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The hint given for the problem is that the set of isolated pts of a countable complete metric space X forms a dense subset of X, and using this i need to prove that the cantor set is uncountable. so i was thinking that we need to use the fact that since cantor set has no isolated points (which was proven in previous exercise), but i keep getting stuck. can someone help me?
Suppose that $\displaystyle C$, the Cantor set, is countable. Since $\displaystyle (\mathbb{R}, | ~ |)$ is a complete metric space it would mean the isolated points of $\displaystyle C$, call this subset $\displaystyle S$, would be dense in $\displaystyle C$. Topologically it means $\displaystyle \bar S = C$. But $\displaystyle S = \emptyset$ by your previous exercise, so the closure of $\displaystyle S$ is the empty set, but that is a contradiction because it has to be $\displaystyle C$. This means the Cantor set is uncountable.Quote:
Originally Posted by squarerootof2
thanks so much for the input, but one small question, when you say "Since http://www.mathhelpforum.com/math-he...4a7f9cef-1.gif is a complete metric space " what is the metric you are using? just the ordinary euclidean metric? thanks.
Yes. Here it is the same thing as taking the absolute value of the number.Quote:
Originally Posted by squarerootof2
