Concept/Theory
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To prove that a function is one-one and onto (bijective), two properties must be established.
- One-One (Injective): Distinct elements of the domain must have distinct images. Equivalently,
\[f(x_1)=f(x_2)\Rightarrow x_1=x_2\]
- Onto (Surjective): Every element of the codomain must be the image of at least one element of the domain. That is, for every
\[y\in(-1,1),\]there exists\[x\in\mathbb R\]such that\[f(x)=y.\]
Since the function contains the modulus sign, the analysis must be carried out separately for
- \(x\ge 0\)
- \(x<0\)
This is a standard technique used in CBSE Board examinations and competitive entrance examinations.
Step-by-step Plan
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Express the function separately for positive and negative values of \(x\).
Prove that equal function values imply equal inputs.
Take an arbitrary element of the codomain.
Construct its pre-image depending upon whether it is positive or negative.
Verify that the obtained pre-image belongs to the domain.
Hence conclude that the function is bijective.
Complete Solution
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- The function is\[f(x)=\frac{x}{1+|x|}\]
- Since\[|x|=\begin{cases}x,&x\ge0,\\ -x,&x<0,\end{cases}\]
- therefore,\[ f(x)= \begin{cases} \dfrac{x}{1+x},&x\ge0,\\[2ex] \dfrac{x}{1-x},&x<0. \end{cases} \]
- Proving that \(f\) is One-One
- Suppose\[f(x_1)=f(x_2)\]
- We shall consider different cases.
Case I : Both \(x_1\ge0\) and \(x_2\ge0\) - Then\[\frac{x_1}{1+x_1}=\frac{x_2}{1+x_2}.\]
- Cross multiplying,\[x_1(1+x_2)=x_2(1+x_1)\]
- Expanding both sides,\[x_1+x_1x_2=x_2+x_1x_2\]
- Subtracting \(x_1x_2\) from both sides,\[x_1=x_2\]
- Case II : Both \(x_1<0\) and \(x_2<0\)
- Then\[\frac{x_1}{1-x_1}=\frac{x_2}{1-x_2}.\]
- Cross multiplying,\[x_1(1-x_2)=x_2(1-x_1)\]
- Expanding,\[x_1-x_1x_2=x_2-x_1x_2\]
- Subtracting \(-x_1x_2\) from both sides,\[x_1=x_2\]
- Case III : One number is non-negative and the other is negative
- Suppose\[x_1\ge0,\quad x_2 < 0\]
- Then\[f(x_1)=\frac{x_1}{1+x_1}\ge0\]
- because both numerator and denominator are non-negative.\[f(x_2)=\frac{x_2}{1-x_2} < 0\]
- because the numerator is negative while the denominator is positive.
- Hence\[f(x_1)\neq f(x_2)\]which contradicts the assumption that\[f(x_1)=f(x_2)\]
- Similarly, the case\[x_1 < 0,\quad x_2\ge0\]is impossible
- Therefore,\[f(x_1)=f(x_2)\Longrightarrow x_1=x_2\]
- Hence, the function is one-one.
- Proving that \(f\) is Onto
- Let\[y\in(-1,1)\]
- We must find \(x\in\mathbb R\) such that f(x)=y
- Case I : \(0\le y<1\)
- Choose\[x=\frac{y}{1-y}\]
- Since \(0\le y<1\) we have\[1-y>0\]
- therefore,\[x\ge0\]
- Now\[f(x)=\frac{x}{1+x}\]
- Substituting the value of \(x\),\[f\!\left(\frac{y}{1-y}\right)=\frac{\dfrac{y}{1-y}}{1+\dfrac{y}{1-y}}.\]
- Simplify the denominator.\[ \begin{aligned} 1+\frac{y}{1-y}&=\frac{1-y+y}{1-y}\\&=\frac1{1-y}. \end{aligned} \]
- Hence\[ \begin{aligned} f\!\left(\frac{y}{1-y}\right)&=\frac{\dfrac{y}{1-y}}{\dfrac1{1-y}}\\ &=y\end{aligned} \]
- Thus every\[y\in[0,1)\]has a pre-image.
- Case II : \(-1
- Choose\[x=\frac{y}{1+y}\]
- Since \(-1 < y < 0\) we have\[1+y>0\]and therefore\[x<0\]
- Hence\[f(x)=\frac{x}{1-x}\]
- Substitute the value of \(x\)\[f\!\left(\frac{y}{1+y}\right)=\frac{\dfrac{y}{1+y}}{1-\dfrac{y}{1+y}}\]
- Simplify the denominator.\[\begin{aligned}1-\frac{y}{1+y}&=\frac{1+y-y}{1+y}\\&=\frac1{1+y}\end{aligned}\]
- Therefore\[\begin{aligned}f\!\left(\frac{y}{1+y}\right)&=\frac{\dfrac{y}{1+y}}{\dfrac1{1+y}}\\&=y\end{aligned}\]
- Thus every \(y\in(-1,0)\) also has a pre-image.
- Case III : \(y=0\)
- Take \(x=0\) then\[f(0)=0\]
- Hence every element of the codomain has a pre-image.
- Therefore, \(f\) is onto.
- Conclusion
- Since the function is both one-one and onto, it is a bijection.\[\boxed{\text{Hence }f:\mathbb R\rightarrow(-1,1)\text{ is one-one and onto.}}\]
Exam Significance
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- This problem demonstrates the complete procedure for proving a function is bijective.
- It develops the skill of handling modulus functions by splitting them into suitable cases.
- Questions involving inverse functions often require first proving that the given function is bijective.
- The concepts of injective, surjective and bijective mappings are frequently tested in CBSE Board examinations, JEE Main, NDA, CUET and university entrance examinations.
Key Takeaways
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Whenever a function contains \(|x|\), split the analysis according to the sign of \(x\).
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For injectivity, prove that equal outputs imply equal inputs.
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For surjectivity, start with an arbitrary element of the codomain and construct its pre-image.
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Always verify that the obtained pre-image belongs to the domain.
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A function that is both one-one and onto is called a bijection and possesses an inverse function.