Here is a problem in functional analysis from Folland's book:
If $\mathcal{M}$ is a finite-dimensional subspace of a normed vector space $\mathcal{X}$, then there is a closed subspace $\mathcal{N}$ such that $\mathcal{M}\cap \mathcal{N} = 0$ and $\mathcal{M}+\mathcal{N} = \mathcal{X}$.
I tried the following approach: I am trying to define a projection map $\pi_{\mathcal{M}}$ from $\mathcal{X}$ to $\mathcal{M}$, which would be continuous and hence taking the inverse of any closed set would give a closed set in $\mathcal{X}$. I am confused about what the projection map would be. Please suggest some approach.