What is the Inverse of a 2D Function?

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The discussed 2D function f(x,y) = a + bx + cy + dxy does not have an inverse because it maps multiple input pairs to the same output, violating the definition of a function. An example provided illustrates that f(0,0) and f(0,1) both yield the same result, making it impossible to define a unique inverse. Generally, functions from R^2 to R cannot have continuous inverses, as this would imply a homeomorphism between the plane and a line, which is not feasible. In contrast, functions mapping from R^2 to R^2 might have continuous inverses, but this is contingent on the specific function. Therefore, the original function lacks an inverse due to its inherent properties.
n0ya
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I have a 2D function f:

f(x,y) = a + bx + cy + dxy

what is the inverse of this function?
 
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Hi n0ya! :smile:

The function you mention will never have an inverse.

For example, if f(x,y)=2+x, then f cannot have an inverse since f(0,0)=2=f(0,1). Thus (0,0) and (0,1) are both being sent to 2. But then the inverse needs to send 2 to both (0,0) and (0,1), but this is impossible for a function.

In general, your function is one f:\mathbb{R}^2\rightarrow \mathbb{R}, it can have no (continuous) inverse since otherwise the plane would be homeomorphic to the line. And this cannot be.


If you had a function f:\mathbb{R}^2\rightarrow \mathbb{R}^2 then you might have a continuous inverse. But even then this depends of the function f...
 
Thanks!
 

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