Functions and Relations: Proving R is a Function from A to B

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a binary relation R from set A to set B is a function if and only if two conditions hold: R^-1 (the inverse of R) does not intersect with idB (the identity relation on B), and R is not equal to R^-1. The proof involves demonstrating that for every element a in A, there exists a unique element b in B such that (a, b) is in R. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of understanding the composition of relations and the implications of these properties on the definition of a function.

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  • Understanding of binary relations and their properties
  • Familiarity with the concepts of inverse relations
  • Knowledge of identity relations in set theory
  • Basic understanding of relation composition
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Sharon
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Let R\subseteq A*B be a binary relation from A to B , show that R is a function if and only if R^-1(not) R \subseteq idB and Rnot aR^-1 \supseteq both hold. Remember that Ida(idB) denotes the identity relation/ Function {(a.a)|a€ A} over A ( respectively ,B)
Please see the attachment ,I couldn't write the question properly, and this is only one question but I need help with another one too.
 

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$\text{id}_A\subseteq R\circ R^{-1}$ means that for every $a\in A$ we have $(a,a)\in R\circ R^{-1}$. By the definition of composition of relation, there exists a $b\in B$ such that $(a,b)\in R$ and $(b,a)\in R^{-1}$. In fact, $(a,b)\in R$ implies $(b,a)\in R^{-1}$, so $(b,a)\in R^{-1}$ does not add useful information, but we have shown that for every $a\in A$ there exists a $b\in B$ such that $(a,b)\in R$.

Suppose now that $(a,b)\in R$ and $(a,b')\in R$ for some $a\in A$ and $b,b'\in B$. Then $(b,a)\in R^{-1}$, so $(b,b')\in R^{-1}\circ R$. But since $R^{-1}\circ R\subseteq\text{id}_B$, it follows that $b=b'$.

It is left to prove the other direction, where the fact that $R$ is a function implies the two inclusions.

Concerning problem 7, could you write what you have done and what is not clear to you? Also, please read the https://mathhelpboards.com/rules/, especially rule #11 for the future.
 

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