Intrinsic approximation on Cantor-like sets, a problem of Mahler (Q446298)

The author's address a question set by \textit{K. Mahler} [Bull. Aust. Math. Soc. 29, 101--108 (1984; Zbl 0517.10001)] on how well irrational numbers in the classical middle third Cantor set can be approximated by rational numbers lying in the Cantor set. Thus the problem considered is one of intrinsic diophantine approximation; approximation problems where the points and the approximating rational numbers are constrained to lie in some specific (typically measure \(0\)) set. In this case the sets are fractal Cantor sets. The paper begins with an introduction to the problem and how it relates to the fundamental result of Dirichlet as this is a critical step in establishing many results in diophantine approximation. The main result of the paper is then stated and can be considered as a Dirichlet theorem for intrinsic approximation on the classical Cantor set. The proof revolves around a characterisation of the rational numbers in the Cantor set. This characterisation is then used to establish a Dirichlet theorem for the Cantor set. The paper continues with a discussion on the optimality of the approximation rate and the author's state a number of conjectures relating to this rate of approximation and the set of (intrinsically) very well approximable numbers on the Cantor set. The paper concludes with a short discussion on extrinsic approximation; here the rational numbers which approximate points on the Cantor set are not constrained to lie in the set itself.