Proving f:A->A is One-to-One & Onto

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on proving that a function f: A->A is one-to-one (injective) if it is onto (surjective) under the condition that A is a finite set. The proof utilizes the concept of cardinality, specifically that if f is onto, then the cardinality of the image set f[A] equals the cardinality of A. The argument presented shows that assuming f is not injective leads to a contradiction, as it implies the existence of a proper subset B of A that is also bijective with A, which is impossible given the finiteness of A. The axiom of choice is not necessary for this proof.

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  • Understanding of functions and their properties (injective, surjective, bijective)
  • Basic knowledge of set theory and cardinality
  • Familiarity with the concept of finite sets
  • Proficiency in constructing mathematical proofs by contradiction
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Homework Statement



Assume that A is finite and f: A->A. If f is onto then f is one-to-one

2. The attempt at a solution

f[A] = A
Card(A) = n a natural number.

I assume I need to use the axiom of choice since this equivalence only holds if you use it (correct?).

My proof so far is supposing that its not injective, then there would exist a_1, a_2, a_3..., a_k such that f(a_1)=f(a_2)...=f(a_k) = C in A.

Thus, f[A\{a_2, a_3, a_4.., a_k}] = A

I want to somehow keep reducing this until f is known to be injective and then show that there is a bijection between a proper subset of A and A itself thus leading to a contradiction. My only concern is that I'm not sure how to show with rigor these steps. Most notably how to construct a proper subset A such that f is one to one and onto A.
 
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You don't need the axiom of choice. The fundamental property here is the finiteness of A.
 
Suppose f is onto.

Suppose by contradiction f is not injective.

Let g be a proper subset of f such that g is one-to-one and onto A. Since f was not injective this implies g is a proper subset of f and the domain of g = B is a proper subset of A.

Thus:
f[A]=A onto not injective
g=A bijection

This implies card(B) = card(A) which is a contradiction since A is finite and B is a proper subset of A implying card(B) < card(A)

Is there anything wrong with this?
 
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