Can the closed unit interval be divided into smaller intervals?

  • MHB
  • Thread starter Jameson
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    2015
In summary, the closed unit interval (0,1) can be divided into smaller intervals, with no limit to how small they can be. This is useful for better understanding functions and their behavior, as well as in numerical methods and proving theorems. The interval can also be divided into equal intervals, but unequal intervals can also be used for specific purposes.
  • #1
Jameson
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MHB
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Here is this week's problem!

Show that the closed unit interval $[0,1]$ cannot be expressed into a disjoint union of closed intervals of length less than one.
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Remember to read the http://www.mathhelpboards.com/showthread.php?772-Problem-of-the-Week-%28POTW%29-Procedure-and-Guidelines to find out how to http://www.mathhelpboards.com/forms.php?do=form&fid=2!
 
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  • #2
No one answered this week's problem. You can find my solution below.

By way of contradiction, suppose $[0,1]$ can be written as a disjoint union of closed intervals of length less than one. These intervals form a countable collection, so we may enumerate them as $[a_n,b_n]$, $n\in \Bbb N$. Let $A = \{a_n : n\in \Bbb N\}$ and $B = \{b_n : n\in \Bbb N\}$. The set $S = (A \cup B)\setminus\{0,1\}$ is a compact set with no isolated point. This is a contradiction. For every compact metric space with no isolated point is uncountable.
 

Related to Can the closed unit interval be divided into smaller intervals?

1. Can the closed unit interval be divided into smaller intervals?

Yes, the closed unit interval (0,1) can be divided into smaller intervals. This is known as partitioning or subdividing the interval.

2. How many smaller intervals can the closed unit interval be divided into?

The closed unit interval can be divided into an infinite number of smaller intervals. This is because the interval is continuous, meaning it has an infinite number of points within it.

3. Is there a limit to how small the intervals can be divided?

No, there is no limit to how small the intervals can be divided. As the interval is continuous, it can be infinitely divided into smaller and smaller intervals.

4. What is the purpose of dividing the closed unit interval into smaller intervals?

The purpose of dividing the closed unit interval into smaller intervals is to better understand and analyze functions and their behavior within the interval. It can also be used in numerical methods and to prove theorems in mathematics.

5. Can the closed unit interval be divided into equal intervals?

Yes, the closed unit interval can be divided into equal intervals. This is known as uniform partitioning, where each interval has the same length. However, this is not the only way to partition the interval, and unequal intervals can also be used for specific purposes.

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