# Math Help - Criterion for closed

1. ## Criterion for closed

I have this theorem.

If $X$ is a metric space and $Y \subset X$. $D \subset Y$ is closed in $Y$ iff $D = C \cap Y$ for some closed set $C$ in $X$.

(I have proved a very similar theorem for open sets.)

However I cant seem to make any progress for the above theorem. (In either direction)

Going forward, we have $D$ is closed.

So $Y-D$ is open in $Y$.

By using similar theorem for open sets.

$Y-D = E \cap Y$ for some open set $E$ in $X$.

But trying to get back to $D$ by taking complements, I get

$D = X-E \cup X-Y$

Which doesn't seem to help me at all.

Also using $D$ has all its limit points doesn't give me a lot to work with either.

This leads me to believe that the theorem is not true.

Is there something I am not considering? Even going backwards, I can't figure it out.

If $X$ is a metric space and $Y \subset X$. $D \subset Y$ is closed in $Y$ iff $D = C \cap Y$ for some closed set $C$ in $X$.
The closure of $Y$, $\overline{Y}~,$ in $X$ is the 'smallest' closed set containing $Y$.
If $D\subseteq Y$ then $\overline{D}\subseteq\overline{Y}$.