9
$\begingroup$

Suppose that $U \subset \mathbb{R}^2$ is such that $U \cap L$ is open in $L$ for any line $L \subset \mathbb{R}^2$ where $L$ inherits the subspace topology from $\mathbb{R}^2$ (ie. $L \cong \mathbb{R}$). Does it follow that $U$ is open? I keep thinking I have a counterexample and then changing my mind...

Not sure if the topological vector space tag is appropriate. I thought if the question had a positive answer then it might have something to do with the fact that every finite dimensional vector space has a unique Hausdorff topology compatible with the operations.

  • 0
    I removed the TVS tag as (in my humble opinion) it is irrelevant. I won't argue if someone better-informed than I am puts it back.2011-10-19

1 Answers 1

6

Let $$p_n = \left\langle \cos\frac{\pi}{2^{n+1}},\sin\frac{\pi}{2^{n+1}} \right\rangle,$$ let $P=\{p_n:n\in\omega\}$, and let $S=\mathbb{R}^2\setminus P$. The intersection of any line with $P$ is either a singleton or a doubleton, so every line intersects $S$ in an open set, but $\langle 1,0 \rangle \in S \cap \operatorname{cl}P$, so $S$ isn't open.

Any convergent sequence with no three points collinear will do.

  • 0
    I take it $\omega$ is your preferred symbol for the natural numbers?2011-10-19
  • 0
    Excellent! I guess you could also just take the complement of $\{ ( \cos \theta, \sin \theta) : \theta \in [0, \pi/2] \}$?2011-10-19
  • 0
    @Gerry: Yes, assuming that by *natural numbers* you mean the non-negative integers; it comes naturally, since I’ve a strong set-theoretic background. I’d use $\mathbb{N}$ in other contexts except that too many people seem to use that for what I call $\mathbb{Z}^+$.2011-10-19
  • 0
    @Mike: Almost: you do have to omit *one* point! Make it $\{\langle\cos\theta,\sin\theta\rangle:\theta\in(0,2\pi)\}$.2011-10-19
  • 0
    @Brian: Yes it was a typo, which I just tried to fix but failed to get it in time! But yes, in words, the complement of a circle minus a point2011-10-19
  • 0
    @Mike: I figured that it was probably either a typo or a momentary mental glitch.2011-10-19