Composite and one to one function

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the relationship between one-to-one functions, specifically whether the composition of two one-to-one functions, f and f ∘ g, guarantees that g is also a one-to-one function. The consensus is that g does not need to be one-to-one, as demonstrated by a counterexample where g(3) = g(7) = 4, leading to (f ∘ g)(3) = (f ∘ g)(7). Participants emphasize the importance of proof by contradiction in such scenarios, reinforcing that a function h is one-to-one if h(x) = h(y) implies x = y.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of one-to-one functions (injective functions)
  • Familiarity with function composition
  • Knowledge of proof techniques, particularly proof by contradiction
  • Basic concepts of mathematical logic
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of injective functions in detail
  • Learn about function composition and its implications
  • Explore proof techniques, focusing on proof by contradiction
  • Investigate counterexamples in mathematical proofs
USEFUL FOR

Mathematicians, computer scientists, and students studying functions and mathematical proofs will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the properties of one-to-one functions and function composition.

brad sue
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Hi,

I have this question:
if f and [tex]f \circ g[/tex] are 1 to 1 functions, does it follow that g is 1-1 function?

My answer is NO g doesn't have to be 1-1 function.

for example ,

if g(3)=4 and g(7)=4,
then f( g(3) )= f( G(7) )=f(4) will produce the 1-1 function property.

Is my reasonning OK??

B
 
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The best way to look at "true/false" questions like this is often to try to prove whatever it's asking, and if you can't, then see if you can build a counterexample by paying attention to what "breaks" your proof.

Your counterexample doesn't work, since then you'll have, as you wrote, [itex](f\circ g)(3) = (f\circ g)(7)[/itex], which obviously means [itex]f \circ g[/itex] is not 1-1.

So try to see if you can prove it. I'd suggest doing it by contradiction.

(And just to remind you, a function [itex]h[/itex] is 1-1 iff h(x) = g(y) implies x=y).
 
Last edited:
Data said:
The best way to look at "true/false" questions like this is often to try to prove whatever it's asking, and if you can't, then see if you can build a counterexample by paying attention to what "breaks" your proof.

Your counterexample doesn't work, since then you'll have, as you wrote, [itex](f\circ g)(3) = (f\circ g)(7)[/itex], which obviously means [itex]f \circ g[/itex] is not 1-1.

So try to see if you can prove it. I'd suggest doing it by contradiction.

(And just to remind you, a function [itex]h[/itex] is 1-1 iff h(x) = g(y) implies x=y).

Ok thank I found the problem
 

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