Function Notation Homework: Surjective but Not Injective

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around finding an example of a function from the set of positive integers to itself that is surjective but not injective. Participants are exploring function notation and clarity in defining such a function.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to define a function using set notation but expresses uncertainty about its correctness. Some participants suggest alternative notations and emphasize clarity in verbal explanations.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing feedback on notation and suggesting that a simpler definition might suffice. There is an emphasis on understanding and communicating the function clearly, particularly in the context of an exam.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the lecturer may prefer explanations in words, indicating a potential constraint on how functions should be presented in the homework context.

ballzac
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Homework Statement


Give an example of a map from the set N of positive integers to itself which
is surjective but not injective.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


It's easy to come up with an example, but I'm not sure on notation.
Here's how I've written it, but I know it's not quite right. I'm sure you can see the function that I am meaning to give. Any help with the notation would be appreciated. If it's not clear what function I mean, let me know and I will put it into words :)

[tex]\lbrace f:f(1)=1, f(s)=s-1,s>1\rbrace[/tex]
 
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That's plenty clear enough. Just defining f(1)=1 and f(s)=s-1 for s>1 without using the {} notation is also fine.
 
Oh cool. Thank you for your quick response. I may actually just define the function as you say and use words to explain it if it comes up in the exam. I think the lecturer prefers things explained as much in words as possible anyway.
 
That's plenty clear enough. Just defining f(1)=1 and f(s)=s-1 for s>1 without using the {} notation is also fine.
 

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