Math Problem Statement

If both g ◦ f = idA and f ◦ g = idB , then f is bijective. Explain

why in this case we have g = f −1

Solution

To show that ff is bijective given the conditions gf=idAg \circ f = \text{id}_A and fg=idBf \circ g = \text{id}_B, we can analyze the implications of these equations.

  1. Definitions:

    • idA\text{id}_A is the identity function on set AA, meaning idA(x)=x\text{id}_A(x) = x for all xAx \in A.
    • idB\text{id}_B is the identity function on set BB, meaning idB(y)=y\text{id}_B(y) = y for all yBy \in B.
  2. Proving ff is Injective:

    • Assume f(x1)=f(x2)f(x_1) = f(x_2) for x1,x2Ax_1, x_2 \in A.
    • Applying gg to both sides gives g(f(x1))=g(f(x2))g(f(x_1)) = g(f(x_2)).
    • By the definition of composition, g(f(x1))=idA(x1)=x1g(f(x_1)) = \text{id}_A(x_1) = x_1 and g(f(x2))=idA(x2)=x2g(f(x_2)) = \text{id}_A(x_2) = x_2.
    • Thus, x1=x2x_1 = x_2, proving that ff is injective.
  3. Proving ff is Surjective:

    • For any yBy \in B, we need to find an xAx \in A such that f(x)=yf(x) = y.
    • Since fg=idBf \circ g = \text{id}_B, we have f(g(y))=yf(g(y)) = y.
    • This shows that for every yBy \in B, there exists an x=g(y)Ax = g(y) \in A such that f(x)=yf(x) = y.
    • Thus, ff is surjective.
  4. Conclusion about gg:

    • Since ff is both injective and surjective, it is bijective.
    • The equations gf=idAg \circ f = \text{id}_A and fg=idBf \circ g = \text{id}_B indicate that gg is a two-sided inverse of ff.
    • Therefore, we conclude that g=f1g = f^{-1}.

Summary

The conditions gf=idAg \circ f = \text{id}_A and fg=idBf \circ g = \text{id}_B show that ff is a bijection, and gg acts as its inverse, so g=f1g = f^{-1}.

Would you like further details or clarification on any point? Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What are the implications of ff being injective and surjective?
  2. How do we prove that a function has an inverse?
  3. What does it mean for a function to be bijective in practical applications?
  4. Can you provide examples of bijective functions and their inverses?
  5. How do the concepts of injectivity and surjectivity apply in other areas of mathematics?

Tip: Always check both the injective and surjective properties to confirm that a function is bijective!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Injective Functions
Surjective Functions
Bijection

Formulas

g ◦ f = idA
f ◦ g = idB

Theorems

Definition of bijective function
Inverse function theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 11-12