

Proposition 3.22

The set of irrational numbers is non-meager.

Proof. Recall that R=QβˆͺI where I is the set of irrational numbers.

  1. R is complete. Hence R is non-meager.

  2. Q is meager as it is a countable union of singletons which are rare sets.

  3. Countable union of meager sets is meager.

  4. Thus, if I was meager, then R would be meager which is not true.

  5. Hence, II must be non-meager.

Theorem 3.66 (Interior of a meager set)

A meager set has an empty interior in a complete metric space.

Proof. Let MβŠ†X be meager. Then, we can write M as

M=⋃n=1∞An

such that An are rare in X.

Let Bn=Xβˆ–clAn. Then Bn are dense, nonempty and open in X. Hence Bn∩U is nonempty and open for every nonempty open set UβŠ†X.

  1. Let U be an arbitrary nonempty open set in X.

  2. There exists x1∈B1∩U such that x1∈B(x1,Ο΅1)βŠ†B1∩U where Ο΅1<12.

  3. B2 is dense and open so C2=B2∩B(x1,ϡ12) is nonempty and open.

  4. We can choose a point x2∈B(x2,Ο΅2)βŠ†C2 where Ο΅2≀ϡ12.

  5. Proceeding in this manner, we choose points

    xn∈B(xn,Ο΅n)βŠ†Bn∩B(xnβˆ’1,Ο΅nβˆ’12)

    to form a sequence {xn}.

  6. The sequence {xn} is Cauchy, X is complete, hence x=limxn exists in X.

  7. Also, x∈B(xn,ϡn) for all n.

  8. In particular x∈B(x1,Ο΅1)βŠ†U and x∈B(xn,Ο΅n)βŠ†Bn.

  9. Thus, x∈Bn∩U for all n.

  10. Thus,

    x∈U∩(β‹‚nBn)⟹x∈U∩(β‹‚n(Xβˆ–clAn))⟹x∈U∩(Xβˆ–(⋃n(clAn)))⟹x∈U∩(Xβˆ–(⋃nAn))⟹x∈U∩(Xβˆ–M).
  11. Thus, U has a nonempty intersection with Xβˆ–M.

  12. Since U is arbitrary, hence Xβˆ–M intersects with every nonempty open set in X.

  13. Thus, Xβˆ–M is dense in X (Theorem 3.23).

  14. Thus, M has an empty interior (Theorem 3.24).

Corollary 3.3

If a set in a complete metric space has a non-empty interior, then it is not meager.

Example 3.23

Q in R

  1. The set Q is meager in R.

  2. R is complete.

  3. The interior of Q in R is empty.

  4. The closure of Q is R.

  5. Thus, while a meager set may have an empty interior, its closure need not have an empty interior. This is different from rare sets whose closure has an empty interior.

Q in Q

  1. Q by itself is not a complete metric space.

  2. Singletons are rare sets in Q.

  3. Thus, Q is meager in Q as it is a countable union of rare sets.

  4. However, the interior of Q is not empty. In fact it is whole of QQ.

  5. Theorem 3.66 does not apply since Q is not a complete metric space.

Theorem 3.67

The set [0,1] is uncountable.

Proof. We prove this using Baire category theorem.

  1. [0,1] is a complete metric space with the standard metric.

  2. Assume [0,1] to be countable.

  3. Then, [0,1]={xn}n∈N is an enumeration of [0,1].

  4. The singleton set {xn} is rare in [0,1].

  5. Then [0,1] being a countable union of rare sets would be meager.

  6. But Baire category theorem says that a complete metric space is non-meager.

  7. We have a contradiction.

  8. Thus, [0,1] must be uncountable.

3.7.7. Baire SpacesΒΆ

Definition 3.52 (Baire space)

A metric space is called a Baire space if every nonempty open set is not a meager set.

Theorem 3.68

Every complete metric space is a Baire space.

Proof. Let A be a nonempty open subset of a complete metric space (X,d). If it was meager, then it would have an empty interior (Theorem 3.66). Thus, it must be non-meager.

Hence X is a Baire space.

Theorem 3.69 (Characterization of Baire space)

For a metric space X, the following statements are equivalent:

  1. X is a Baire space.

  2. Every countable intersection of open dense sets is also dense.

  3. If X=⋃n=1∞Fn and each Fn is a closed set, then the open set ⋃n=1∞intFn is dense.

Proof. (1) ⟹ (2)

  1. Assume X is a Baire space.

  2. Let {An} be a sequence of open dense sets in X.

  3. Let A=β‹‚n=1∞An. We need to show that A is dense.

  4. We will show that A has a nonempty intersection with every nonempty open set of X. Thus, claim that A is dense due to Theorem 3.23.

  5. Let OβŠ†X be an arbitrary nonempty open set.

  6. Assume, for contradiction that A∩O=βˆ….

  7. Then, X=Xβˆ–βˆ…=Xβˆ–(A∩O)=(Xβˆ–A)βˆͺ(Xβˆ–O).

  8. Thus,

    O=X∩O=((Xβˆ–A)βˆͺ(Xβˆ–O))∩O=(Xβˆ–A)∩O=(Xβˆ–(β‹‚n=1∞An))∩O=⋃n=1∞((Xβˆ–An)∩O).
  9. Due to Corollary 3.1, Xβˆ–An are rare.

  10. Due to Proposition 3.20, (Xβˆ–An)∩O are rare.

  11. Thus, O being a countable union of rare sets, is meager.

  12. But, in a Baire space, every nonempty open set is not meager.

  13. We have a contradiction.

  14. Thus, A∩O must be nonempty.

  15. Thus, A has a nonempty intersection with every nonempty open set in A.

  16. Thus, A is dense in X.

(2) ⟹ (3)

  1. We assume that every countable intersection of open dense sets is dense.

  2. Let {Fn} be a sequence of closed sets in X satisfying X=⋃n=1∞Fn.

  3. Let An=intFn and let A=⋃i=1∞An. By definition, A is open.

  4. Since Fn is closed, hence En=Fnβˆ–(intFn) is its boundary.

  5. Due to Proposition 3.21, En is rare.

  6. Thus, the set E=⋃n=1∞En is a meager set.

  7. Since En is closed and rare, hence Xβˆ–En is open and dense (Theorem 3.61).

  8. By our hypothesis (2), the set

    Xβˆ–E=Xβˆ–(⋃n=1∞En)=β‹‚n=1∞(Xβˆ–En)

    is also a dense set as it is a countable intersection of open dense sets Xβˆ–En.

  9. Now, notice that:

    Xβˆ–A=Xβˆ–(⋃i=1∞An)=⋃n=1∞Fnβˆ–(⋃i=1∞(intFn))βŠ†β‹ƒn=1∞[Fnβˆ–(intFn)]=⋃n=1∞En=E.
  10. And Xβˆ–AβŠ†E implies Xβˆ–EβŠ†A.

  11. Since Xβˆ–E is dense, hence A is also dense.

(3) ⟹ (1). We need to show that every nonempty open set is non-meager.

  1. Let V be a nonempty open set. Assume V to be meager.

  2. Then V is a countable union of rare sets:

    V=⋃n=1∞An

    where An are rare, thus intclAn=βˆ….

  3. We can write X as:

    X=(Xβˆ–V)βˆͺV=(Xβˆ–V)βˆͺA1βˆͺA2βˆͺ…=(Xβˆ–V)βˆͺ(clA1)βˆͺ(clA2)βˆͺ….

    The last expression is correct since clAnβŠ†X.

  4. In this form, X is a countable union of closed sets.

  5. By our hypothesis (3), the open set:

    (int(Xβˆ–V))βˆͺ(int(clA1))βˆͺ(int(clA2))βˆͺβ‹―=int(Xβˆ–V)

    is dense in X. Here, we used the fact that An are rare.

  6. Since int(Xβˆ–V)βŠ†Xβˆ–V, hence Xβˆ–V is also dense in X.

  7. In particular V∩(Xβˆ–V)β‰ βˆ… since a dense set has a nonempty intersection with every nonempty open set (Theorem 3.23).

  8. But this is impossible since V∩(Xβˆ–V)=βˆ….

  9. Thus, V cannot be not a meager set.

  10. We have established that any nonempty open V is not a meager set.

  11. Hence, X is a Baire space.

3.7.8. CompletionΒΆ

Theorem 3.70

Let (X,d) be a metric space and let (Y,ρ) be a complete metric space. If f:Xβ†’Y with A=domf is a uniformly continuous function on A then f has a unique uniformly continuous extension to the closure of A.

Proof. If a sequence {xn} of A converges to a closure point x=limxn, then the sequence {f(xn)} of Y converges to some limit y=limf(xn).

  1. Let x∈clA.

  2. There exists a sequence {xn} of A such that limxn=x.

  3. Consider the sequence {f(xn)} of Y.

  4. Choose Ο΅>0.

  5. Since f is uniformly continuous on A, hence there exists δ>0 such that ρ(f(x),f(y))<ϡ whenever d(x,y)<δ.

  6. Since {xn} is convergent and hence Cauchy, we can pick n0 such that d(xm,xn)<Ξ΄ for all m,n>n0.

  7. Thus, ρ(f(xm),f(xn))<ϡ for all m,n>n0.

  8. Thus, {f(xn)} is a Cauchy sequence of Y.

  9. Since Y is complete, hence every sequence converges.

  10. Thus, there is a limit y=limf(xn).

For any sequence {xn} of A converging to x=limxn, the corresponding sequence {f(xn)} of Y has the same limit.

  1. Assume that x=limxn=limyn where {xn} and {yn} are two different sequences converging to x.

  2. Let u=limf(xn) and v=limf(yn). We claim that u=v.

  3. Consider the sequence {zn} defined as z2n=xn and z2nβˆ’1=yn.

  4. It is easy to show that {zn} converges to x.

  5. Then, limf(zn) exists in Y.

  6. If a sequence converges, then all its subsequences converge to the same limit.

  7. Thus, limf(xn)=limf(yn)=limf(zn).

  8. Thus, u=v.

  9. Therefore limf(xn) is independent of the choice of sequence {xn} as long as x=limxn.

We define a function fβˆ—:Xβ†’Y with domg=clA given the function f:Xβ†’Y with domf=A as:

fβˆ—(x)=limf(xn)

where {xn} is any sequence converging to x∈clA; i.e., x=limxn.

fβˆ— is well defined since limf(xn) is independent of the choice of the sequence {xn} converging to x∈clA.

We next establish that fβˆ— is uniformly continuous.

  1. Let Ο΅>0.

  2. We can choose δ>0 such that ρ(f(x),f(y))<ϡ whenever d(x,y)<δ for any x,y∈A.

  3. Now let, x,y∈clA satisfying d(x,y)<δ.

  4. Let {xn} and {yn} be convergent sequences of A with limxn=x and limyn=y.

  5. Then limd(xn,yn)=d(x,y) due to Theorem 3.34.

  6. Since d(x,y)<Ξ΄, we can pick n0 such that d(xn,yn)<Ξ΄ for all n>n0.

  7. But since xn,yn∈A and f is uniformly continuous, we have, ρ(f(xn),f(yn))<ϡ for all n>n0.

  8. Since {f(xn)} and {f(yn)} are convergent sequences of Y, hence limρ(f(xn),f(yn))=ρ(f(x),f(y)) again due to Theorem 3.34.

  9. Thus, ρ(f(x),f(y))≀ϡ.

  10. Thus, fβˆ— is uniformly continuous on clA.

Definition 3.53 (Completion of a metric space)

A complete metric space (Y,ρ) is called a completion of a metric space (X,d) if there exists an isometry f:(X,d)β†’(Y,ρ) with domf=X such that f(X) is dense in Y.

If we think of X and f(X) as identical (up to an isometry), then we can think of X as a subset of Y.

Theorem 3.71

Any two completions of a metric space are isometric.

Proof. Let (Y1,ρ1) and (Y2,ρ2) be two different completions of (X,d).

  1. Then there are isometries f:X→Y1 and g:X→Y2 with domf=domg=X.

  2. g is an isometry with domg=X and rangeg=g(X).

  3. fβˆ’1 is an isometry with domfβˆ’1=f(X) and rangefβˆ’1=X.

  4. Then, h=g∘fβˆ’1 is an isometry from Y1 to Y2 with domh=f(X) and rangeh=g(X).

  5. f(X) is dense in Y1. Hence clf(X)=Y1.

  6. h is uniformly continuous (since it is an isometry).

  7. Y2 is complete.

  8. Then, due to Theorem 3.70, there exists a uniformly continuous extension hβˆ— of h to all of Y1.

We have established that hβˆ— is uniformly continuous.

We next show that hβˆ— is an isometry.

  1. Let u,v∈Y1 and z=hβˆ—(u) and w=hβˆ—(v).

  2. There is a sequence {xn} of X such that limf(xn)=u.

  3. There is a sequence {yn} of X such that limf(yn)=v.

  4. Let un=f(xn) and vn=g(yn).

  5. Let zn=g(un) and wn=g(yn).

  6. We have limzn=z and limwn=w.

  7. Since f is an isometry, hence d(xn,yn)=ρ1(un,vn).

  8. Since g is an isometry, hence d(xn,yn)=ρ2(zn,wn).

  9. Thus, ρ1(un,vn)=ρ2(zn,wn).

  10. Taking limits, we get ρ1(u,v)=ρ2(z,w).

  11. Thus, hβˆ— is an isometry.

  12. Since it is an isometry, hence it is injective.

We next show that hβˆ— is surjective (onto).

  1. Let v∈Y2.

  2. There exists a sequence {xn} such that limg(xn)=v.

  3. There exists u∈Y1 such that limf(xn)=u.

  4. Let f(xn)=un and g(xn)=vn.

  5. Then, h(un)=(g∘fβˆ’1)(un)=g(xn)=vn.

  6. Thus, hβˆ—(un)=vn.

  7. Then, since hβˆ— is uniformly continuous, limun=u \implies limhβˆ—(un)=limvn=v=hβˆ—(u).

  8. Thus, for every v∈Y2, there exists u∈Y1 such that hβˆ—(u)=v.

  9. Thus, hβˆ—(u) is surjective.

Together since hβˆ— is an isometric which is onto, hence Y1 and Y2 are isometric.

Remark 3.10

If f:(X,d)β†’(Y,ρ) is an isometry with domf=X and Y is a complete metric space, then clf(X) is a completion of X.

Proof. Let Z = clf(X). Then Z is a closed subset of Y. By Theorem 3.58, (Z,ρ) is a complete subspace.

Now define g:(X,d)β†’(Z,ρ) as:

g(x)=f(x).

Then, g is an isometry and g(X) is dense in Z. Thus, Z is a completion of X.

Theorem 3.72

Every metric space has a unique (up to an isometry) completion.

Proof. We prove this theorem by constructing a metric space which is a completion of a given metric space.

  1. Let (X,d) be a metric space.

  2. Fix an element a∈X.

  3. Now, for every x∈X, we introduce a function fx:Xβ†’R defined as:

    fx(y)=d(x,y)βˆ’d(y,a)βˆ€y∈X.

    Note that domfx=X.

  4. From the triangular inequality we have:

    |fx(y)|=|d(x,y)βˆ’d(y,a)|≀d(x,a)βˆ€y∈X.
  5. Thus, for a given x and fixed a, the parametrized function fx is bounded by d(x,a).

  6. Thus, fx∈B(X), the space of bounded functions from X to R.

  7. We established in Example 3.20 that the metric space B(X) is a complete metric space.

We next show that the mapping f:Xβ†’B(X) given by x↦fx is an isometry. Recall that the distance between two functions g,h∈B(X) is given by:

D(g,h)=sup{|g(x)βˆ’h(x)||x∈X}.

Now for some x,z∈X with corresponding function fx,fz∈B(X), for any y∈X, we have:

|fx(y)βˆ’fz(y)|=|d(x,y)βˆ’d(y,a)βˆ’[d(z,y)βˆ’d(y,a)]|=|d(x,y)βˆ’d(z,y)|≀d(x,z).

At the same time:

|fx(z)βˆ’fz(z)|=|d(x,z)βˆ’d(z,z)|=d(x,z).

Thus,

D(fx,fz)=sup{|fx(y)βˆ’fz(y)||y∈X}=d(x,z).

Thus, f is an isometry. Since (B(X),D) is a complete metric space, hence as per Remark 3.10, (clf(X),D) is a completion of X.

We have already established in Theorem 3.71 that any two completions of X are isometric to each other. Thus, the completion is unique up to an isometry.

3.7.9. IsometriesΒΆ

Theorem 3.73 (Isometries preserve closed sets)

Let (X,d) and (Y,ρ) be complete metric spaces. Let f:(X,d)β†’(Y,ρ) be an isometry. Let CβŠ‚X be a closed set in X. Then, f(C) is closed.

Proof. 1. Let {yn} be a convergent sequence of f(C).

  1. Let y=limyn.

  2. Recall that an isometric is injective.

  3. Thus, yn=f(xn) for some xn∈C for every n.

  4. Since {yn} is convergent, hence {yn} is Cauchy.

  5. Now, for any m,n∈N

    d(xm,xn)=ρ(ym,yn)

    as f is isometric.

  6. Thus, {xn} is a Cauchy sequence of C.

  7. Since X is complete, hence every Cauchy sequence converges.

  8. Let x=limxn.

  9. Since C is closed, hence x∈C.

  10. By continuity of f, we have f(x)=y.

  11. Thus, y=f(x)∈f(C).

  12. Thus, every convergent sequence of C converges in C.

  13. Thus, f(C) is closed.