How do I correctly notate the domain and range of a function using sets?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the correct notation for expressing the domain and range of a function using set notation. Participants explore the definitions and conventions related to these mathematical concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the proper way to notate the domain and range of a function using sets, suggesting a format involving conditions.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the domain and range are indeed sets and refers to the definition of range in terms of the domain.
  • Some participants reiterate that the question is straightforward and affirm that domain and range can be expressed in set notation.
  • A participant points out that the original inquiry was more about the correctness of the notation rather than the nature of domain and range as sets.
  • There is a suggestion that the vertical bar in set notation should be interpreted as "such that," and that the notation should reflect specific conditions rather than generic statements.
  • One participant critiques the example provided for range, indicating that it fails to specify the range for a particular function and suggests a more precise notation.
  • Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

    Participants generally agree that the domain and range can be expressed as sets. However, there is disagreement regarding the correctness and specificity of the proposed notation, with some participants providing alternative suggestions.

    Contextual Notes

    Some participants note that the notation should include specific conditions relevant to the function in question, rather than generic statements. There is also mention of the importance of clarity in mathematical communication.

Feldoh
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I was just wondering if you could write a functions domain and range with a set?

Would it be something like

D: {x \epsilon \mathbb{R} | any condtitions}
R: {f(x) \epsilon \mathbb{R} | any condtitions}

for any function f(x)?
 
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What exactly is your question? Look at the definitions of "domain" and "range" (of a function). Of course they are sets. And of course that, in the definition of "range", some conditions must be satisfied, namely, R(f) = {f(x) : x is in the domain of f}.
 
His question is simple, Can you write the domain and range of a function as sets. The answer is Yes, because they are sets.
 
Diffy said:
His question is simple, Can you write the domain and range of a function as sets. The answer is Yes, because they are sets.

Thanks for the replies. I know that the domain and range are sets, I was more asking along the lines of is my set "notation" correct? Sorry, I should have asked that to begin with...
 
Should have asked what? If you know that "domain" and "range" of a function are sets, then of course they can be written in "set notation"!
 
Feldoh said:
I was more asking along the lines of is my set "notation" correct?

You don’t need to put “any condition” - the vertical bar should read “such that” so when you write a set ask yourself is what you wrote makes sense saying "such that" for |. Also you could just put R for your example of domain. If you gave the set you gave as range for an answer you should get 0 points. When a book ask you to find the range they are asking for the range specific to that function; yours just trys to restate the definition.

Typically they will look something like

R-{0} or something like {x | x >= 0 and x is an element of R}
 

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