Math Problem Statement

A function is one-to-one if there exists two values of x that are not the same, and mapped to two values of y that are also not the same.

Solution

The definition you've provided for a one-to-one function (also called an injective function) needs a slight adjustment for clarity. Here's the correct version:

A function f(x)f(x) is one-to-one (or injective) if different values of xx map to different values of yy. More formally:

If f(x1)=f(x2)f(x_1) = f(x_2), then it must be the case that x1=x2x_1 = x_2.

Alternatively, this means that if x1x2x_1 \neq x_2, then f(x1)f(x2)f(x_1) \neq f(x_2). In simpler terms, no two distinct inputs can have the same output for a function to be one-to-one.

Would you like further examples or explanations?

Here are 5 questions that expand on this information:

  1. How do you test if a function is one-to-one using its graph?
  2. Can a function be one-to-one but not onto (surjective)?
  3. What is an example of a real-world application of injective functions?
  4. How does the horizontal line test determine if a function is one-to-one?
  5. Can an inverse function exist if the original function is not one-to-one?

Tip: If you can find two different inputs that give the same output, the function is not one-to-one.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Functions
Injective Functions (One-to-One)
Set Theory

Formulas

If f(x1) = f(x2), then x1 = x2

Theorems

Definition of Injective Functions
Horizontal Line Test

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12