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Let $\mathbb{R}_{\ell}$ the Sorgenfrey line and let $\mathbb{Q}$ endowed with usual topology.

I have two questions:

1) Is there a continuous surjective map $f: \mathbb{R}_{\ell} \rightarrow \mathbb{Q}$?

2) Is there a continuous surjective map $f: \mathbb{R}_{\ell} \rightarrow \mathbb{R}$ where $\mathbb{R}$ has the usual topology?

Not sure where to start. Can you please help?

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    For (2), since the topology of the Sorgenfrey line is strictly finer than the usual topology, the identity map will be continuous.2011-07-05
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    @Aaron: thanks, yeah, I was about to type that. Still stuck with 1). Any idea?2011-07-05
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    Not off the top of my head. The most obvious reason why there are no continuous surjective maps $\mathbb{R}\to \mathbb{Q}$ is because $\mathbb{Q}$ is not connected. However, neither is $\mathbb{R}_{\ell}$. If I come up with something later, I let you know.2011-07-05
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    @Aaron: would this work? take $f: \mathbb{R}_{\ell} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z}$ by the floor function, then $f$ is surjective and continuous. Now $\mathbb{Z}$ and $\mathbb{Q}$ are both countable so there is a bijection $g: \mathbb{Z} \rightarrow \mathbb{Q}$. Since $\mathbb{Z}$ is discrete this map is cts and surjective so $g \circ f$ is the desired map.2011-07-05
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    @user10 Yes, it would work. You have now answered your own question! You can indeed answer your own question if you wish to record the answers that you have found for the future. (You can write the answers in the "Your Answer" box below and click "Post Your Answer" at the bottom of the page.)2011-07-05
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    @Amitesh Datta: would it be rude to delete it? as I wouldn't like to accept my own answer.2011-07-05
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    @user10: You could make your answer community wiki if you just don't want to gain reputation for answering your own question.2011-07-05

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Let $f: \mathbb{R}_{\ell} \rightarrow \mathbb{Z}$ be the map given by the floor function, then $f$ is surjective and continuous. Now $\mathbb{Z}$ and $\mathbb{Q}$ are both countable so there is a bijection $g: \mathbb{Z} \rightarrow \mathbb{Q}$. Since $\mathbb{Z}$ is discrete this map is cts and surjective so $g \circ f$ is the desired map.