Discovering Surjective and Non-Injective Functions in Function Theory

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    Function Theory
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around identifying functions from the set of natural numbers to itself that exhibit specific properties: surjectivity and injectivity. Participants explore examples of functions that are surjective but not injective, as well as those that are neither surjective nor injective. The conversation includes attempts to clarify definitions and examples related to bijective, injective, and surjective functions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks functions that are surjective but not injective, and those that are neither surjective nor injective.
  • Another participant questions their previous answers regarding bijective and injective functions, proposing examples such as f(n) = n for bijective and f(n) = 2n + 1 for injective but not surjective.
  • A participant claims to have found a function, f(n) = (n-5) + 2, that meets the original criteria but still seeks assistance with another question.
  • Another participant provides several examples: f(n) = n is bijective, f(n) = 2n is injective but not surjective, f(n) = floor(n/2) is surjective but not injective, and a constant function is neither injective nor surjective.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no clear consensus on the examples provided, as participants express uncertainty and confusion regarding the definitions and properties of the functions discussed. Multiple competing views and examples are presented without resolution.

Contextual Notes

Participants express confusion over the definitions and properties of functions, indicating a potential lack of clarity in understanding surjectivity and injectivity. Some examples may depend on specific interpretations of the functions involved.

philosophking
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Please help me. I'm trying to find functions where f:N-->N (the set of natural numbers to the set of natural numbers), such that:

f is surjective but not injective,
f is neither surjective nor injective

I'm really not sure how to determine these. Thanks for your consideration.
 
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errr... now that I look back at my other answers ( i had to find one that is bijective and one that is not surjective but injective), i don't even know if those are right.

For bijective, could you have f(n) = n ?
For injective but not surjective, could you have f(n) = 2n + 1 ?

I'm so confused.
 
OK hehe i think i figured some stuff out, for my first original question, f(n) = (n-5) + 2 works. But I still need help on my last question! please!

Also, the most recent two questions i asked can be disregarded... haha wow sorry if i confused anyone
 
f: N -> N

If f(n) = n, f is bijective.
If f(n) = 2n, f is injective but not surjective (2n+1 also works).
If f(n) = floor(n/2), f is surjective but not injective.
If f(n) = constant, f is neither injective nor surjective.

I think these are all pretty well-known examples.
 
thanks, much appreciated
 

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