Find explicit bijection from N to N x N

In summary, the conversation discusses finding a linear ordering of the set of natural numbers multiplied by itself, and using it to create a bijection between the set of natural numbers and the set of ordered pairs of natural numbers. The conversation goes on to discuss finding a formula for this bijection and how it can be applied to find the corresponding ordered pair for a given natural number. The formula for the bijection is given as \begin{align*}n = \left(\sum^{x+y-2}_{k=1} k \right) + x\end{align*} but it is questioned whether it is a bijection from the set of natural numbers to the set of ordered pairs of natural numbers.
  • #1
complexnumber
62
0

Homework Statement



Find a linear ordering of [tex]\mathbb{N} \times \mathbb{N}[/tex] and
use it to construct an explicit bijection [tex]f : \mathbb{N} \to \mathbb{N} \times \mathbb{N}[/tex].

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I know how to find a bijection by graphically by drawing the [tex]\mathbb{N} \times \mathbb{N}[/tex] in a matrix and then traverse the elements diagonally. However, I cannot find a formula that maps an [tex]n[/tex] to a [tex](x,y)[/tex] pair.
 
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  • #2
Your idea about traversing the elements of the N X N matrix diagonally is good.

Now, we want to write down that idea in a formula form.

Let's start with the first few n:
n=1:(1,1)
n=2:(1,2)
n=3:(2,1)
n=4:(1,3)
n=5:(2,2)
n=6:(3,1)

Now let's consider the pairs in the left column of the matrix, where the pair is (x,1). What pattern is there to these x-values: {1,3,6,10,15...}?
Next consider the pairs that make up a diagonal, for example {(1,3),(2,2),(3,1)}. What pattern is there in these?

Can you use those two patterns to write down an expression for the ordered pair that corresponds to a particular n value?
 
  • #3
Thanks for your reply. I found a bijection from [tex]\mathbb{N} \times \mathbb{N}[/tex] to [tex]\mathbb{N}[/tex] by
[tex]
\begin{align*}
n = \left(\sum^{x+y-2}_{k=1} k \right) + x
\end{align*}
[/tex]

However, is this a bijection from [tex]\mathbb{N}[/tex] to [tex]\mathbb{N} \times \mathbb{N}[/tex] asked by the question? Given a [tex]n[/tex] I cannot use this equation to find a [tex](x,y)[/tex] pair.
 

Related to Find explicit bijection from N to N x N

1. What is a bijection?

A bijection is a function that maps every element in one set to a unique element in another set. This means that every element in the first set has a corresponding and distinct element in the second set.

2. How do you find a bijection from one set to another?

To find a bijection from one set to another, you need to create a function that is both one-to-one (injective) and onto (surjective). This means that every element in the first set is mapped to a unique element in the second set, and every element in the second set has at least one element in the first set that maps to it.

3. What is N x N?

N x N, also known as the Cartesian product of two sets, is the set of all possible ordered pairs formed by taking an element from the first set and an element from the second set. In this case, N x N is the set of all ordered pairs of natural numbers.

4. Why is it important to find a bijection from N to N x N?

Finding a bijection from N to N x N helps us understand the concept of infinity and how it can be applied to different sets. It also allows us to prove that two sets have the same cardinality (number of elements), which is a fundamental concept in mathematics.

5. Are there any real-world applications of finding a bijection from N to N x N?

Yes, there are many real-world applications of finding a bijection from N to N x N. For example, it can be used in computer science to create one-to-one correspondences between different data structures. It can also be used in cryptography to create unique and secure encryption algorithms.

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