Quotient Topology

Quotient Topology

notations

top: topological space (structure)
hom: homomorphism on top

1. Definition

Quotient Space 1

Suppose $X$ is a top, $f:X\to Y$. Quotient topology of $Y$ is $\{B\subset Y | f^{-1}[B]\in \mathcal{T}_X\}$ denoted as $X/f$. Under this topology $Y$ is the quotient space of $X$.

Quotient topology is the finest top for $Y$ that $f$ is continous, meanwhile $f$ is a quotient map. Remember $f^{-1}[A]\in \mathcal{T}_X \iff A \in \mathcal{T}_{X/f}$

Quotient Space 2

Suppose $X$ is a top, $\sim$ is an equivalent relation (or partition), let $f(x)=[x]$ (equivalent class or component). Quotient space of $X$ under $\sim$ is $X/f=\{A | \bigcup_{x\in A}[x]\}$ denoted as $X/\sim$.

Remark

A partition $\pi$ gives an equivalent relation $x\sim y$ iff $x,y\in A\in\pi$. Define $X/\pi=X/\sim$

Remark

if $f$ is open, then $f$ is a quotient map, not the other way. In topological group, the quotient map is indeed open.

Gluing space

$A\subset X$, given a partition $\pi=\{A,\{x\},\{y\},\cdots\}$, define gluing space $X/A=X/\pi$. Element $\{x\}$ in $X/A$ is denoted as $x$ for convenience.

To glue two spaces

$X\cap Y=\emptyset$, $x\in X,y\in Y$, then $X+_{x,y}Y=X\cup Y/\{x,y\}$.

2. Basic Theorems

Theorem 1

If $f:X\to Y$ is a quotient map, then $\phi(y)=f^{-1}[y]:Y\simeq X/f$.