Quick questions about equality of functions

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In summary, the conversation discusses the definition of equality for two functions and whether it is necessary to define it in terms of codomains or if ranges can be used instead. The conclusion is that the definition in terms of codomains is more precise and necessary for properties such as surjectiveness.
  • #1
sutupidmath
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Well, i was reading a book lately about functions, and when it came to define the equality of two functions it defined something like this:

Let f:A->B and g:C->D be two functions.

We say that these two functions are equal if:

1.A=C
2.B=D and
3.f(x)=g(x) for all x in A=C.


I guess i have always overlooked it, but is 2. a little bit redundant. I mean, would a more precise statement be to say that if: ran{f}=ran{g}, rather than in terms of Codomains of these functions?

The reason i say this is that, for example:

Let: f:N-->R be a function from Naturals to Reals defined as follows: f(n)=n+1

and, let g:N-->Z be a function from Naturals to integers defined also as: g(n)=n+1

From here we see that their domains are the same, the ranges are the same and also f(n)=g(n) for every n in the domain. Can we say from here that these two functions are the same, or not? I would say yes, but maybe i am overlooking something.

THnx
 
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  • #2
By the definition given in your book, then no they aren't equal and that is the ordinary definition. I have never seen them defined in terms of ranges instead of codomains. Properties such as surjectiveness would stop making sense. Consider the floor function; with the real numbers as the codomain it would not be surjective, but with the integers as the codomain it would be surjective, but by your definition they are equal so functions can be both surjective and not surjective.
 
  • #3
Well, yeah that makes sense.

Thnx
 

FAQ: Quick questions about equality of functions

What is the definition of equality of functions?

Equality of functions refers to two or more functions having the same output for every input. In other words, if two functions have the same domain and range, and they produce the same output for every input in the domain, then they are considered equal.

How can I determine if two functions are equal?

To determine if two functions are equal, you can use the substitution method. This involves plugging in the same input values for both functions and comparing the outputs. If the outputs are the same for every input, then the functions are equal.

Can two different functions have the same graph?

Yes, it is possible for two different functions to have the same graph. This occurs when the two functions have the same domain and range, and they produce the same output for every input in the domain.

Are all linear functions equal?

No, not all linear functions are equal. While all linear functions have a constant rate of change, they can have different y-intercepts and slopes, making them different functions.

How does the concept of equality of functions relate to real-life situations?

The concept of equality of functions is often used in real-life situations to compare two different models or equations that represent the same scenario. This can be seen in fields such as economics, physics, and engineering, where different equations may be used to model the same situation, but they are considered equal if they produce the same results.

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