Can a Complete Metric Space Have Empty Interior?

In summary, we discussed whether a complete metric space can have empty interior. We defined a complete metric space as one where every Cauchy sequence of points has a limit in the space. We also discussed how a single point can be considered a complete metric space with empty interior. However, if we consider the metric space as a subset of a larger space, it may have non-empty interior. We also briefly touched upon the concept of the empty set and whether it can be considered complete or have interior. Overall, we concluded that a complete metric space can have empty interior only if the space itself is empty.
  • #1
pivoxa15
2,255
1

Homework Statement


Can a complete metric space have empty interior?


Homework Equations


In mathematical analysis, a metric space M is said to be complete (or Cauchy) if every Cauchy sequence of points in M has a limit that is also in M.


The Attempt at a Solution


But if M has no Cauchy sequence to start with or anything else for that matter (i.e have empty interior than it can also be labeled as complete? Or is my understanding lacking some important information?
 
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  • #2
A single point constitutes a trivial metric space. It's complete, open, closed, compact and lots of other things, too!
 
  • #3
A single point also has empty interior.

What about a metric space with 2 points? It still has empty interior.
 
  • #4
pivoxa15 said:
A single point also has empty interior.

What about a metric space with 2 points? It still has empty interior.

True. Guess I'd better think again.
 
  • #5
We'd better be a little careful here. Interior and exterior only have nontrivial meaning if we are speaking of the metric space as a subset of another space. If we are speaking of a single point space {x} in isolation then the interior of {x} is {x}. If we are speaking for example of {0} as a subset of the reals, then it has empty interior.
 
  • #6
Interior of the whole metric space is always non empty.

So the subspace of a complete metric space is compelete so has non empty interior? Since we could have a sequence of points starting in the large metric space and obtaining a limit in this subspace. Where this limit point can be in the interior of the subspace. Hence non empty interior for this subspace?
 
  • #7
pivoxa15 said:
Can a complete metric space have empty interior?
The interior of a metric space X is X itself. So a metric space has empty interior iff that metric space is itself empty. The empty set together with the empty function is a metric space.
 
  • #8
Is the empty set also complete?
 
  • #9
pivoxa15 said:
Is the empty set also complete?

pivoxa15, this is a sad moment. Think!
 
  • #10
From the definition
In mathematical analysis, a metric space M is said to be complete (or Cauchy) if every Cauchy sequence of points in M has a limit that is also in M.

I'd say yes because there is no Cauchy sequence or any sequence in the empty set.
 
  • #11
I would agree. But are these void case problems really that interesting? Is the empty set colorless?
 
  • #12
pivoxa15 said:
Interior of the whole metric space is always non empty.

So the subspace of a complete metric space is compelete so has non empty interior? Since we could have a sequence of points starting in the large metric space and obtaining a limit in this subspace. Where this limit point can be in the interior of the subspace. Hence non empty interior for this subspace?

That`s the right one
 

Related to Can a Complete Metric Space Have Empty Interior?

1. Can a complete metric space have empty interior?

Yes, it is possible for a complete metric space to have empty interior. A complete metric space is a space in which all Cauchy sequences converge, but this does not necessarily guarantee the existence of a non-empty interior.

2. What is the definition of a complete metric space?

A complete metric space is a metric space in which every Cauchy sequence converges to a point within the space.

3. How is the interior of a metric space defined?

The interior of a metric space is the set of all points within the space that can be surrounded by an open ball of a certain radius. Intuitively, it is the set of points that are not on the boundary of the space.

4. Can a complete metric space have a non-empty boundary?

Yes, a complete metric space can have a non-empty boundary. The completeness of a metric space is related to the convergence of Cauchy sequences, while the boundary is defined by the topology of the space.

5. Are there any real-world examples of complete metric spaces with empty interior?

Yes, there are real-world examples of complete metric spaces with empty interior. One example is the set of rational numbers, which is a complete metric space but has an empty interior as it does not contain any irrational numbers.

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