Create an injection from {a^2+b^2

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the possibility of creating an injection from the set {a^2+b^2 | a,b ∈ Q} to the set {a+b | a,b ∈ Q}. Participants explore the implications of multiple combinations of a and b yielding the same result, raising questions about the nature of injections and the cardinality of the sets involved.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the definition of an injection and the challenges posed by multiple combinations yielding the same output. There is an exploration of whether a well-defined function can be established, alongside considerations of cardinality and set membership.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants questioning assumptions about set membership and the feasibility of defining a function. Some suggest that the two sets have the same cardinality, while others express uncertainty about the implications of this assertion.

Contextual Notes

There is a noted confusion regarding the definition of the sets involved, particularly in how to relate elements of the set {a^2+b^2 | a,b ∈ Q} to unique pairs (a,b) in the context of injections.

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Homework Statement


Is it possible to create an injection from {a^2+b^2 l a,b[itex]\in[/itex]Q} to {{a+b l a,b[itex]\in[/itex]Q}

Homework Equations


I am not sure about this. The problem is that many combinations of a,b can yield the same number, so how do I tackle this obstacle?


The Attempt at a Solution

 
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Consider the definition of injection.
 
the definition says:

x1≠x2 => f(x1)≠f(x2)

But the problem is as said that many combinations give rise to the same numbers in the set.
 
Then perhaps it is not possible!
 
it certainly should be, since the two sets have same cardinality. I just need help with coming up with a well defined function that does it. Problem is you can't really say something like f(a^2+b^2)=lal+lbl because of the earlier stated.
 
aaaa202 said:
it certainly should be, since the two sets have same cardinality.
Is this necessarily true?

aaaa202 said:
I just need help with coming up with a well defined function that does it.
How about x → x?
 
It might simplify the problem somewhat to observe that ##\{a+b \, | \, a,b\in \mathbb{Q}\}## is simply ##\mathbb{Q}##.
 
I've just looked at a couple of your other posts like this one where again you seem to be confused about what you mean by {a^2+b^2 l a,b∈Q}. Can you see that all elements of this set are in ## \mathbb{Q} ##, and that a and b are only relevant in selecting which elements of ## \mathbb{Q} ## are elements of this set? You can't then define a function f(a,b) and expect it to have any meaning in relation to this set without defining how you get the unique pair (a,b) from ## x \in \mathbb{Q} ##.

Before you try to think about jections (I hate that word) you need to think more clearly about the membership of sets and the domain, co-domain and range of relations between them.
 
Last edited:

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