PROJECT FILE
Using a Graph to Demonstrate
a Function that is One One (Injective)
but not Onto (Surjective)
Submitted by:
Harshit Negi
Class XII ISC Curriculum
Doon Public School
Date of Submission: June 23, 2025
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that the Mathematics project titled
'Using a Graph to Demonstrate a Function that is One One but not Onto'
has been completed by Harshit Negi of Class XII in partial fulfilment
of the Indian School Certificate (ISC) requirements for the academic
year 2025 2026.
The work presented in this project is original and carried out under
my guidance.
____________________ ____________________
Signature of Internal Examiner Signature of Principal
Date: _____________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my mathematics teacher,
Mr./Ms. ___________, for the invaluable guidance and support throughout
the course of this project. I also thank the Principal, staff, and my
parents for providing encouragement and resources. Finally, thanks to
the Almighty for giving me the strength to complete this work.
INDEX
1. Introduction .................................................. 5
2. Objectives .................................................... 6
3. Basic Definitions ............................................. 7
4. One One (Injective) Functions ................................ 10
5. Onto (Surjective) Functions .................................. 12
6. Difference Between Injective and Surjective ................... 14
7. Choosing an Example Function ................................ 15
8. Domain & Codomain Analysis ................................... 16
9. Proof of Injectivity ......................................... 17
10. Proof of Non Surjectivity .................................... 18
11. Graphical Representation .................................... 20
12. Real Life Applications ...................................... 22
13. Alternate Example ........................................... 24
14. Limitations ................................................. 25
15. Summary & Conclusion ........................................ 26
16. Viva Voce Questions ......................................... 27
17. Bibliography ................................................ 28
18. Appendix .................................................... 29
INTRODUCTION
A function is a mathematical relation that uniquely associates members
of one set with members of another set. Understanding the nature of
functions is essential to advanced mathematics, computer science, and
fields such as economics and engineering. The study of injective
and surjective properties allows for deeper insight into mappings
between sets, which is foundational for topics like inverse functions,
vector spaces, and group theory.
OBJECTIVES
To revisit the fundamental definitions of injective and surjective
functions.
To select and analyse a specific function that is one one but not
onto.
To demonstrate the function graphically and algebraically.
To highlight practical applications and theoretical implications.
BASIC DEFINITIONS
Definition 1 (Function): A relation f from set A to set B is called a
function if every element of A is related to exactly one element of B.
Definition 2 (Injective): A function f: A B is injective, or one one,
if f(a ) = f(a ) implies a = a for all a , a in A.
Definition 3 (Surjective): A function f: A B is surjective, or onto,
if for every b in B there exists an a in A such that f(a) = b.
Definition 4 (Bijective): A function that is both injective and
surjective.
INJECTIVE FUNCTIONS
An injective function never maps two distinct elements of its domain
to the same element of its codomain. Graphically, this means any
horizontal line intersects the graph at most once (the Horizontal Line
Test).
SURJECTIVE FUNCTIONS
A surjective function covers the entire codomain. Every element in the
codomain is an image of some element in the domain.
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INJECTIVE AND SURJECTIVE
While injective functions guarantee uniqueness of images, surjective
functions guarantee completeness of the mapping. A function can be
injective without being surjective, surjective without being injective,
both (bijective), or neither.
CHOOSING THE FUNCTION
We consider the exponential function f: defined by f(x) = e .
Injective: For x , x , if e ¹ = e ² then x = x .
Not Surjective: The range of e is (0, ), leaving negative numbers
in uncovered. Hence, the function is not onto.
DOMAIN & CODOMAIN ANALYSIS
Domain ( ): All real numbers from to .
Codomain ( ): All real numbers.
Range (0, ): Positive real numbers. Since Range Codomain, the
function is not surjective.
PROOF OF INJECTIVITY
Proof: Suppose e ¹ = e ². Taking natural logs on both sides, we obtain
x = x , proving injectivity.
PROOF OF NON SURJECTIVITY
To prove non surjectivity, consider any y 0 in . There exists no x
in such that e = y. Thus, e does not cover entirely.
Graph of f(x) = e
4
f(x)
0
2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
x
GRAPH ANALYSIS
The graph above illustrates that each horizontal line intersects the curve at most once
(injective) but values y 0 are never attained, proving that the function is not surjective
onto .
REAL LIFE APPLICATIONS
Exponential growth models appear in population studies, finance
(compound interest), radioactive decay (with domain adjustments), and
machine learning activation functions.
ALTERNATE EXAMPLE
An alternative is f: defined by f(n) = n + 1. It is injective
but fails to map to 0, hence not surjective onto .
LIMITATIONS
This project assumes continuous real functions; discrete domains may
require different graphical tools.
SUMMARY & CONCLUSION
We revisited core function theory, selected f(x) = e , and rigorously
demonstrated that it is injective but not surjective relative to .
Graphical analysis affirmed the findings, underscoring the power of
visualisation in mathematical reasoning.
VIVA VOCE QUESTIONS
1. Define injective, surjective, and bijective functions.
2. State and explain the Horizontal Line Test.
3. Provide an example of a function that is onto but not one one.
4. Why is e not surjective onto ?
5. Can e be made bijective? If so, how?
BIBLIOGRAPHY
[1] N. Bourbaki, Elements of Mathematics: Theory of Functions.
[2] ISC Mathematics Textbook, Selina Publishers.
[3] Khan Academy, "Functions and Their Graphs" video series.
APPENDIX
Graph paper templates and additional hand drawn graphs are included
here for reference and practice.
