What does it mean for a function to have one to one mapping?

One to one mapping means is that there's only one value you could insert into the function that would give you a certain output. f(x) = 2x+1 is an example of one to one mapping where 3, for example, is the only value you could use as an x-value which would give you 7. In this way each possible input value is matched "one to one" with each possible output value. One to one mapping is useful as it means you can find the inverse of the function.

A function which doesn't have one to one mapping is g(x) = x2 since inputting either 2 or -2 as the x-value would both give an answer of 4. This means g(x) has many to one mapping.

Answered by Joshua M. Maths tutor

9058 Views

See similar Maths A Level tutors

Related Maths A Level answers

All answers ▸

Integrate the function f(x) = ax^2 + bx + c over the interval [0,1], where a, b and c are constants.


Find the gradient of the tangent and the normal to the curve f(x)= 4x^3 - 7x - 10 at the point (2, 8)


The variables x and y are related by y = 5^x. How do I find the value of x when y is set to 15?


Differentiate the equation y^2 + y = x^3 + 2x


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences