Algebras of real-valued continuous functions in product spaces (Q1064564)

Let \(\{X_ i: i\in I\}\) be an arbitrary family of spaces, we say that the Cartesian product X has the approximation property when \(C(X)\) coincides with the Algebra on X generated by the functions which depend on one variable. We study the problem of characterizing topologically when an arbitrary product space has the approximation property. We prove that if X is an uncountable pseudo-\(\aleph_ 1\)-compact P-space, then \(X\times Y\) has the approximation property if, and only if, \(X\times Y\) is pseudo-\(\aleph_ 1\)-compact. As a corollary we obtain the following characterization for P-spaces: Let X and Y be P-spaces, then \(X\times Y\) has the approximation property if, and only if, X or Y is countable or \(X\times Y\) is pseudo-\(\aleph_ 1\)-compact.