A subset $U$ of a space $X$ is said to be a zero-set if there exists a continuous real-valued function $f$ on $X$ such that $U=\{x\in X: f(x)=0\}$. and said to be a Cozero-set if here exists a continuous real-valued function $g$ on $X$ such that $U=\{x\in X: g(x)\not=0\}$.
Is it true that every closed set in $\mathbb{R}$ is a Cozero-set?
I guess since $\mathbb{R}$ is a completely regular this implies that every closed set is Cozero-set, but by the same argument use completely regular property on $\mathbb{R}$, every closed subset of $\mathbb{R}$ is a zero-set. This argument is correct?
How can we discussed the relation between open & closed subset of $\mathbb{R}$ and zero and cozero-sets?
thanks.
Best Answer
No non-empty proper closed subset of $\Bbb R$ is a cozero set: a cozero set is necessarily open, since it is the inverse image of an open set under a continuous map. Every closed subset of $\Bbb R$ is a zero set, however. Similarly, every open subset of $\Bbb R$ is a cozero set, and none (except $\varnothing$ and $\Bbb R$) is a zero set.