What Determines When Two Mathematical Functions Are Equal?

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In summary, The conversation is about a proof of a sentence involving functions and the proof involves showing that two functions are equal by proving that they have the same domain and output the same values for all elements in the domain.
  • #1
evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

I am looking at the proof of the following sentence:

Sentence:

Let $f,g$ functions. Then:

$$f=g \leftrightarrow dom(f)=dom(g) \wedge (\forall x \in dom(f)) (f(x)=g(x))$$

Proof:

$$\Rightarrow$$
If $f=g$, then $f \subset g$ and $g \subset f \Rightarrow dom(f) \subset dom(g) \text{ and } dom(g) \subset dom(f)$

So, $dom(f)=dom(g)$.

Also, from the sentence: If $f,g$ functions and $f \subset g$, we have that $\forall x \in dom(f): f(x)=g(x)$
we have that: $\forall x \in dom(f) f(x)=g(x)$

$$\Leftarrow$$

We want to show $f=g$, knowing that $dom(f)=dom(g)$ and $\forall x \in dom(f) f(x)=g(x)$

It suffices to show that $f \subset g$ and $g \subset f$.

Let $t \in f$. Then, $t=<x,f(x)>$, for a $x \in dom(f)$.
But, $dom(f)=dom(g)$ and so:
$$x \in dom(g) \leftrightarrow <x,g(x)> \in g$$
From the hypothesis, $f(x)=g(x)$ and so $t=<x,f(x)> \in g$.

Therefore, $f \subset g$.

In the same way, we show that $g \subset f$.
Therefore, $f=g$.

Could you explain me the $\Leftarrow$ part of the proof? (Thinking)
 
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  • #2
You'll have to ask a more specific question.
 

FAQ: What Determines When Two Mathematical Functions Are Equal?

What does it mean when two functions are equal?

When two functions are equal, it means that they have the same output for every possible input. In other words, they produce the same result when given the same input.

How can you prove that two functions are equal?

One way to prove that two functions are equal is by using mathematical induction. This involves showing that the functions produce the same output for a base case, and then showing that if the functions produce the same output for a given input, they also produce the same output for the next input. This process is repeated until it can be shown that the functions produce the same output for all possible inputs.

Can two functions be equal but have different forms?

Yes, two functions can be equal but have different forms. This is because there are multiple ways to represent a function and its behavior, but as long as they produce the same output for every input, they are considered equal.

What is the difference between equivalent and equal functions?

The terms "equivalent" and "equal" are often used interchangeably, but in mathematics, they have different meanings. Equivalent functions have the same behavior, but may have different forms. Equal functions, on the other hand, have the same form and produce the same output for every input.

Why is it important to understand when two functions are equal?

Understanding when two functions are equal is important because it allows us to make connections between different mathematical concepts and apply them in problem-solving. It also helps us to simplify and manipulate expressions, and to prove theorems and mathematical statements.

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