Bijection in a complex number ring

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SUMMARY

The complex conjugation function f: C → C, defined by f(a + bi) = a - bi, is a bijection. This conclusion is reached by demonstrating that the function is injective and surjective. The injective property is proven by showing that if f(a + bi) = f(c + di), then a = c and b = d. The surjective property is established by finding that for any complex number z2, there exists a complex number z1 such that f(z1) = z2, specifically z1 = a - bi for z2 = a + bi.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of complex numbers and their properties
  • Knowledge of functions, specifically bijections, injective, and surjective functions
  • Familiarity with proof techniques, including proof by contradiction
  • Basic algebraic manipulation of complex numbers
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of bijections in more detail, focusing on injective and surjective functions
  • Learn about the geometric interpretation of complex conjugation
  • Explore other functions in complex analysis that exhibit similar properties
  • Investigate the implications of bijections in higher-dimensional spaces
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone studying complex analysis or functions in higher mathematics will benefit from this discussion.

dancergirlie
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Homework Statement


Show that the complex conjugation function f:C----->C (whose rule is f(a+bi)=a-bi) is a bijection


Homework Equations


A function is a bijection if it is both injective and surjective
a function is injective if when f(a)=f(b) then a=b
a function is surjective if for f:B---->C
if c is in C then there exists a b in B such that f(b)=c


The Attempt at a Solution


I get the whole injective part
Let
f(a+bi)=f(c+di)
hence, a-bi=c-di
now suppose that b is unequal to d
so, a-c=(b-d)i
meaning i=(a-c)/(b-d) which is a contradiction, since i is not a real number.
hence, a=c and b=d
meaning, f is injective

My problem is with the surjective part, let me know if this is wrong,
Let f(a+bi)=c+di
then, a-bi=c+di... then i don't know where to go from there
I don't know if this is wrong, any clarification on how to test for surjectivity would be greatly appreciated...
 
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dancergirlie said:

Homework Statement


Show that the complex conjugation function f:C----->C (whose rule is f(a+bi)=a-bi) is a bijection


Homework Equations


A function is a bijection if it is both injective and surjective
a function is injective if when f(a)=f(b) then a=b
a function is surjective if for f:B---->C
if c is in C then there exists a b in B such that f(b)=c


The Attempt at a Solution


I get the whole injective part
Let
f(a+bi)=f(c+di)
hence, a-bi=c-di
now suppose that b is unequal to d
You can prove this by contradiction, but why? If two complex numbers are equal, what must be true for their real parts and their imaginary parts?
dancergirlie said:
so, a-c=(b-d)i
meaning i=(a-c)/(b-d) which is a contradiction, since i is not a real number.
hence, a=c and b=d
meaning, f is injective

My problem is with the surjective part, let me know if this is wrong,
Let f(a+bi)=c+di
then, a-bi=c+di... then i don't know where to go from there
I don't know if this is wrong, any clarification on how to test for surjectivity would be greatly appreciated...

What you want to do is to show that for any complex number z2 in the range of this function, there is a complex number z1 in its domain so that f(z1) = z2. Start with an arbitrary complex number and find the other complex number that this function maps to it.
 
Like Mark suggested.

Let z1=a-bi be any complex number, then for this exists its conjugate z2=a+bi such that
f(z2)=z1.
 

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