Basic proof about inverse images of sets

[jacobrhcp]

[SOLVED] basic proof about inverse images of sets

Homework Statement

let f map X onto Y, and let A be a subset of X, B subset of Y

1) Prove that if y is in B, then f^(-1) (y) is in f^(-1) (B)

The Attempt at a Solution

1) I think I'm missing some two-line proof, because I'm getting nowhere and this is supposed to be simple. I just don't know where to start, so just a hint would be appreciated.

 

[HallsofIvy]

The statement, as given, is not true. Since f is only given as a "map", it may not have an inverse function and so f^-1(y) may not exist. Your question, however, is about "inverse images", which exist whether or not f has an inverse. What is true is that f^-1({y}) is a subset of f^-1(B). {y} is, of course, the set containing the single point y. That statement follows directly from the definition of "inverse image". What is the definition of f^-1(B)?

 

[jacobrhcp]

f^-1 (B) := {x in X| f(x) in B}

The book told us that strictly speaking one should write f({y}), but in order to keep simplicity, they just use the notation f(y). What I'm trying to prove is what you have written down. I am sorry I didn't bring that part over correct.but, back to the problem. this would make

f^-1 (y) = {x in X| f(x) in {y}}
f^-1 (B) = {x in X| f(x) in B}

because y is in B, this implies that f^-1 (y) is in f^-1 (B), is that right?

Anyway, thanks for your help... I'm not even sure if this is 'calc&beyond'... I'm studying physics and took mathematics as a major too since the start of this year, and this class is given at the same time as the first calculus and linear algebra classes.

 

[HallsofIvy]

f^-1 (B) := {x in X| f(x) in B}

The book told us that strictly speaking one should write f({y}), but in order to keep simplicity, they just use the notation f(y). What I'm trying to prove is what you have written down. I am sorry I didn't bring that part over correct.

Hmmph! Well, go by your textbook- but the part about "is a subset of" rather than "is in" is important.

but, back to the problem. this would make

f^-1 (y) = {x in X| f(x) in {y}}
f^-1 (B) = {x in X| f(x) in B}

because y is in B, this implies that f^-1 (y) is in f^-1 (B), is that right?

Again, "is a subset of" not "is in" which means "is a member of". f^{-1}(y)= f^{-1}(\{y\}) is a subset of X, not a member of X! If x\in f^{-1}(\{y\}), then, by definition, f(x)\in \{y\} which is a subset of B. Therefore, if x\in f^{-1}({y}), f(x)\in B.

 

[jacobrhcp]

haha, I love the fact you could respond so quickly.

The textbook used 'is a subset of' instead of 'is in' on many places (I think in all the places it is necessary), I just went over it too fast so I didn't copy it right because I hasn't realized it made such a difference. I get what you're explaining now, though.

Thanks, and SOLVED!