Definition of onto function

So it seems that points 1, 2, and 8 are correct, as they all describe the property of the range being equal to the codomain. And point 6 is incorrect, as it only talks about covering some elements in B, rather than all of them. Is that correct?In summary, the following statements are equivalent to saying that a function f:A→B is onto: - f(A) = B - In the arrow diagram representing f, every point in B has an arrow pointing at it - ∀y∈B ∃x∈A such that f(x)=y - Every element of B is the image of some element in A
  • #1
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Which of the following statements is equivalent to saying that a function f:A→B is onto? There are 8 options, select all that are correct.


xf(A)=B
xIn the arrow diagram representing f, every point in B has an arrow pointing at it.
x∀y∈B ∃x∈A such that f(x)=y
xf−1(B)=A
xEvery element of B is the image of some element in A
∀x∈A ∃y∈B such that f(x)=y
Every element of A has a corresponding image in B
xEvery element of B has at least one preimage.

I have marked with an "x" those that I believe are correct. However, I am not entirely sure.
Let me explain my selection.
1. f(A) = B is true, because B is the whole set B where A is mapped to B, so it is onto? (range = codomain)
2. Valid, because it shows that the range = codomain.
3. Similar to point 2, it shows that range = codomain.
4. In this case, it is similar to 1? It seems to say that the whole set of B can be mapped back to A.
5. Yes, every element of B (codomain) is the image of some x in A.
6. Not true for onto function, because it does not cover all of B, only some in B.
7. Not true for onto function, because it does not talk about covering all options in B.
8. True because every element of B is covered.

Please point out if I have made any mistakes in my explanation, thank you!
 
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  • #2
The definition of "function from A to B", whether "onto" or not, requires that
"∀x∈A ∃y∈B such that f(x)=y".
 
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  • #3
Indeed, I agree with you. However, I did not select it because the question asks "Which of the following statements is equivalent to saying that a function f:A→B is onto?". So I'm guessing that a normal function won't make the cut?
 
  • #4
Regarding point 4, $f^{-1}(B) = \{x \in A \mid f(x)\in B\}$. Since B is the co-domain, this is true for any function $f:A\to B$.
 
  • #5
f(A)=B
xIn the arrow diagram representing f, every point in B has an arrow pointing at it.
x∀y∈B ∃x∈A such that f(x)=y
f−1(B)=A
xEvery element of B is the image of some element in A
∀x∈A ∃y∈B such that f(x)=y
Every element of A has a corresponding image in B
xEvery element of B has at least one preimage.

Thank you very much @castor28 for pointing that out. Following that logic, I should also not select f(A)=B because B is the codomain (and it doesn't mention that the range = codomain?)

So I guess there are only 4 sentences that describe an onto function here
 
  • #6
Point 1 was correct.

$f(A)$ is the range, $B$ is the co-domain. $f$ is onto if the range equals the co-domain, i.e., if $f(A) = B$.
 
  • #7
castor28 said:
Point 1 was correct.

$f(A)$ is the range, $B$ is the co-domain. $f$ is onto if the range equals the co-domain, i.e., if $f(A) = B$.

I see, thank you for your explanation.
 

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