A P→XP\to X is numerable if it has an open trivializing cover {Ui}i∈I\{U_i\}_{i\in I} and continuous functions ϕi:X→[0,1]\phi_i:X\to[0,1] such that:

  1. the supports supp⁡ϕi={x:ϕi(x)≠0}‾\operatorname{supp}\phi_i=\overline{\{x:\phi_i(x)\ne0\}} form a ;
  2. ∑iϕi(x)=1\sum_i\phi_i(x)=1 for all x∈Xx\in X;
  3. {x:ϕi(x)>0}⊆Ui\{x:\phi_i(x)>0\}\subseteq U_i for each ii.

The sum is locally finite, so it defines a continuous function. Numerability is the existence of these data; a particular cover and partition are not part of the bundle's structure.

Classification setting

Every locally trivial principal bundle over a paracompact Hausdorff base is numerable, by the continuous partition-of-unity theorem. Pullback preserves numerability: pull back the trivializing cover and its functions. Universal bundles classify numerable principal bundles over arbitrary bases; the qualification matters when the base is not paracompact Hausdorff.