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No continuous function that switches $\mathbb{Q}$ and the irrationals

Let $f: \mathbb{R} \to \mathbb{R}$ be function satisfying the two conditions: $f(\mathbb{R}\setminus \mathbb{Q}) \subseteq \mathbb{Q}$ and $f(\mathbb{Q}) \subseteq \mathbb{R}\setminus \mathbb{Q}$. Then,

Show that $f$ cannot be continuous.

I'm trying this problem for some time but can't make any useful progress. I will appreciate any help. Even some good hints will do. Regards.

2 Answers 2

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Hint: The conditions imply the range of $f$ is countable and that $f$ is non-constant.

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    Supercool hint. Got it. Thanks a thousand tons! :-)2012-12-05
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If $ f $ is continuous we have that $ f(\mathbb{R}) $ is an interval. Thus $ f(\mathbb{R}) $ is uncountable. On the other hand, we have \begin{equation} f(\mathbb{R}) \subset f(\mathbb{R}\setminus \mathbb{Q}) \cup f(\mathbb{Q}) \end{equation} Thus $f(\mathbb{R})$ is countable as union finite of countables. Contradiction.

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    Sorry, I writed fast and did this mistake. But I will correct.2012-12-05