Q:

Double of a manifold

Let $M$ be a connected $n$-manifold with a non-empty boundary.  The double of it is given by
$$
D(M) = M\,\,\,\cup_f\,\,\, M
$$
where $f:\partial M\to\partial M$ is an identity map.  I have to show that $D(M)$ is connected.  Since it is a quotient space I had an idea to consider a connected space $X$ together with a quotient map $q:X\to D(M)$ but clearly $X = M\sqcup M$ is not a good candidate since it is disconnected.  Could you help me to solve this problem? 

A:

We are assuming $M$ is connected.  The double $D(M)$ is equal to a union of two copies of $M$ that intersect in $\partial M\neq \emptyset$. On the other hand, it is a standard lemma in topology that the union of two connected sets that has a nontrivial intersection is connected.  See for example Munkres's Topology (second edition) Theorem 23.3. 