Math Problem Statement

. Let A = R and B = R Consider the function f: A -> B defined by f(x) = 2 - 3x ^ 2 Is f injective? Justify your answer

Solution

To determine if the function f(x)=23x2f(x) = 2 - 3x^2 is injective, we need to check whether different inputs x1x_1 and x2x_2 can yield the same output f(x1)=f(x2)f(x_1) = f(x_2).

  1. Assume f(x1)=f(x2)f(x_1) = f(x_2): 23x12=23x222 - 3x_1^2 = 2 - 3x_2^2 By simplifying, we find: 3x12=3x22-3x_1^2 = -3x_2^2 Dividing both sides by -3 gives: x12=x22x_1^2 = x_2^2

  2. Consequences of x12=x22x_1^2 = x_2^2: This implies: x1=x2orx1=x2x_1 = x_2 \quad \text{or} \quad x_1 = -x_2 Thus, ff can produce the same output for two different inputs when x1x_1 and x2x_2 are negatives of each other.

Since we have found that f(x1)=f(x2)f(x_1) = f(x_2) does not necessarily imply x1=x2x_1 = x_2 (e.g., f(1)=f(1)=1f(1) = f(-1) = -1), the function is not injective.

Summary

The function f(x)=23x2f(x) = 2 - 3x^2 is not injective because it maps both xx and x-x to the same output.

Would you like more details or do you have any questions? Here are some related questions to consider:

  1. What is the range of the function f(x)f(x)?
  2. How can we determine if a function is surjective?
  3. What are examples of injective functions?
  4. How does the graph of f(x)f(x) support the conclusion about injectivity?
  5. What changes would make f(x)f(x) injective?

Tip: Visualizing the graph of a function can often help in understanding its injectivity and other properties.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Injectivity
Quadratic Functions

Formulas

f(x) = 2 - 3x^2
x_1^2 = x_2^2

Theorems

Injective Function Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 9-12