[Math] A one-to-one function from a finite set to itself is onto – how to prove by induction

elementary-set-theoryinduction

I'm not sure if I can do this without knowing what f actually is?

Let $X$ be a finite set with $n$ elements and $f: X \rightarrow X$ a one-to-one function. Prove by induction that $f$ is an onto function.

Any pointers? I don't even know how to make a base case for this.

Best Answer

Induct on $|X|$. The base case $|X|=1$ is obvious since then there is only one function $X\rightarrow X$.

Now, suppose inductively that $|E|\leq n$ implies that every injective $E\rightarrow E$ is surjective. Suppose $|X|=n+1$ and let $f:X\rightarrow X$ be injective. Seeking a contradiction, suppose $f$ is not surjective so $|f(X)|\leq n$. Then $g:f(X)\rightarrow f(X)$ given by $g(t)=f(t)$ is injective and the inductive hypothesis implies $g$ is surjective. That is, $g(f(X))=f(X)$ so for every $y\in X$ there exists an $x\in X$ such that $f(f(x))=f(y)\Rightarrow f(x)=y$. Thus $f$ is surjective, a contradiction. Hence $f$ is surjective and this closes the induction.

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