Bijection proof (intro analysis)

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the proof of the proposition that a function \( f: D \to K \) is a bijection if and only if there exists a unique function \( g: K \to D \) such that \( f \circ g \circ f = f \). A counterexample is provided using the function \( f: \{1\} \to \{1, 2\} \) defined by \( f(1) = 1 \). The unique function \( g: \{1, 2\} \to \{1\} \) is shown to satisfy the condition, yet \( f \) is not a surjection, thereby disproving the proposition.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of bijections and surjections in set theory.
  • Familiarity with function composition and notation.
  • Knowledge of unique functions and their properties.
  • Basic concepts of mathematical proofs and counterexamples.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of bijections and surjective functions in detail.
  • Learn about function composition and its implications in set theory.
  • Explore additional counterexamples to common mathematical propositions.
  • Review the definitions and examples of unique functions in mathematics.
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Mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in set theory and function properties, particularly those studying proofs and counterexamples in mathematical logic.

zelmac
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I'm wondering whether my solution to this problem is correct, since the answer in the answer sheet says that this is provable, and I think I found a counterexample... Any help is appreciated :)

Homework Statement

Prove or disprove: ##f:D->K##, where ##D,K != empty##, is a bijection iff there exists a unique function ##g:K->D## such that:
##f\circ{g}\circ{f}=f##

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution


Lets look at the following function: ##f:\{1\}-->\{1,2\}##, defined by ##f(1)=1##. Clearly the function##g:\{1,2\}-->\{1\}##, defined by ##g(1)=1## and ##g(2)=1## satisfies ##f\circ{g}\circ{f}=f##, since ##f(g(f(1)))=f(g(1))=f(1)##, and 1 is the only element in the domain of f. Let's assume that ##g':\{1,2\}-->\{1\}## is a function that satisfies ##f\circ{g'}\circ{f}=f##. The only way that g' is even a function is if we define it as ##g'(1)=1##and ##g'(2)=1##, so ##g'=g##, so ##g## is a unique function ##K-->D## which satisfies the condition.
But f is not a surjection, so we have found a function ##f:D-->K## which is not a bijection, but for which there exists a unique function ##g:K-->D## such that ##f\circ{g}\circ{f}=f##, so the proposition does not stand.
 
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zelmac said:
I'm wondering whether my solution to this problem is correct, since the answer in the answer sheet says that this is provable, and I think I found a counterexample... Any help is appreciated :)

Homework Statement




Prove or disprove: ##f:D->K##, where ##D,K != empty##, is a bijection iff there exists a unique function ##g:K->D## such that:
##f\circ{g}\circ{f}=f##



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution





Lets look at the following function: ##f:\{1\}-->\{1,2\}##, defined by ##f(1)=1##. Clearly the function##g:\{1,2\}-->\{1\}##, defined by ##g(1)=1## and ##g(2)=1## satisfies ##f\circ{g}\circ{f}=f##, since ##f(g(f(1)))=f(g(1))=f(1)##, and 1 is the only element in the domain of f. Let's assume that ##g':\{1,2\}-->\{1\}## is a function that satisfies ##f\circ{g'}\circ{f}=f##. The only way that g' is even a function is if we define it as ##g'(1)=1##and ##g'(2)=1##, so ##g'=g##, so ##g## is a unique function ##K-->D## which satisfies the condition.
But f is not a surjection, so we have found a function ##f:D-->K## which is not a bijection, but for which there exists a unique function ##g:K-->D## such that ##f\circ{g}\circ{f}=f##, so the proposition does not stand.

Sounds correct to me. There is only one function g:{1,2}->{1}, but f is not a surjection.
 

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