Relations & Functions: Types, Examples, Homomorphism

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the concepts of relations and functions in mathematics, particularly focusing on their types, examples, and the notion of homomorphism in group structures. Participants explore the definitions and characteristics of various types of relations, including injective, surjective, and total relations, as well as the implications of these properties in different mathematical contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant defines a relation as a subset of the Cartesian product between two sets and categorizes types of relations based on uniqueness and totality.
  • Another participant questions whether x-total implies x-unique, suggesting that there are many possibilities for defining non-functional relations.
  • A participant provides an example of a relation that is not a function, citing the equation X² + Y² = 1, and asks about the existence of relations between structured sets or groups.
  • One participant suggests using projections as an example of a relation that is not restricted to functions, emphasizing the arbitrary nature of relations.
  • Another participant expresses understanding of why functions are preferred for relating spaces, noting their prevalence in physics and their ease of use in describing relationships between elements.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the nature of relations and functions, with some asserting that uniqueness is not a requirement for relations while others explore the implications of totality and uniqueness. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the existence of specific types of relations between structured sets.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight the complexity and variety of relations, indicating that the definitions and examples provided may depend on the context and assumptions made about the sets and structures involved.

mikeeey
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Hello every one .
A relation ( is a subset of the cartesian product between Xand Y) in math between two sets has spatial
types 1-left unique ( injective)
2- right unique ( functional )
3- left total
4- right total (surjective)
May question is 1- a function ( map ) is a relation that is
a- right unique
b- left total
I'm asking if there is a relation ( not function ) that is ( left total) and ( right total ) then what would is be called ? In the sense that the two set are infinite set is there and example
My second question if we have two group structures and we want a relation between them , why does always the relation is function ( homomorphism ) ? Is there a relation that is left total and right total between the two structures ?
Thanks
 
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Does your x-total imply x-unique? If not, you have pretty many possibilities to define non-functional relations (finite or not).
The same goes for group homomorphisms. Simply define a relation ##R## (functional or not, finite or not) with ##(a,1) \in R## for an ##a \neq 1##, the neutral element.
 
No , there is no uniqueness
A relation which is not function e.g. X^2+Y^2=1 , this is between two sets
Now if a set with a structure ( space ) is there relation( not map ) between the two space or groups ? And how would it look like ?
 
Simply take a projection, e.g. ##ℝ^2 → ℝ## with ##(x,y) = x## and turn the arrow, so ##((x,y),x)## becomes ##(x,(x,y))##.
But this is only one example out of many. Relation means, you are not restricted to any other rule than to draw many arrows, i.e. in case of totality ##R \subseteq X \times Y## such that ##∀ x \in X \; ∀ y \in Y \; ∃ (x,y) \in R##. Relate whatever you want to.
There is a reason why we talk about functions. Relations are simply too many and too arbitrary.
 
Thank you very much , now i understand why we choose functions to relate spaces , and alao i think functions appear in nature of physics a lot ( by means function decribe the nature ) and easy to handle because we know how elements are related .
 

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