Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 513Topology › Metric and normed spacesL1Added 3 Nov 2026

Continuity in metric spaces

#continuity#epsilon-delta#metric

Statement

Define continuity of f:X→Yf:X\to Y between metric spaces.

Hint

For all x0x_0, ∀ε>0,∃δ>0: dX(x,x0)<δ⇒dY(f(x),f(x0))<ε\forall\varepsilon>0,\exists\delta>0:\ d_X(x,x_0)<\delta\Rightarrow d_Y(f(x),f(x_0))<\varepsilon.

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Definition. ff is continuous at x0x_0 iff ∀ε>0,∃δ>0: dX(x,x0)<δ⇒dY(f(x),f(x0))<ε\forall\varepsilon>0,\exists\delta>0:\ d_X(x,x_0)<\delta\Rightarrow d_Y(f(x),f(x_0))<\varepsilon.

Global. ff is continuous iff continuous at every point.

Equivalence. Equivalent to: f−1(U)f^{-1}(U) open in XX for every open U⊆YU\subseteq Y; and to sequential continuity.

Conclusion. Continuity has multiple equivalent characterizations in metric spaces.