Graph of a function only if first projection is bijective

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a subset \(\Gamma \subset A \times B\) is the graph of a function from set A to set B if and only if the first projection \(\rho: \Gamma \rightarrow A\) is a bijection. The user explores the definitions of injective and surjective functions, concluding that if \(\rho\) is not bijective, then \(\Gamma\) cannot represent a valid function. The user identifies the critical cases where \(\rho\) fails to be injective or surjective and seeks clarification on how to demonstrate these conditions effectively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of set theory and functions
  • Knowledge of bijections, injections, and surjections
  • Familiarity with Cartesian products of sets
  • Basic proof techniques in mathematics
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions and properties of bijective functions in detail
  • Learn about the implications of injective and surjective mappings
  • Explore examples of graphs of functions and their projections
  • Practice constructing proofs involving set relationships and projections
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, particularly those studying set theory and functions, as well as educators seeking to clarify the concepts of bijections and function graphs.

h.shin
Messages
6
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement



If A and B are sets, prove that a subset [itex]\Gamma\subset A X B[/itex] is the graph of some function from A to B if and only if the first projection [itex]\rho: \Gamma\rightarrow A[/itex] is a bijection.


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I first thought that i should define bijection by saying that a a bijection exists when there is both injection and surjection.

If [itex]\rho: \Gamma\rightarrow A[/itex] is not a bijection then it is either
1)not surjective
2)not injective
3)both 1) and 2)

So,
I thought that i should prove that [itex]\Gamma[/itex] is not the graph of some function A -> B when the first projection is not bijective by showing the non-surjective and non-injective cases separately. And then prove that it is, in fact, [itex]\Gamma[/itex] is the graph of the function when the first projection is bijective.

So, i have to show the cases for when the first projection is not injective, when it's not surjective, and then when it is bijective.
But, how do i prove that the [itex]\Gamma[/itex] is either the graph of the function or not? in any of the 3 cases?

I just don't know where to start. Is this the right approach or is there a shorter way to do this?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You're on the right way. Answer these:

What does it mean for [itex]\Gamma[/itex] to be the graph of a function. What could go wrong?? (there are two things that could go wrong). What is the projection in the case that it goes wrong??

Maybe try some examples of [itex]\Gamma[/itex] first to get used to it.
 
what does a graph of a function mean. Well, doesn't it just mean that it represents the relationship between the domain and the co domain? and what could go wrong..?

Well, i feel like the only things that can go wrong are if there are two values of codomain for one value of domain. Or, there just might be values in the co domain that is not the image of any value in the domain.

I mean, don't these two things just mean, the function is not surjective and injective?
 

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 21 ·
Replies
21
Views
3K
Replies
4
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
5K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K