Is the Square Root Function Bijective in all Branches of Mathematics?

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the bijectiveness of the square root function, specifically the positive square root, across different branches of mathematics. Participants explore the conditions under which the function can be considered bijective, particularly focusing on the definitions of domain and codomain.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants question the necessary specifications of domain and codomain for the square root function to be bijective. There are attempts to clarify the definitions of injective and surjective functions in relation to the square root function.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants providing insights into the definitions and requirements for bijectiveness. Some participants express uncertainty about the tools needed for a formal proof, while others clarify misconceptions regarding the nature of the square root function.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of a potential misunderstanding regarding the classification of the square root function as bijective, with emphasis on the importance of specifying the correct domain and codomain. One participant notes that their background in physics may limit their exposure to rigorous mathematical proofs.

aaaa202
Messages
1,144
Reaction score
2
In what branches of mathematics is this proven.. I have never seen a proof, so I wonder if anyone can give me the basics of what is done to proove it or got a link to a proof..

Edit: By square root I mean the positive square root.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
to prove square root function to be bijective you need to specify the domain and codomain of the function.
if codomain is set of real numbers, then its not bijective.
 
aaaa202 said:
In what branches of mathematics is this proven.. I have never seen a proof, so I wonder if anyone can give me the basics of what is done to proove it or got a link to a proof..
Is this a homework assignment? You should know by know that we won't do your assignments for you, but we'll guide you while you do the work.
aaaa202 said:
Edit: By square root I mean the positive square root.
 
This is definitely not a homework assignment. I'm on holidays and this speculation came to me. I study physics and thus my courses do not focus on how to get to the mathematical results rigorously but rather their applications. Therefore I have to do this work on my own and I have no idea whatsoever what tools will be needed for the above proof. The domain of the positive square root are all positive integers including zero. But to go from here to show that the square root takes one number into another number uniquely I don't know how to show. Thus I ask you.
 
Then why post it in "Homework and Classwork"? In any case "the square root takes one number into another number uniquely" is NOT "bijective". That is "injective". You can't say "bijective" without, as pcm said, specifying the domain and codomain.

If you intend the domain and codomain as "the non-negative real numbers" then, yes, the square root function is bijective. To show that you show it is "injective" ("one to one"): if [itex]\sqrt{x}= \sqrt{y}[/itex] then x= y. That's easy to show. And "surjective" ("onto") is equally easy- given any non-negative number, y, show that there exist a non-negative number x such that [itex]\sqrt{x}= y[/itex].
 
aaaa202 said:
The domain of the positive square root are all positive integers including zero.
HallsOfIvy alluded to this, but to make it more explicit - the domain of this function is all nonegative real numbers, not just the nonnegative integers.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
3K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
2K
Replies
9
Views
3K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 30 ·
2
Replies
30
Views
7K