Let A = R – {3} and B = R – {1}. Consider the function f : A → B defined by. Show that f is one-one and onto and hence find f-1.
We have f : A → B where A = R – {3} and B = R – {1}
First, we will prove that f is one-one.
Let x1, x2ϵ A (domain) such that f(x1) = f(x2)
⇒ (x1 – 2)(x2 – 3) = (x1 – 3)(x2 – 2)
⇒ x1x2 – 3x1 – 2x2 + 6 = x1x2 – 2x1 – 3x2 + 6
⇒ –3x1 – 2x2 = –2x1 – 3x2
⇒ –3x1 + 2x1 = 2x2 – 3x2
⇒ –x1 = –x2
∴ x1 = x2
So, we have f(x1) = f(x2) ⇒ x1 = x2.
Thus, function f is one-one.
Now, we will prove that f is onto.
Let y ϵ B (co-domain) such that f(x) = y
Clearly, for every y ϵ B, there exists x ϵ A (domain) such that f(x) = y and hence, function f is onto.
Thus, the function f has an inverse.
We have f(x) = y ⇒ x = f-1(y)
But, we found f(x) = y ⇒
Hence,
Thus, f(x) is invertible and