Show there exists a one to one function from N to S iff function f exists

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves demonstrating the existence of an injective function from the natural numbers (N) to a set S, contingent upon the existence of an injective but non-surjective function from S to itself. This relates to the characterization of infinite sets.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to prove two conditional statements related to the biconditional nature of the problem. Some participants suggest defining the function f in terms of the injective function phi, and question how to construct such a function.

Discussion Status

Participants are actively engaging with the problem by breaking it down into manageable parts. There is a suggestion to consider specific examples of injective functions, and some guidance is provided on how to define the function f based on phi. However, there is no explicit consensus or resolution reached yet.

Contextual Notes

Participants are navigating the definitions and implications of injective and surjective functions, as well as the requirements for the set S to be classified as infinite. There is an acknowledgment of the need for clarity in defining functions based on the properties of phi.

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Homework Statement


Show that for a set S, there exists an injective function [itex]\Phi[/itex] :
N [itex]\rightarrow[/itex] S if and only if there exists an injective, but non-surjective
function f : S [itex]\rightarrow[/itex] S. (Sets S satisfying this condition are called
in nite sets.)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Since this is a if and only if (biconditional) statement.
I can prove this statement if i can prove the two conditional statements:
i) If [itex]\Phi: N \rightarrow S[/itex] is injective then f: S [itex]\rightarrow[/itex] S is injective but not surjective
ii)If f: S [itex]\rightarrow[/itex] S is injective but not surjective then [itex]\Phi: N \rightarrow S[/itex] is injective.

I realize that this is the step that i should take, but i just don't know how to prove these two statements..
Any help?
 
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Take them one at a time. If you have phi:N->S is injective, you want to prove there is a function f:S->S that's injective but not surjective. You probably want to define f in terms of phi. Can you think of a function from N->N that's injective but not surjective?
 
Dick said:
Take them one at a time. If you have phi:N->S is injective, you want to prove there is a function f:S->S that's injective but not surjective. You probably want to define f in terms of phi. Can you think of a function from N->N that's injective but not surjective?

yes, well
n--->2n is injective but not surjective
 
h.shin said:
yes, well
n--->2n is injective but not surjective

Ok, so phi(n) is an element of S for all n in N. Define f(s)=phi(2n) for all of those elements of S. What's an easy way to define f(s) if s isn't in phi(N)?
 

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