Function as Mapping Math Example 2

Follow the full solution, then compare it with the other examples linked below.

Example 2

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Explain why the relation R={(1,2),(1,3),(2,5)}R = \{(1,2),(1,3),(2,5)\} is NOT a function from {1,2}\{1,2\} to {2,3,5}\{2,3,5\}.

Solution

  1. 1
    Check whether each domain element has exactly one output: 1โ†ฆ21 \mapsto 2 and 1โ†ฆ31 \mapsto 3.
  2. 2
    The element 11 is mapped to two different values (22 and 33). This violates the definition of a function.
  3. 3
    For RR to be a function, each input must have a unique output. Since input 11 has two outputs, RR is a relation but not a function.

Answer

RR is not a function because input 11 maps to both 22 and 33
The fundamental requirement of a function is single-valuedness: each input produces exactly one output. Having one input produce two outputs fails this requirement, making the relation non-functional.

About Function as Mapping

Viewing a function as a mapping means thinking of it as an explicit association from each element of the domain to exactly one element of the codomain.

Learn more about Function as Mapping โ†’

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