Theorem
Each element of a topological spaceis contained in some component of
Proof
Obviously each element ofis contained in at least one connected subset of
Letbe the family of all connected subsets of
containing
is connected for each
is connected and contains
This union is also unique, since every connected subset ofcontaining
is included and non are excluded.
Henceis a maximally connected subset of
containing
so must be a component of