Explicit Formula for Onto/Non-One-to-One Function

In summary, the conversation discusses an explicit formula for a function that is onto but not one-to-one, and a function that is neither one-to-one nor onto. The formula for the first function, f_2(n)= ⌊\frac{n}{3}⌋, is onto because f_2(3n)=n for every n, but not one-to-one because f_2(1)=0=f_2(0). The formula for the second function, f_4(n)=4 ⌊\frac{n}{4}⌋, is not one-to-one because f_4(0)=f_4(1)=0, and it is not onto because there is no odd number
  • #1
persian52
13
0

Homework Statement


Give an explicit formula for a function f : ℕ ⇒ ℕ that is

a) onto, but not one-to-one.
b) neither one-to-one nor onto.


1. The attempt at a solution
a) The formula f[itex]_{2}[/itex](n)= ⌊[itex]\frac{n}{3}[/itex]⌋. it's onto cause f[itex]_{2}[/itex](3n)= n for every n. but, it's not one-to-one, cause f[itex]_{2}[/itex](1)= ⌊[itex]\frac{1}{3}[/itex]⌋ = 0 = f[itex]_{2}[/itex](0)

b) f[itex]_{4}[/itex](n)=4 ⌊[itex]\frac{n}{4}[/itex]⌋. This is not one-to-one, cause it's counterexample f[itex]_{4}[/itex](0) = f(1) = 0. Nor is it onto cause there is no odd number in the range of f[itex]_{4}[/itex]
 
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  • #2
1/3 isn't equal to 0. You have to explain what f_2 means a lot better than that. Do you mean something like the floor function? Oh, I see you do. Guess I should wait till you finish posting.
 
  • #3
Dick said:
1/3 isn't equal to 0. You have to explain what f_2 means a lot better than that. Do you mean something like the floor function? Oh, I see you do. Guess I should wait till you finish posting.

Sorry for that, it wasn't completed yet, now it's.
 
  • #4
persian52 said:
Sorry for that, it wasn't completed yet, now it's.

Mmm. ##f_2(1)=0##. 0 isn't in N is it? You might have to modify it a bit.
 
  • #5
Dick said:
Mmm. ##f_2(1)=0##. 0 isn't in N is it? You might have to modify it a bit.

natural numbers { 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}

Yes it's.
 
  • #6
persian52 said:
natural numbers { 0, 1, 2, 3, ...}

Yes it's.
Not to me it isn't. In some places natural numbers do not include zero {1, 2, 3, ...}. We use another term, whole numbers, to indicate {0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. Why is there no agreement on the definition of natural numbers I have no idea.
 
  • #7
eumyang said:
Not to me it isn't. In some places natural numbers do not include zero {1, 2, 3, ...}. We use another term, whole numbers, to indicate {0, 1, 2, 3, ...}. Why is there no agreement on the definition of natural numbers I have no idea.

i agree.
 

FAQ: Explicit Formula for Onto/Non-One-to-One Function

What is an explicit formula for an onto/non-one-to-one function?

An explicit formula for an onto/non-one-to-one function is a mathematical expression that represents a function where every element in the range is mapped to by at least one element in the domain. This means that the function is "onto" or "surjective" and that no two different elements in the domain are mapped to the same element in the range.

How is an onto/non-one-to-one function different from a one-to-one function?

An onto/non-one-to-one function is different from a one-to-one function because a one-to-one function is a function where each element in the domain is mapped to a unique element in the range. This means that the function is "one-to-one" or "injective" and that no two different elements in the domain are mapped to the same element in the range.

Can an onto/non-one-to-one function have an inverse?

No, an onto/non-one-to-one function cannot have an inverse. In order for a function to have an inverse, it must be a one-to-one function. Since an onto/non-one-to-one function is not one-to-one, it does not have an inverse.

How can you determine if a function is onto/non-one-to-one?

To determine if a function is onto/non-one-to-one, you can use the horizontal line test. If you can draw a horizontal line that intersects the graph of the function at more than one point, then the function is not onto. This is because there are multiple elements in the domain that are mapped to the same element in the range.

Why is understanding onto/non-one-to-one functions important in mathematics?

Understanding onto/non-one-to-one functions is important in mathematics because it helps us understand the relationship between the input and output values of a function. It also allows us to determine if a function has an inverse and to solve problems involving functions, such as finding the roots of a polynomial equation. Additionally, many real-world problems can be modeled using onto/non-one-to-one functions, making them an important concept in applied mathematics.

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