The function is mapped from natural numbers to integer numbers
The function f is mapped from natural numbers to integer numbers and
f(x) = x2 - 3x + 3 then what is the function f?
- A.
Injective function
- B.
Surjective function
- C.
Bijective function
- D.
None of the above
Attempted by 195 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Conclusion: the function is neither injective nor surjective (hence not bijective).
Injectivity check:
Compute f(1) = 1^2 - 3·1 + 3 = 1 and f(2) = 2^2 - 3·2 + 3 = 1.
Since f(1) = f(2) but 1 ≠ 2, the function is not injective.
Surjectivity check:
To be surjective onto the integers, every integer must be an output. Consider the integer 0 and solve n^2 - 3n + 3 = 0.
The discriminant is Δ = (−3)^2 − 4·1·3 = 9 − 12 = −3 < 0, so there is no real (and hence no natural) solution producing 0 as an output.
Therefore 0 is not in the image, so the function is not surjective onto Z.
Since the function fails both injectivity and surjectivity, it is not bijective.