Composition of functions and stuff

In summary, the set of functions {f:R-{0,1}\rightarrow [b]R-{0,1}} under composition is isomorphic to S3, the symmetric group of all permutations of a set of 3 elements. This can be shown by finding a 1-1 correspondence between the functions and elements of S3 that is preserved under composition. For example, f1 is a good candidate for the identity element as f1(fn(x))= fn(x) for any n. More information on S3 can be found in the Gilbert book, particularly looking at the multiplication table.
  • #1
polarbears
23
0
1. Show that the set {f:R-{0,1}[tex]\rightarrow[/tex] R-{0,1}}, of functions under composition, is isomorphic to [tex]S _{3}[/tex]
[tex]f_{1} = x[/tex]
[tex]f_{2} = 1 - x[/tex]
[tex]f_{3} = \frac {1}{x}[/tex]
[tex]f_{4} = 1 - \frac {1}{x}[/tex]
[tex]f_{5} = \frac {1}{1 - x}[/tex]
[tex]f_{6} = \frac {x}{x - 1}[/tex]


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I don't really understand what the problem is asking
 
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  • #2
hey polarbears - there might be a smarter way, but I would start by having a look at the group S3, eg. all permutations of a set of 3 elements & see if you can find a 1-1 correspeondance between elements of S3 & the functions you are given, that is preserved under multiplication (in this case composition of functions)

for example, it should be clear that:
f1(fn(x))= fn(x), for any n, which makes it a good candidate for the identity element

info on S3 is here, have a look at the mult table in particular
http://groupprops.subwiki.org/wiki/Symmetric_group:S3
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Is this a question from the Gilbert book?
 

FAQ: Composition of functions and stuff

1. What is a composition of functions?

A composition of functions is a mathematical operation that combines two or more functions to create a new function. This new function is formed by using the output of one function as the input of another function.

2. How do you represent a composition of functions?

A composition of functions is represented using the notation "f o g", where f and g are the two functions being composed. This means that the output of g is used as the input of f.

3. What is the order of operations in a composition of functions?

In a composition of functions, the order of operations is read from right to left. This means that the function on the right is applied first, and then the function on the left is applied to the output of the first function.

4. What is the domain and range of a composition of functions?

The domain of a composition of functions is the set of values that can be used as input for the composition. The range is the set of values that are output by the composition.

5. What is the purpose of using a composition of functions?

A composition of functions allows us to create new functions with specific properties by combining simpler functions. It also helps in simplifying complex mathematical expressions and solving problems in various fields, such as physics, economics, and engineering.

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