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How is the uniqueness of the common point in the Nested Interval Theorem proven?

The uniqueness of the common point is proven by contradiction. Assuming there is another distinct point η\eta shared by all intervals leads to a logical conflict because the intervals shrink down to a single point ξ\xi, making it impossible for η\eta to remain inside all intervals if η≠ξ\eta \neq \xi.

Conditions

  • The intervals are nested closed intervals [an,bn][a_n, b_n].
  • The length of the intervals approaches zero as n→∞n \to \infty.
  • There is a common point ξ\xi belonging to all intervals.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Assume there is another point η\eta different from ξ\xi that is in every interval.
  2. Observe that the intervals shrink down to just ξ\xi as nn goes to infinity.
  3. Deduce that if η\eta were in every interval, the intervals couldn't shrink down to just ξ\xi.
  4. Conclude that this contradiction proves ξ\xi is the only unique intersection point.

Example

The script states: 'Is there any other point shared by all intervals? Suppose there is a point η\eta different from ξ\xi. If η\eta were in every interval, the intervals couldn't shrink down to just ξ\xi. This contradiction proves that ξ\xi is the only unique intersection point.'

Common misconceptions

  • Believing that multiple points can be the intersection of nested intervals if the intervals are closed.
  • Assuming that the contradiction arises from the endpoints rather than the shrinking length of the intervals.

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