Analysis: No strictly increasing fn such that f(Q)=R

In summary, the conversation discusses the task of proving that there is no strictly increasing function from the rational numbers to the real numbers that maps the entire set of rational numbers to the entire set of real numbers. The conversation mentions using concepts such as monotone functions, continuity, and inverses, specifically the theorem that a monotone function on an interval has a continuous inverse and the intermediate value theorem. The attempt at a solution involves proving that a strictly increasing and onto function from the rational numbers to the real numbers is continuous.
  • #1
pcvt
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Homework Statement


Prove that there is no strictly increasing function f: Q->R such that f(Q)=R. (Do not use a simple cardinality argument)


Homework Equations


The section involves montone functions, continuity and inverses. I believe the theorem to be used is that a monotone function on an interval has a continuous inverse, and the intermediate value theorem.


The Attempt at a Solution


In class, our professor said that f has a continuous inverse, but I'm not sure why exactly. From there, I realize you can use the intermediate value theorem to contradict the fact the inverse is continuous, by letting c belong to the irrationals and showing it is not in the image.


EDIT: I now have everything down to proving that a strictly increasing, onto function f:Q->R is continuous
 
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  • #2
Meant to say I have it down to proving that a strictly increasing, onto function: f: R->Q is continuous
 

Related to Analysis: No strictly increasing fn such that f(Q)=R

1. What is the definition of a strictly increasing function?

A strictly increasing function is a mathematical function where the output (or range) of the function increases as the input (or domain) increases. This means that for any two values of the input, the corresponding output will always be greater for the larger input value.

2. Can a function be not strictly increasing but still meet other criteria?

Yes, a function can be non-strictly increasing but still be considered increasing if it meets the criteria of being monotonically increasing. This means that the function either increases or stays constant as the input increases.

3. What is the significance of the statement "f(Q)=R" in the analysis?

This statement means that the function f maps the elements of set Q to the elements of set R. In other words, the input values of the function come from set Q and the output values come from set R.

4. Is it possible for a function to be not strictly increasing and still be continuous?

Yes, it is possible for a function to be non-strictly increasing and still be continuous. Continuity only requires that small changes in the input result in small changes in the output, regardless of whether the function is strictly increasing or not.

5. Are there any real-life examples of non-strictly increasing functions?

Yes, there are many real-life examples of non-strictly increasing functions. One example is the temperature conversion function between Celsius and Fahrenheit. As the temperature increases in Celsius, the corresponding temperature in Fahrenheit also increases, but not strictly. Another example is a population growth function, where the number of people in a population increases over time, but not necessarily at a strictly increasing rate.

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