Solving the One-to-One and Onto Problem of f: R→N

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves analyzing the function f: R→N defined as f(x) = ceiling(2x/3) to determine if it is one-to-one, onto, both, or neither. The discussion centers around the validity of the function's range and the implications of its definition.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants explore the validity of the function's mapping from real numbers to natural numbers, questioning whether the ceiling function can produce negative values and if the definition should instead reference integers.

Discussion Status

Some participants have suggested that the function's definition may be a typo, proposing that it should refer to integers instead of natural numbers. There is an ongoing exploration of the implications of this potential error on the original poster's answer.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the importance of the function's range and the definitions of the sets involved, indicating a potential misunderstanding of the natural numbers and the ceiling function's behavior.

nicnicman
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To me this problem doesn't seem right. Here it is:

Is the following function one-to-one, onto, both, or neither?
f: R→N f(x) = ceiling 2x/3

My answer: onto

Although, wouldn't this function be invalid since it produces negative numbers and the set of natural numbers doesn't include negatives? Consider f(-1.5) = -1.

Am I misunderstanding a concept?
 
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A lot of people would consider the ceiling function to be f:R->Z.
It would be invalid to say it's f:R->N Unless you restrict R to R+
 
Well, that's the way is worded in the book, so it must be a typo. Maybe the writers meant to put Z rather than N.

Would my answer be correct if were R to Z?

Thanks for the help.
 
Agreed.
 

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