What Determines When Two Mathematical Functions Are Equal?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter evinda
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Functions
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the proof that two functions, \( f \) and \( g \), are equal if and only if they have the same domain and their outputs are equal for all inputs in that domain. The proof demonstrates that if \( f = g \), then \( dom(f) = dom(g) \) and \( \forall x \in dom(f), f(x) = g(x) \). Conversely, if \( dom(f) = dom(g) \) and \( \forall x \in dom(f), f(x) = g(x) \), it follows that \( f \subset g \) and \( g \subset f \), leading to \( f = g \).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of mathematical functions and their domains
  • Familiarity with set notation and subset relations
  • Knowledge of logical equivalences in mathematical proofs
  • Basic proficiency in formal proof techniques
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the concept of function equality in mathematical analysis
  • Learn about set theory, specifically subset and equality relations
  • Explore logical implications and equivalences in proofs
  • Review examples of function proofs in mathematical literature
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for mathematics students, educators, and anyone interested in formal proofs regarding function properties and equality. It is particularly useful for those studying mathematical logic and analysis.

evinda
Gold Member
MHB
Messages
3,741
Reaction score
0
Hello! (Wave)

I am looking at the proof of the following sentence:

Sentence:

Let $f,g$ functions. Then:

$$f=g \leftrightarrow dom(f)=dom(g) \wedge (\forall x \in dom(f)) (f(x)=g(x))$$

Proof:

$$\Rightarrow$$
If $f=g$, then $f \subset g$ and $g \subset f \Rightarrow dom(f) \subset dom(g) \text{ and } dom(g) \subset dom(f)$

So, $dom(f)=dom(g)$.

Also, from the sentence: If $f,g$ functions and $f \subset g$, we have that $\forall x \in dom(f): f(x)=g(x)$
we have that: $\forall x \in dom(f) f(x)=g(x)$

$$\Leftarrow$$

We want to show $f=g$, knowing that $dom(f)=dom(g)$ and $\forall x \in dom(f) f(x)=g(x)$

It suffices to show that $f \subset g$ and $g \subset f$.

Let $t \in f$. Then, $t=<x,f(x)>$, for a $x \in dom(f)$.
But, $dom(f)=dom(g)$ and so:
$$x \in dom(g) \leftrightarrow <x,g(x)> \in g$$
From the hypothesis, $f(x)=g(x)$ and so $t=<x,f(x)> \in g$.

Therefore, $f \subset g$.

In the same way, we show that $g \subset f$.
Therefore, $f=g$.

Could you explain me the $\Leftarrow$ part of the proof? (Thinking)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You'll have to ask a more specific question.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
4K
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
3K