Totally Bounded Space - Definition For A Metric Space

Definition For A Metric Space

A metric space is totally bounded if and only if for every real number, there exists a finite collection of open balls in of radius whose union contains . Equivalently, the metric space is totally bounded if and only if for every, there exists a finite cover such that the radius of each element of the cover is at most . This is equivalent to the existence of a finite ε-net.

Each totally bounded space is bounded (as the union of finitely many bounded sets is bounded), but the converse is not true in general. For example, an infinite set equipped with the discrete metric is bounded but not totally bounded.

If M is Euclidean space and d is the Euclidean distance, then a subset (with the subspace topology) is totally bounded if and only if it is bounded.

Read more about this topic:  Totally Bounded Space

Famous quotes containing the words definition and/or space:

    Perhaps the best definition of progress would be the continuing efforts of men and women to narrow the gap between the convenience of the powers that be and the unwritten charter.
    Nadine Gordimer (b. 1923)

    I would have broke mine eye-strings, cracked them, but
    To look upon him, till the diminution
    Of space had pointed him sharp as my needle;
    Nay, followed him till he had melted from
    The smallness of a gnat to air, and then
    Have turned mine eye and wept.
    William Shakespeare (1564–1616)