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Let us look at a few key terminologies relating to functions in this section.
For that matter, let us consider the function \(f : X \rightarrow Y\).
1. Domains and co-domains:
In the function \(f : X \rightarrow Y\), the set \(X\) is the domain, and the set \(Y\) is the co-domain.
Domain \(=\) Set \(X\) \(=\) \(\{x_1\), \(x_2\), \(x_3\), \(x_4\), \(x_5\),\(...\}\)
Co-domain \(=\) Set \(Y\) \(=\) \(\{y_1\), \(y_2\), \(y_3\), \(y_4\), \(y_5\),\(...\}\)
2. Images and preimages:
If \(f(x) = y\), the image of \(x\) is '\(y\)' and the pre-image of \(y\) is '\(x\)'.
From the figure given above, we can draw the following inferences.
For the image \(y_1\), \(x_1\) is its preimage.
For the image \(y_2\), \(x_2\) is its preimage.
For the image \(y_3\), \(x_3\) is its preimage.
For the image \(y_4\), \(x_4\) is its preimage.
For the image \(y_5\), \(x_5\) is its preimage.
3. Describing domain of a function:
Let \(f(x)\) be \(\frac{1}{x^2 - 5x + 20}\).
The function mentioned above holds for all real numbers except for \(4\) and \(5\).
In such cases, we can write \(f(x)\) as \(\frac{1}{x^2 - 5x + 20}\), where \(x \in R - \{4, 5\}\).
4. Conditions to be a function:
\(f : X \rightarrow Y\) is only a function if and only if the following conditions are met:
- Every preimage of \(f\) has an image.
- Each of the images is unique.
In Figure 1, each of the preimages has unique images. Hence, Figure 1 depicts a function.
Similarly, Figure 2 is also a function.
But in Figure 3, the preimage \(x_3\) has the images \(y_2\) and \(y_3\). Since a preimage can only have one unique image, Figure 3 does not represent a function. Also, \(x_2\) does not have an image.
5. Range:
The set of images of \(f\) is the range of that function.
From the image given above, Range \(=\) \(\{y_1\), \(y_2\), \(y_3\), \(y_4\), \(y_5\}\)
Important!
Let \(n(K) = t\), and \(n(L) = s\).
Then the total number of functions between \(K\) and \(L\) is \(s^t\).
For \(f : X \rightarrow Y\), \(n(X)\) \(=\) \(2\) and \(n(Y)\) \(=\) \(3\).
The total number of elements in \(f\) \(=\) \(n(Y)^{n(X)}\) \(=\) \(3^2\)