Question

In your own words explain what it means for a function to be "one to one."

Short answer

A function is one-to-one if each output value is matched with one unique input.

Step-by-step solution

Define a Function

Begin by understanding what a function is. A function is a relation between a set of inputs and a set of possible outputs where each input is related to exactly one output. This means if you input a value into a function, you get one specific output.

Explore One-to-One Function

A function is said to be "one-to-one" if each output value corresponds to one unique input value. This means that no two different input values produce the same output.

Understand the Horizontal Line Test

One way to check if a function is one-to-one is by using the horizontal line test. If any horizontal line intersects the graph of the function at more than one point, then the function is not one-to-one.

Look at Formal Definition

Mathematically, a function \( f(x) \) is one-to-one if, for any two inputs \( x_1 \) and \( x_2 \), whenever \( f(x_1) = f(x_2) \), it must be true that \( x_1 = x_2 \). This stipulation captures the uniqueness of input for every output.

Key concepts

Function Definition

The concept of a function is fundamental in mathematics and can be thought of as a simple machine. Imagine you have an input, you put it through this machine, and it provides exactly one output. This is what defines a function. The key here is that every possible input has one, and only one, corresponding output.
For example, consider the function that maps every number to its double. If you put in the number 2, the output will be 4. No matter how many times you input 2, the output remains 4, demonstrating the consistency of functions. It's important to note that functions may have elements in their output that are not linked to any element of the input set, but that doesn't affect their definition.

Horizontal Line Test

The horizontal line test is a visual tool used to determine if a function is one-to-one. To use this test, imagine drawing a horizontal line across the graph of the function.
If this line touches the graph at more than one point, the function is not one-to-one. This is because multiple input values would lead to the same output, failing the one-to-one condition.

• Every horizontal line should meet the graph at most once for the function to pass the test.
• Failing this test indicates that the function produces the same output for different inputs.

Using this test provides a quick and intuitive check without needing to rely solely on algebraic analysis.

Unique Input-Output Pairs

A one-to-one function creates a unique match between every input and every output, ensuring that no two different inputs have the same output. This characteristic forms the basis of this type of function. Mathematically, this is defined as: for any two inputs, say \( x_1 \) and \( x_2 \), if \( f(x_1) = f(x_2) \), then \( x_1 \) must equal \( x_2 \). This condition guarantees the uniqueness of input for each output.
Here are some important points to consider:

• This definition ensures that every output is distinct from others.
• It is essential to establishing when a function can be reverted, or inverted, because there’s a clear, reversible relationship.

Understanding this concept ensures clarity in how input and output relate uniquely in mathematical functions.