NCERT Solutions for Class 12

Maths
Chapter 1 - Relations and Functions

Exercise 1.1

1. Determine whether each of the following relations are reflexive,

symmetric and transitive.

i. Relation R in the set A = 1, 2, 3...13, 14 defined as

R =  x, y  : 3x - y = 0

Ans: The given relation is: R = 1, 3 ,  2, 6 , 3, 9  ,  4, 12 

Since 1, 1 ,  2, 2 ... and 14, 14  R .

We conclude that R is not reflexive.

Since 1, 3  R , but  3, 1  R . [since 3 3 -1  0 ]

We conclude that R does not belong to symmetric.

Since 1, 3 and  3, 9   R , but 1, 9  R. 31 -9  0 .

We conclude that R is not transitive.

Therefore, the relation R is not reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

ii. Relation R in the set N of natural numbers defined as

R = {  x, y  : y = x + 5 and x<4}

Ans: The given relation is: R = 1, 6 ,  2, 7  ,  3, 8 .

Since 1, 1  R .

We conclude that R is not reflexive.

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Since 1, 6   R but  6, 1  R .

We conclude that R does not belong to symmetric.

In the given relation R there is not any ordered pair such that  x, y  and  y, z 
both  R , therefore we can say that  x, z  cannot belong to R .

Therefore R is not transitive.

Hence, the given relation R is not reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

iii. Relation R in the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} as R= {  x, y  : y is divisible by

x}

Ans: The given relation is R = { x, y  : y is divisible by x}

As we know that any number except 0 is divisible by itself, therefore  x, x   R

We conclude that R is reflexive.

Since  2, 4   R [because 4 is divisible by 2 ], but  4, 2   R [since 2 is not

divisible by 4 ].

We conclude that R does not belong to symmetric.

Assuming that  x, y  and  y, z   R , y is divisible by x and z is divisible by y

Hence z is divisible by x   x, z   R .

We conclude that R is transitive.

Hence, the given relation R is reflexive and transitive but it does not belong to
symmetric.

iv. Relation R in the set Z of all integers defined as R = {  x, y  : x - y} is as

integer

Ans: The given relation is R = { x, y : x - y is an integer }

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If x  Z,  x, x   R because x-x = 0 is an integer.

Hence, we conclude that R is reflexive.

For x, y  Z , if  x, y   R , then x - y is an integer and therefore  y-x  is also an

integer.

Therefore, we conclude that  y, x   R and hence R is symmetric.

Assuming that  x, y  and  y, z   R , where x, y, z  Z .

We can say that  x-y  and  y-z  are integers.

Therefore x-z = (x-y) + (y-z) is also an integer, so,  x, z   R

Hence, we conclude that R is transitive.

Therefore the given relation R is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.

v. Relation R in the set A of human beings in a town at a particular time

given by

a) The relation is: R = {  x, y  : x and y work at the same place }

Ans: The given relation is: R = { x, y : x and y work at the same place }

This implies that  x, y   R .

Hence, we conclude that R is reflexive.

Now,  x, y   R , then x and y work at the same place, which means y and x
also work at the same place. Therefore,  y, x   R .

Hence, we conclude that R is symmetric.

Let us assume that  x, y  ,  y, z   R .

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Then, we can say that x and y work at the same place and y and z work at the
same place. Which means that x and z also work at the same place.

Therefore,  x, z   R .

Hence, we conclude that R is transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is reflexive, symmetric and transitive.

b) The relation is: R = {  x, y  : x and y live in the same locality }

Ans: The given relation is R = { x, y : x and y live in the same locality }

Since,  x, x   R .

Therefore, we conclude that R is reflexive.

Since  x, y   R , x and y live in the same locality. Therefore, y and x also live
in the same locality, so,  y, x   R .

Hence, R is symmetric.

Let  x, y   R and  y, z   R . Hence x and y live in the same locality and y and
z also live in the same locality. Which means that x and z also live in the same
locality.

Therefore,  x, z   R .

Hence, we conclude that R is transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is reflexive, symmetric and transitive.

c) R = {  x, y  : x is exactly 7 cm taller than y}

Ans: The given relation is: R = { x, y : x is exactly 7 cm taller than y}

Since,  x, x   R .

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Therefore, we conclude that R not is reflexive.

Let  x, y   R , Since x is exactly 7 cm taller than y , therefore y is obviously

not taller than x , so,  y, x   R .

Hence, R is not symmetric.

Assuming that  x, y  ,  y, z   R , we can say that x is exactly 7 cm taller than

y and y is exactly 7 cm taller than z . Which means that x is exactly 14 cm
taller than z . So,  x, z   R .

Hence, R is not transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is not reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

d) R = {  x, y  : x is wife of y}

Ans: The given relation is: R = { x, y : x is the wife of y} .

Since,  x, x   R

Therefore, we conclude that R not is reflexive.

Let  x, y   R , Since x is the wife of y , therefore y is obviously not the wife

of x , so,  y, x   R .

Hence, R is not symmetric.

Assuming that  x, y  ,  y, z   R , we can say that x is the wife of y and y is the

wife of z , which is not possible. So,  x, z   R .

Hence, R is not transitive.

Therefore the given relation R is not reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

e) R = {  x, y  : x is father of y}

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Ans: The given relation is: R = { x, y : x is the father of y}

Since,  x, x   R

Therefore, we conclude that R not is reflexive.

Let  x, y   R , Since x is the father of y , therefore y is obviously not the father

of x , so,  y, x   R .

Hence, R is not symmetric.

Assuming that  x, y  ,  y, z   R , we can say that x is the father of y and y is

the father of z , then x is not the father of z . So,  x, z   R .

Hence, R is not transitive.

Therefore the given relation R is not reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

2. Show that the relation R in the set R of real numbers, defined

R =  a, b  : a  b 2  is neither reflexive nor symmetric nor transitive.

Ans: The given relation is: R =  a, b : a  b 

2

1 1 1 1
Since  ,   R . [Since is not less than ]
2 4 2 4

Therefore, R is not reflexive.

Since 1, 4   R as 1<42 , but  4, 1  R as 42 is not less than 12 .

Therefore R is not symmetric.

 3, 2 ,  2, 1.5  R , so, 3<22 =4 and 2< 1.5 =2.25 but

2
Assuming that
3> 1.5 =2.25 .
2

Hence, R is not transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric, nor transitive.

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3. Check whether the relation R defined in the set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 as
R =  a, b  : b=a+1 is reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

Ans: The given relation is R =  a, b : b=a+1 defined in the set

A=1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 .

So, R=1, 2 ,  2, 3 , 3, 4  ,  4, 5 , 5, 6 

Since,  a, a   R,a  A .

1, 1 ,  2, 2 , 3, 3 ,  4, 4 , 5, 5 ,  6, 6   R

Therefore, R is not reflexive

Since, 1, 2   R , but  2, 1  R .

Therefore R is not symmetric.

Since 1, 2  ,  2, 3  R , but 1, 3  R .

Hence, R is not transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric, nor transitive.

4. Show that the relation R in R defined as R =  a, b  : a  b is reflexive

and transitive but not symmetric.

Ans: The given relation is R =  a, b : a  b .

Since,  a, a  R .

Therefore, R is reflexive.

Since,  2, 4  R (as 2<4 ), but  4, 2  R (as 4>2 ).

Therefore R is not symmetric.

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Assuming that  a, b  ,  b, c  R , a  b and b  c , therefore, a  c .

Hence, R is transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

5. Check whether the relation R in R defined as R =  a, b  : a  b 3  is

reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

Ans: The given relation is: R =  a, b : a  b 

3

1 1 1 1
Since  ,   R . [Since is not less than ]
2 8 2 8

Therefore, R is not reflexive.

Since 1, 4   R as 1<43 , but  4, 1  R as 4 is not less than 13 .

Therefore R is not symmetric.

3 3 3
 3 3 6 3 3 6 6
Assuming that  3,  ,  ,   R , so, 3<   and <   but 3>   .
 2 2 5 2 2 5 5

Hence, R is not transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric, nor transitive.

6. Show that the relation R in the set 1, 2, 3 given by R =  1, 2  ,  2, 1

is symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.

Ans: The given relation is R = 1, 2 ,  2, 1 on the set A= 1, 2, 3 .

Since 1, 1 ,  2, 2  ,  3, 3  R

Therefore, R is not reflexive.

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Since, 1, 2  R and  2, 1 R .

Therefore R is symmetric.

Since, 1, 2  R and  2, 1 R , but 1, 1  R .

Hence, R is not transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.

7. Show that the relation R in the set A of all the books in a library of a
college, given by R = {  x, y  : x and y have same number of pages } is an
equivalence relation.

Ans: The given relation is: R = { x, y : x and y have the same number of pages }

Since  x, x   R as x and x have same number of pages.

Therefore, R is reflexive.

Let  x, y  R , so x and y have the same number of pages, therefore y and x

will also have the same number of pages.

Therefore R is symmetric.

Assuming  x, y  R and  y, z  R . x and y have the same number of pages and

y and z also have the same number of pages. Therefore, x and z will also have
the same number of pages. So,  x, z  R .

Hence, R is transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is an equivalence relation.

8. Show that the relation R in the set A=1, 2, 3, 4, 5 given by

R = {  a, b  : a-b is even } , is an equivalence relation. Show that all the

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 elements of 1, 3, 5 are related to each other and all the elements of 2, 4
are related to each other. But no element of 1, 3, 5 is related to any
element of 2, 4 .

Ans: Let a  A ,

So, a-a = 0 (which is an even number).

Therefore, R is reflexive.

Let  a, b   R ,

Now, a-b is even,

Hence a-b and b-a are both even

Therefore,  b, a   R

Therefore R is symmetric.

Let  a, b   R and  b, c   R ,

 a-b is even and b-c is even

  a-b  is even and  b-c  is even

  a-c  =  a-b  +  b-c  is even

 a-c is even.

  a, c   R

Therefore, R is transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is an equivalence relation.

All the elements of set 1, 3, 5 are all odd. Hence, the modulus of the difference
of any two elements will be an even number. So, all the elements of this set are
related to each other.

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All elements of 2, 4 are even while all the element of 1, 3, 5 are odd so no
element of 1, 3, 5 can be related to any element of 2, 4 .

Therefore, the absolute value of the difference between the two elements (from
each of these two subsets) will not be an even value.

9. Show that each of the relation R in the set A = {x  Z: 0  x  12} , is an

equivalence relation. Find the set of all elements related to 1 in each case.

i. R = {  a, b  : a – b is a multiple of 4}

Ans: The given set

A = {x  Z: 0  x  12} = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12

The given relation is: R = { a, b  : a – b is a multiple of 4} .

Let a A ,

 a, a  R as a-a =0 is a multiple of 4 .

Therefore, R is reflexive.

Let,  a, b   R  a-b is a multiple of 4 .

 -  a-b  = b-a is a multiple of 4 .

  b, a   R

Therefore R is symmetric.

 a, b  ,  b, c  R .
 a-b is a multiple of 4 and b-c is a multiple of 4 .

  a-b  is a multiple of 4 and  b-c  is a multiple of 4 .

  a-c  =  a-b  +  b-c  is a multiple of 4 .

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 a-c is a multiple of 4 .

  a, c   R

Therefore, R is transitive.

Therefore, the given relation R is an equivalence relation.

The set of elements related to 1 is 1, 5, 9 as

1-1  0 is a multiple of 4 ..

5-1  0 is a multiple of 4 ..

9-1  0 is a multiple of 4 .

ii. R =  a, b  : a = b

Ans: The given relation is: R =  a, b  : a = b .

a A,  a, a  R , since a = a .

Therefore, R is reflexive.

Let  a, b   R  a=b .

 b=a   b, a  R

Therefore R is symmetric.

 a, b  ,  b, c  R
 a=b and b=c
 a=c

  a, c  R

Therefore, R is transitive.

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Therefore, the given relation R is an equivalence relation.

The set of elements related to 1 is 1 .

10. Given an example of a relation. Which is

i. Symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.

Ans: Let us assume the relation R=  5, 6 ,  6, 5 in set A= 5, 6, 7 .

So, the relation R is not reflexive as  5, 5 ,  6, 6  ,  7, 7   R .

The relation R is symmetric as  5, 6  R and  6, 5 R .

The relation R is not transitive as  5, 6  ,  6, 5 R , but  5, 5  R .

Therefore, the given relation R is symmetric but not reflexive or transitive.

ii. Transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric.

Ans: Let us assume the relation R =  a, b  : a < b

So, the relation R is not reflexive because for aR ,  a, a   R since a cannot be
strictly less than itself.

Let

Since 2 is not less than 1 ,  2, 1  R .

Therefore R not is symmetric.

Let  a, b  ,  b, c  R .

 a<b and b<c

a<c

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  a, c  R

Therefore, R is transitive.

So, the relation R is transitive but not reflexive and symmetric.

iii. Reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.

Ans: Let us assume the relation

R   4, 4 ,  6, 6 , 8, 8 ,  4, 6  ,  6, 4  ,  6, 8 , 8, 6  in set A= 4, 6, 8 .

The relation R is reflexive since for aR ,  a, a  R .

The relation R is symmetric since  a, b  R   b, a  R for a,b R .

The relation R is not transitive since  4, 6  ,  6, 8 R , but  4, 8  R .

Therefore the relation R is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.

iv. Reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

Ans: Let us take the relation R =  a, b  : a 3

 b3  .

Since  a, b   R .

Therefore R is reflexive.

Since  2, 1  R , but 1, 2   R ,

Therefore R not is symmetric.

Let .

 a 3  b3 and b3  c3

 a 3  c3

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  a, c   R

Therefore R is transitive.

Therefore the relation R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

v. Symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.

Ans: Let us take a relation R= -5, -6 ,  -6, -5 ,  -5, -5 in set A= -5, -6 .

The relation R is not reflexive as  -6, -6   R .

Since  -5, -6   R and  -6, -5  R .

Therefore R is symmetric.

Since  -5, -6 ,  -6, -5  R and  -5, -5  R .

Therefore R is transitive.

Therefore the relation R is symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.

11. Show that the relation R in the set A of points in a plane given by
R = {  P, Q  : Distance of the point P from the origin is same as the
distance of the point Q from the origin}, is an equivalence relation.
Further, show that the set of all point related to a point P   0, 0  is the
circle passing through P with origin as centre.

Ans: The given relation is R = { P, Q  : Distance of P from the origin is the

same as the distance of Q from the origin}

Since,  P, P   R .

The relation R is reflexive.

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Let  P, Q   R , distance of P from the origin is the same as the distance of Q
from the origin similarly distance of Q from the origin will be the same as the
distance of P from the origin. So,  Q, P   R .

Therefore R is symmetric.

Let  P, Q  ,  Q, S  R .

Distance of P from the origin is the same as the distance of Q from the origin
and distance of Q from the origin is the same as the distance of S from the origin.
So, distance of S from the origin will be same as the distance of P from the
origin. So,  P, S  R .

Therefore R is transitive.

Therefore the relation R is an equivalence relation.

The set of points related to P   0, 0  will be those points whose distance from
origin is same as distance of P from the origin and will form a circle with the
centre as origin and this circle passes through P .

12. Show that the relation R defined in the set A of all triangles as
R = {  T1 , T2  : T1 is similar to T2 } , is equivalence relation. Consider
three right angle triangles T1 with sides 3, 4, 5 and T2 with sides
5, 12, 13 and T3 with sides 6, 8, 10 . Which triangles among T1 , T2 and
T3 are related?

Ans: The given relation is R = { T1, T2  : T1 is similar to T2 } .

The relation R is reflexive since every triangle is similar to itself.

If  T1 , T2   R , then T1 is similar to T2 .

 T2 is similar to T1 .

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  T2 , T1   R

Therefore R is symmetric.

Let  T1, T2  ,  T2 , T3   R .

 T1 is similar to T2 and T2 is similar to T3 .

 T1 is similar to T3 .

  T1, T3   R

Therefore R is transitive.

Therefore the relation R is an equivalence relation.

3 4 5  1
= = = 
6 8 10  2 

Since, the corresponding sides of triangles T1 and T3 are in the same ratio,
therefore triangle T1 is similar to triangle T3 .

Hence, T1 is related to T3 .

13. Show that the relation R defined in the set A of all polygons as
R = {  P1 , P2  : P1 and P2 have same number of sides } , is an equivalence
relation. What is the set of all elements in A related to the right angle
triangle T with sides 3, 4 and 5 ?

Ans: R = { P1, P2 : P1 and P2 have same number of sides } .

Since  P1 , P1   R , as same polygon has same number of sides.

The relation R is reflexive.

Let  P1 , P2   R .

 P1 and P2 have same number of sides.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 17

 P2 and P1 have same number of sides.

  P2 , P1   R

Therefore R is symmetric.

Let  P1, P2  ,  P2 , P3   R .

 P1 and P2 have same number of sides.

 P2 and P3 have same number of sides.

 P1 and P3 have same number of sides.

  P1, P3   R

Therefore R is transitive.

Therefore the relation R is an equivalence relation.

The elements in A related to right-angled triangle  T  with sides 3, 4 and 5 are

the polygons having 3 sides.

14. Let L be the set of all lines in XY plane and R be the relation in L
defined as R = {  L1 , L 2  : L1 is parallel to L 2 } . Show that R is an
equivalence relation. Find the set of all lines related to the line y=2x+4 .

Ans: R = { L1, L2 : L1 is parallel to L 2 } .

The relation R is reflexive as any line L1 is parallel to itself, so,  L1, L1   R .

Let  L1 , L2   R .

 L1 is parallel to L 2 , therefore L 2 is parallel to L1 .

  L2 , L1   R

Therefore R is symmetric.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 18

Let  L1, L2  ,  L2 , L1   R .

 L1 is parallel to L 2

 L 2 is parallel to L3

 L1 is parallel to L3

  L1 , L3   R

Therefore R is transitive.

Therefore the relation R is an equivalence relation.

Set of all lines related to line y=2x+4 is set of all lines that are parallel to the line
y=2x+4 .

Slope of line y=2x+4 is m = 2 . Therefore, lines parallel to the given line is of the
form y=2x+c , where c  R .

15. Let R be the relation in the set 1, 2, 3, 4 given by

R =  1, 2  ,  2, 2  ,  1, 1 ,  4, 4  ,  1, 3  ,  3, 3  ,  3, 2  . Choose the
correct answer.

(A) R is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.

(B) R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

(C) R is symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.

(D) R is an equivalence relation

Ans: R = 1, 2 ,  2, 2  , 1, 1 ,  4, 4  , 1, 3 , 3, 3 ,  3, 2 .

Since  a, a   R , for every a 1, 2, 3, 4

The relation R is reflexive.

Since 1, 2   R , but  2, 1  R .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 19

Therefore R is not symmetric.

 a, b  ,  b, c   R   a, c   R for all a, b, c 1, 2, 3, 4 .

Therefore R is transitive.

Therefore the relation R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

The correct answer is ( B ) R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

16. Let R be the relation in the set N given by R =  a, b  : a = b - 2, b > 6

Choose the correct answer.
(A)  2, 4   R

(B)  3, 8   R

(C)  6, 8   R

(D)  8, 7   R

Ans: The given relation is R =  a, b : a = b - 2, b > 6

Now,

Considering  2, 4   R .

Since, b > 6 , so,  2, 4   R .

Considering  3, 8  R .

Since 3  8 - 2 , so  3, 8  R .

Considering  6, 8  R .

Since 8>6 and 6=8-2 , so  6, 8  R .

Therefore, the correct answer is ( C )  6, 8  R .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 20

Exercise 1.2

1
1. Show that the function f: R *  R * defined by f  x  = is one-one and
x
onto, where R * is the set of all non-zero real numbers. Is the result true, if
the domain R * is replaced by N with co-domain being same as R * ?

1
Ans: The function f: R *  R * is defined by f  x  = .
x
For f to be one – one:

x, y  R * such that f  x  = f  y 

1 1
 =
x y
x=y

Therefore, the given function f is one – one.

For f to be onto:

1
For y  R * there exists x =  R * [as y  0 ] such that
y

1
f x= =y
1
 y
 
Therefore, the given function f is onto.

Hence the given function f is one – one and onto.

1
Consider a function g: N  R * defined by g  x  =
x
1 1
We have, g  x1  =g  x 2   =  x1 =x 2
x1 x 2

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 21

Therefore the function g is one – one.

The function g is not onto as for 1.2  =R * there does not exit any x in N such
1
that g  x  = .
1.2

Therefore, function g is one-one but not onto.

2. Check the injectivity and surjectivity of the following functions:

i. f: N  N given by f  x  =x 2

Ans: The given function f: N  N is defined by f  x  =x 2 .

For x, y  N ,

f  x  = f  y

 x 2 = y2
x=y

Therefore function f is injective.

Since 2  N , but, there does not exist any x in N such that f  x  =2 .

Therefore function f is not surjective.

Hence, function f is injective but not surjective.

ii. f: Z  Z given by f  x  =x 2

Ans: The given function f: Z  Z is defined by f  x  =x 2 .

Since,

f  -1 = f 1

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 22

 =1
But -1  1

Therefore function f is not injective.

Since -2  Z , but, there does not exist any element x  Z such that

f  x  = -2

Therefore function f is not surjective.

Hence, function f is neither injective nor surjective.

iii. f: R  R given by f  x  =x 2

Ans: The given function f: R  R is given by f  x  = x 2

Now,

f  -1 = f 1

=1
But -1  1 .

Therefore function f is not injective.

Since -2R , but, there does not exist any element x  R such that

f  x  = -2 .

Therefore function f is not surjective.

Hence, function f is neither injective nor surjective.

iv. f: N  N given by f  x  =x 3

Ans: The given function f: N  N is given by f  x  = x 3

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 23

For x, y  N ,

f  x  = f  y

 x 3 = y3
x=y

Therefore function f is injective.

Since 2  N , but, there does not exist any x in N such that f  x  =2 .

Therefore function f is not surjective.

Hence, function f is injective but not surjective.

v. f: Z  Z given by f  x  =x 3

Ans: The given function f: Z  Z is given by f  x  = x 3

For x, y  Z ,

f  x  = f  y

 x 3 = y3
x=y

Therefore function f is injective.

Since 2  Z , but, there does not exist any x in Z such that f  x  =2 .

Therefore function f is not surjective.

Hence, function f is injective but not surjective.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 24

3. Prove that the Greatest Integer Function f: R  R given by f  x  =  x  ,
is neither one – one nor onto, where  x  denotes the greatest integer less
than or equal to x .

Ans: The function f: R  R is defined by f  x  =  x  .

Now,

f 1.2  = 1.2

=1
f 1.9  = 1.9

=1
Therefore, f 1.2  = f 1.9  , but 1.2  1.9 .

Hence function f is not one – one.

Taking 0.7R , f  x  =  x  is an integer. There does not exist any element x  R

such that f  x  = 0.7 .

Therefore, function f is not onto.

Hence, the greatest integer function is neither one – one nor onto.

4. Show that the Modulus Function f: R  R given by  x  = x is neither

one – one nor onto, where x is x , if x is positive or 0 and x is -x , if x is
negative.

Ans: f: R  R is f  x  = x

 x; x>0 
 
-x; x<0 

Now,

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 25

f  -1 = -1

=1
f 1 = 1

=1
Therefore, f 1 = f  -1 , but -1  1 .

Hence function f is not one – one.

Taking -1 R , f  x  = x is non-negative. Hence, there does not exist any

element x  R such that f  x  = -1 .

Therefore, function f is not onto.

Therefore, the modulus function is neither one-one nor onto.

 1 if x>0 
 
5. Show that the Signum Function f: R  R , given by f  x  =  0, if x=0  is
 -1 if x<0 
 
neither one-one nor onto.

 1 if x>0 
 
Ans: The function f: R  R is given by f  x  =  0, if x=0 
-1 if x<0
 

Now,

f 1 = f  2 

=1
But 1  2

Hence function f is not one – one.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 26

Since f  x  takes only 3 values 1, 0, or -1 , for the element -2 in co-domain

R , there does not exist any x in domain R such that f  x  = -2 .

Therefore, function f is not onto.

Therefore, the Signum function is neither one-one nor onto.

6. Let A = 1, 2, 3 , B = 4, 5, 6, 7 and let f =  1, 4  ,  2, 5  ,  3, 6  be a

function from A to B . Show that f is one – one.

Ans: The function f: A  B is defined as f = 1, 4 ,  2, 5 ,  3, 6 . Where

A = 1, 2, 3, B = 4, 5, 6, 7

Since,

f 1 = 4

f  2 = 5

f  3 = 6

Hence the images of distinct elements of A under f are distinct.

Therefore, the function f is one – one.

7. In each of the following cases, state whether the function is one – one, onto
or bijective.

Justify your answer.

i. f: R  R defined by f  x  = 3 - 4x .

Ans: The function f: R  R is defined by f  x  = 3 - 4x .

Taking x1 , x 2  R such that f  x1  = f  x 2  ,

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 27

 3- 4x1 = 3- 4x 2

 -4x1 = -4x 2

 x1 = x 2

Hence function f is one – one.

3-y
For any real number  y in R , there exists in R such that
4
 3-y   3-y 
f  =3-4  
 4   4 
=y

So, function f is onto.

Therefore, function f is bijective.

ii. f: R  R defined by f  x  = 1 + x 2

Ans: The function f: R  R defined as f  x  = 1 + x 2

Taking x1 , x 2  R such that f  x1  = f  x 2 

 1+x12 =1+x 22

 x12 =x 22

 x1 =±x 2

Hence function f is not one – one because f  x1  = f  x 2  does not mean that
x1 =x 2 .

Taking -2R . Since f  x  = 1 + x 2 is positive for all x  R , so there does not

exist any x in domain R such that f  x  = -2 .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 28

Therefore, function f is not onto.

Hence, the function f is neither one – one nor onto.

8. Let A and B be sets. Show that f: A × B  B × A such that

 a, b  =  b, a  is bijective function.
Ans: The function f: A × B  B × A is defined as f  a, b  =  b, a  .

 a1, b1  ,  a 2 , b2   A×B such that f  a1, b1  = f  a 2 , b2 

  b1, a1  =  b2 , a 2 

 b1 =b 2 and a1 = a 2

  b1, a1  =  b2 , a 2 

Hence function f is one – one.

For  b, a   B×A ,

There exists  a, b   A×B such that f  a, b  =  b, a 

So, function f is onto.

Therefore, function f is bijective.

 n+1 
 2 , if n is odd 
9. Let f: N  N be defined by f  n  =   for all n  N . State
n
 , if n is even 
 2 
whether the function f is bijective. Justify your answer.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 29

  n+1 
 2 , if n is odd 
Ans: The function f: N  N is defined by f  n  =   for all
n
 , if n is even 
 2 
nN.

Now,

1+1
f(1)=
2
=1
2
f(2)=
2
=1
Here, f 1 = f  2  , but 1  2 .

Hence function f not is one – one.

Taking n  N ;

Case I: n is odd

Hence n = 2r + 1, for some r  N there exists 4r + 1 N such that

4r+1+1
f  4r + 1 =
2
=2r+1
Case II: n is even

Hence, n = 2r for some r  N there exists 4r  N such that

4r
f  4r  =
2
= 2r .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 30

So, function f is onto.

Therefore, function f is not bijective.

10. Let A=R-3 and B = R - 1 . Consider the function f:A  B defined
 x-2 
by f  x  =   . Is f one-one and onto? Justify your answer.
 x-3 

 x-2 
Ans: The function f:A  B is defined by f  x  =   , where A=R-3 and
 x-3 
B = R - 1.

For x, y  A such that f  x  =f  y 

x-2 y-2
 =
x-3 y-3

 (x–2)(y–3) = (y–2)(x–3)

 xy–3x–2y + 6 = xy–2x–3y + 6

 –3x–2y = –2x–3y
x=y

Hence function f is one – one.

If y  B = R-1 , then y  1 .

The function f is onto if there exists x  A such that f  x  = y .

x-2
 =y
x-3
 x–2 = xy–3y

 x(1–y) = –3y + 2

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 31

 2-3y
 x=  A [y  1]
1-y

2-3y
for any y  B , there exists  A such that,
1-y

 2-3y 
 2-3y   1-y 
-2
f =
 1-y   2-3y  -3
 1-y 
 

2-3y-2+2y
=
2-3y-3+3y

-y
=
-1
=y

So, function f is onto.

Hence, function f is one – one and onto.

11. Let f: R  R be defined as f  x  = x4 . Choose the correct answer.

(A) f is one-one onto

(B) f is many-one onto

(C) f is one-one but not onto

(D) f is neither one-one nor onto

Ans: The function f: R  R is defined as f  x  = x 4 .

Taking x, y  A such that f  x  =f  y 

 x 4 =y 4

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 32

 x=±y

Therefore, f  x  = f  y  does not necessarily mean that x=y .

Hence function f is not one – one.

For 2  R , there does not exist any x in domain R such that f  x  = 2 .

So, function f is not onto.

Hence, The correct answer is ( D ) function f is neither one – one nor onto.

12. Let f: R  R be defined as f  x  = 3x . Choose the correct answer.

(A) f is one – one onto

(B) f is many – one onto

(C) f is one – one but not onto

(D) f is neither one – one nor onto

Ans: The function f: R  R is defined as f  x  = 3x .

Taking x, y  A such that f  x  =f  y 

 3x = 3y
x=y

Hence function f is one – one.

y
For y  R , there exists in R such that;
3

 y  y
f   =3 
3 3
=y

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 33

So, function f is onto.

Therefore, the correct answer is ( A ) function f is one – one and onto.

Exercise 1.3

1. Let f: 1, 3, 4  1, 2, 5 and g: 1, 2, 5  1, 3 be given by

f =  1, 2  ,  3, 5  ,  4, 1 and g = 1, 3  ,  2, 3  ,  5, 1 . Write down gof

Ans: The function f: 1, 3, 4  1, 2, 5 is given by

f = 1, 2 ,  3, 5 ,  4, 1

The function g: 1, 2, 5  1, 3 is given by g =1, 3 ,  2, 3 ,  5, 1

Now,

gof 1 = g f 1

= g  2 [as f 1 =2 ]

 3 [as g  2  = 3 ]

gof  3 = g f  3

= g  5 [as f  3 = 5 ]

=1 [as g  5 = 1 ]

gof  4 = g f  4

= g 1 [as f  4  = 1 ]

=3 [as g 1 = 3 ]

Hence, gof = 1, 3 ,  3, 1 ,  4, 3 .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 34

2. Let f,g and h be functions from R to R . Show that

 f + g  oh = foh + goh
 f.g  oh =  foh  .  goh 
Ans: To prove:  f + g  oh = foh + goh .

Simplifying LHS:

LHS =  f + g  oh   x 

=  f + g  h  x 

= f h  x  + g h  x 

=  foh  x  +  goh  x 

=  foh  +  goh  x 

= RHS
Hence proved.

To Prove:  f.g  oh =  foh . goh  .

Simplifying LHS:

LHS =  f . g  oh   x 

=  f . g  h  x 

= f h  x  + g h  x 

=  foh  x  .  goh  x 

=  f.g  oh   x 

=RHS
Hence proved.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 35

3. Find gof and fog , if

i. The functions are  x  = x and  x  = 5x - 2

Ans: The given functions are f  x  = x and g  x  = 5x - 2

Calculating gof :

go f  x  = g  f  x  

= g |x|

= 5 x -2

Calculating fog :

fog  x  = f  g  x  

= f |5x-2|

= 5x-2

= 5x-2

1
ii. The functions are  x  =8x and  x  =x
3 3

1
Ans: The given functions are f  x  =8x and g  x  =x
3 3

Calculating gof :

go f  x  = g  f  x  

= g  8x 3 

1
= 8x 
3 3

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 36

 = 2x
Calculating fog :

fog  x  = f  g  x  
3
 13 
= f x 
 
3
 1
= 8 x 3 
 
= 8x

4. If  x  =
 4x+3  ,x  2 , 2
show that fof  x  = x , for all x  . What is the
 6x-4  3 3
inverse of f ?

(4x+3) 2
Ans: The given function is f  x  = ,x  .
(6x-4) 3

So,

 fof  x  =f  f  x 
(4x+3)
=f
(6x-4)

 4x+3 
4  +3
=  6x-4 
 4x+3 
6  -4
 6x-4 

16x+12+18x-12
=
24x+18-24x+16

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 37

 34x
=
34
=x
Hence proved.

 fof = I x

Therefore, the given function f is invertible and the inverse of the function f is
the function f itself.

5. State with reason whether following functions have inverse

i. The function f: 1, 2, 3, 4  10 defined as

f =  1, 10  ,  2, 10  ,  3, 10  ,  4, 10 

Ans: The function f: 1, 2, 3, 4  10 defined as

f = 1, 10 ,  2, 10 , 3, 10  ,  4, 10 

As we can see, the function f is a many one function as

f 1 = f  2  = f  3 = f  4  = 10

Hence function f is not one – one.

Therefore, the function f does not have an inverse.

ii. The function g: 5, 6, 7, 8  1, 2, 3, 4 defined as

g =  5, 4  ,  6, 3  ,  7, 4  ,  8, 2 

Ans: The function g: 5, 6, 7, 8  1, 2, 3, 4 is defined as

g =  5, 4 ,  6, 3 ,  7, 4 , 8, 2 

As we can see, the function g is a many one function as

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 38

g  5 =g  7  =4 .

Hence function g is not one – one.

Therefore, the function g does not have an inverse.

iii. The function h: 2, 3, 4, 5  7, 9, 11, 13 defined as

h =  2, 7  ,  3, 9  ,  4, 11 ,  5, 13 

Ans: The function h: 2, 3, 4, 5  7, 9, 11, 13 defined as

h =  2, 7  , 3, 9  ,  4, 11 , 5, 13

All distinct elements of the set 2, 3, 4, 5 have distinct images under h .

Hence function h is one – one.

Since for every element y of the set 7, 9, 11, 13 there is an element x in the set
2, 3, 4, 5 such that h  x  = y , therefore the function h is onto.

Hence. The function h is a one – one and onto function.

Therefore the function h has an inverse.

6. Show that f:  -1, 1  R , given by  x  = X  X+2  is one – one. Find the

inverse of the function f:  -1, 1  Range f .

(Hint: For y  Range f, y=  x  =  X+2  , for some x in [-1, 1], i.e., x = 2y(1-y) )

Ans: The function f: -1, 1  R is given as  x  = X  X+2 

For function f to be one – one,

f  x  = f  y

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 39

  X+2  =  Y+2 

 xy +2x = xy +2y

 2x = 2y
x=y

Hence function f is one – one.

And f: -1, 1  Range f is onto.

Therefore, the function f: -1, 1  Range f is one – one and onto and therefore,
the inverse of the function f: -1, 1  Range f exists.

Let us assume that the function g: Range f  -1, 1 be the inverse of f .

Let y be an arbitrary element of range f .

Since f: -1, 1  Range f is onto,

y = f  x  for some x [-1, 1]

x
 y=
(x+2)

 xy+2y=x

 x(1-y)=2y

2y
 x- ,y  1
1-y

Let us define g: Range f  -1, 1 as:

2y
g(y)= ,y  1.
1-y

So,

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 40

(gof)(x)=g(f(x))

 x 
=g  
 x+2 

  x 
 2  x+2  
=2   
 1-  x  
  x+2  
  

2x
=
x+2-x
2x
=
2
=x
And
(fog)(y)=f(g(y))

 2y 
=f  
 1-y 

 2y 
 1-y 
=2  
 2y 
 1-y 
 

2y
=
2y+2-2y

2y
=
2
=y

Therefore, gof=x=I-1,1 and fog=y=IRange f .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 41

 f -1 =g

2y
Therefore, f -1 (y)= ,y  1.
1-y

7. Consider f: R  R given by f  x  =4x+3 . Show that f is invertible. Find

the inverse of f .

Ans: The given function f: R  R is given by, f  x  =4x+3

For function f to be one – one

f  x  = f  y

 4x +3 = 4y +3

 4x = 4y
x=y

Hence function f is one – one.

For function f to be onto

y  R , let y = 4x + 3 .

y-3
 x= R
4
y-3
For any y  R , there exists x=  R , such that
4

 y-3 
f  x  =f  
 4 

 y-3 
=4   +3
 4 
=y

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 42

Hence, the function f is a onto.

Therefore, the inverse of the function f exists.

Now,

y-3
Defining g: R  R by g  x  =
4

 gof  x  =g  f  x 
= g  4x + 3

(4x + 3)-3
=
4
4x
=
4
=x
and

 fog  y = f  g  y 
 y-3 
=f 
 4 

 y-3 
= 4  +3
 4 
=y-3+3
=y

Therefore, gof=fog=I R . The function f is invertible and the inverse of f is given

y-3
by f -1  y  = g  y  = .
4

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 43

8. Consider f: R+   4,   given by f  x  =x 2 +4 . Show that f is invertible
with the inverse f -1 of given f by f -1 (y)= Y-4 , where R+ is the set of all
non-negative real numbers.

Ans: The given function f: R+   4,   is defined as f  x  =x 2 +4 .

For function f to be one – one:

f  x  = f  y

x 2 + 4 = y2 + 4

 x 2 = y2

 x = y [as x = y  R + ]

Hence function f is one – one.

For function f to be onto:

For y [4,) , let y = x 2 +4

 x 2 = y - 4  0  as y  4

 x= Y - 4  0

Hence, for any y [4,) there exists x = Y - 4  R + , such that

f x = f  Y-4 
 
2
= Y - 4 +4

=y-4+4
=y

Hence function f is onto.

Since function f is one – one and onto and therefore, f -1 exists.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 44

Let us define g:  4,    R+ by g  y  =Y - 4 .

So,

 gof  x  = g  f  x 

=  x +4 -4
2

= x2

=x

 fog  y = f  g  y 
=f  Y-4 
 
2
= Y-4 +4

=y-4+4
=y

Therefore, gof = fog = IR .

Hence, the function f is invertible and the inverse of f is given by

f -1  y  = g  y  = Y-4

9. Consider f: R+   -5,   given by f  x  = 9x 2 + 6x - 5 . Show that f is

 ( y+6)-1 
invertible with f -1  y  =   .
 3 

Ans: The function f: R+  -5,   is given as f  x  = 9x 2 + 6x - 5 .

Let y be an arbitrary element of  -5,   .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 45

y=9x 2 +6x–5

 y =  3x + 1 -1-5=  3x + 1 -6
2 2

 y + 6 =  3x + 1
2

 3x+1 = Y+6 [as y  -5  y + 6 > 0]

 ( y+6)-1 
 x = 
 3
 

Therefore, function f is onto, range f = [-5,) .

 ( y+6)-1 
Defining g: -5,    R+ as g(y) =  
 3
 

 gof  x  = g  f  x 
= g  9x 2 + 6x-5


= g  3x + 1 -6
2

= (3x+1) 2 -6+6-1

3x+1-1 3x
= =
3 3
=x

 fog  y = f  g  y 
 ( y  6)  1 
 
 3 

  ( y  6)  1  2 
 3   1  6
  3  
Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 46
=( y+6)2 -6

=y+6-6
=y

Therefore,

gof = x = IR

fog = y = IRange f

So, the function f is invertible and the inverse of f is given by:

 ( y+6)-1 
f -1  y  =g(y)=   .
 3
 

10. Let f: X  Y be an invertible function. Show that f has unique inverse.

(Hint: suppose g 1 and g 2 are two inverses of f . Then for all

y  Y, fog1  y  = I Y  y  = fog 2  y  . Use one – one ness of f ).

Ans: Let f: X  Y be an invertible function.

Assuming that f has two inverses ( g1 and g 2 )

For all y  Y ,

fog1  y  = IY  y 

= fog 2  y 

 f  g1  y   = f  g2  y  

 g1  y  = g 2  y  [as f is invertible  f is one – one]

 g1 = g 2 [as g is one – one]

Therefore, the function f has a unique inverse.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 47

11. Consider f: 1, 2, 3  a, b, c given by f  1 = a, f  2  = b and

f  3  = c . Find f -1 and show that  f -1  = f .

-1

Ans: Function f: 1, 2, 3  a, b, c is given by f 1 = a, f  2  = b and

f  3 = c .

If we define g: a, b, c  1, 2, 3 as g  a  = 1, g  b  = 2, g  c  = 3 .

We have

 fog  a  = f  g  a 
= f 1

=a

 fog  b  = f  g  b 
= f  2

=b

 fog  c = f  g  c 
= f  3

=c
And,

 gof 1 = g  f 1

= f a 

=1

 gof  2 = g  f  2
= f b

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 48

=2

 gof  3 = g  f 3
= f c

=3

So, gof=I X and fog = I Y , where X = 1, 2, 3 and Y= a, b, c .

Therefore, the inverse of f exists and f -1 =g .

So, function f -1: a, b, c  1, 2, 3 is given by

f -1  a  = 1, f-1  b  = 2, f–1  c  = 3

If we define h: 1, 2, 3  a, b, c as h 1 = a, h  2  = b, h  3 = c .

 goh 1 = g  h 1

= g a 

=1

 goh  2 = g  h  2
= g  b

=2

 goh 3 = g  h 3

= g c

=3
And

 hog  a  = h  g  a 
= h 1

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 49

=a

 hog  b  = h  g  b 
= h  2

=b

 hog  c = h  g  c 
= h  3

=c

So, goh=I X and hog = I Y , where X = 1, 2, 3 and Y= a, b, c .

The inverse of g exists and g -1 = h  (f -1 )-1 = h .

So, h = f .

Hence,  f -1  = f .
-1

12. Let f: X  Y be an invertible function. Show that the inverse of f -1 is f

, i.e.,  f -1  = f .
-1

Ans: Let f: X  Y be an invertible function.

Then there exists a function g: Y  X such that gof = I X and fog = I Y .

So, f -1 =g .

 gof = IX and fog = I Y .

Hence, f -1: Y  X is invertible and f is the inverse of f -1 i.e.,  f -1  = f .

-1

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 50

 1
13. If f: R  R be given by  x  =  3-x 3
 3
, then fof  x  is

1
3
(A) x

(B) x3

(C) x

(D)  3 - x 3 

1
Ans: The function f: R  R is defined as f  x  =  3-x 
3 3

fof  x  =f(f(x))
1
3 3
=f(3-x )
1
3 3
=[3-(3-x )]
1
3 3
=(x )

Therefore, fof  x  = x .

The correct answer is ( C ) x .

 4 4x
14. Let f: R-  -   R be a function as f  x  = . The inverse of f is
 3 3x+4
 4
map g: Range f  R-  -  given by
 3

3y
(A) g  y  = .
3-4y

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 51

 4y
(B) g  y  = .
4-3y

4y
(C) g  y  = .
4-3y

3y
(D) g  y  = .
4-3y

 4 4x
Ans: The function f: R- -   R is dined as a function f  x  = .
 3 3x+4

Let y be an arbitrary element of Range f .

 4
There exists x  R- -  such that y = f  x 
 3

4x
y=
3x+4
 3xy+4y=4x

 x(4-3y)=4y

4y
 x=
4-3y

 4 4y
Defining g: Range f  R- -  as g  y  = .
 3 4-3y

Calculating gof(x) :

 4x 
4 
 4x   3x+4 
 =
 3x+4  4-3  4x 
 
 3x+4 

16x
=
12x+16-12x
Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 52
 16x
=
16
=x
Therefore, gof(x)= g(f(x)) = g .

Calculating fo  y  :

fo(y)=f(g(y))

4y
=f( )
4-3y

 4y 
4
 4-3y 
=
 4y 
3  +4
 4-3y 

16y
=
12y+16-12x

16y
=
16
=y

Therefore, fo(y) = f(g(y)) = f .

So, gof=I 4

and fog=IRangef
R- 
3

Hence, g is the inverse of f i.e., f -1 =g .

 4 4y
The inverse of f is the map g: Range f  R- -  which is given by g  y  =
 3 4-3y

4y
So, the correct answer is (B) g  y  = .
4-3y

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 53

Exercise 1.4

1. Determine whether or not each of the definition of given below gives a

binary operation.

In the event that * is not a binary operation, give justification for this.

i. On Z+ , define * by a * b = a-b .

Ans: On Z+ , * is defined by a * b = a-b .

So, * is not a binary operation as the image of 1, 2 under * is

1 * 2=1-2=-1 Z+ .

ii. On, Z+ define * by a * b = ab .

Ans: On Z+ , * is defined by a * b = ab .

For each a, b  Z+ there is a unique element ab in Z+ .

So, we can say that * carries each pair  a, b  to a unique element a * b = ab in

Z+ . Therefore, * is a binary operation.

iii. On R , define * by a * b = ab2 .

Ans: On R , * is defined by a * b = ab2 .

For each a,b  R , there is a unique element ab 2 in R .

Therefore, * carries each pair  a, b  to a unique element a * b = ab2 in R .

Hence, * is a binary operation.

iv. On, Z+ define * by a * b = a - b *.

Ans: On Z+ , * is defined by a * b = a - b .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 54

For each a, b  Z+ there is a unique element a - b in Z+ .

Therefore, * carries each pair (a,b) to a unique element a * b = a - b in Z+ .

Hence, * is a binary operation.

v. On Z+ , define * by a * b = a .

Ans: On Z+ , * is defined by a * b = a .

For each a, b  Z+ there is a unique element a in Z+ .

Therefore, * carries each pair  a , b  to a unique element a * b = a in Z+ . Hence,

* is a binary operation.

2. For each binary operation * defined below, determine whether * is

commutative or associative.

i. On Z, define a * b = a-b

Ans: On Z , * is defined by a .

For 1, 2  Z ,

1*2=1-2
= -1

2*1=2-1
=1
Therefore 1 * 2  2 * 1 .

Hence, the operation * is not commutative.

For 1, 2, 3 Z ,

1*2*3= 1-2*3

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 55

=-1*3
=-1-3
= -4

1* 2*3 =1* 2-3

 1* 1
 1   1

2

Therefore, 1 * 2  * 3  1 *  2 * 3 .

Hence, the operation * is not associative.

ii. On Q , define a*b=ab+1.

Ans: On Q , * is defined by a*b=ab+1 .

For all a, b Q , ab = ba .

 ab + 1 = ba + 1 for all a, b Q

 a * b = a * b for all a, b Q

Hence, operation * is commutative.

For 1, 2, 3 Q ,

1 * 2 * 3 = 1 × 2 + 1 * 3
=3*3
=3×3+1
= 10

1 *  2 * 3 = 1 *  2 × 3 + 1

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 56

=1*7
=1×7+1
=8

Therefore, 1 * 2  * 3  1 *  2 * 3 .

So, the operation * is not associative.

ab
iii. On Q , define a * b = .
2
ab
Ans: On Q , * is defined by a * b = .
2
For all a, b Q , ab = ba .

ab ba
 =
2 2 for all a, b Q

 a * b = b * a for all a, b Q

Hence, operation * is commutative.

For 1, 2, 3 Q ,

 ab 
(a*b)*c=   *c
 2

 ab 
 c
= 
2
2
abc
=
4
And

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 57

  bc 
a*(b*c)=   *c
 2

 bc 
 a
= 
2
2
abc
=
4
Therefore,  a*b *c = a* b*c  .

So, the operation * is associative.

iv. On Z+ , define a * b = 2ab .

Ans: On Z+ , * is defined by a * b = 2ab .

For all a, b  Z+ , ab = ba .

 2ab = 2ba for all a, b  Z+

 a * b = b * a for all a, b  Z+

Hence, operation * is commutative.

For 1, 2, 3 Z+ ,

(1*2)*3=21×2 *3

=4*3

=24×3

=212
1*(2*3) = 1*22×3

= 1*26

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 58

= 1*64

= 21×64

= 264
Therefore, 1 * 2  * 3  1 *  2 *3 .

So, the operation * is not associative.

b
v. On Z+ , define a * b = a .

Ans: On Z+ , * is defined by a * b = a b .

For 1, 2  Z+ ,

1*2 = 12
=1

2*1=21
=2
Therefore, 1 * 2  2 * 1 .

Hence, the operation * is not commutative.

For 2, 3, 4  Z+

(2*3)*4 = 23*4

=8*4

=84

= 212
2*(3*4)=2*34

=2*81

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 59

=281
Therefore,  2 * 3 * 4  2 *  3 * 4  .

So, the operation * is not associative.

a
vi. On R – {-1} define a*b = .
b+1
a
Ans: On R - -1 , * is defined by a*b = .
b+1

For 2, 3 R-{-1}.

2
2*3 =
3+1

1
=
2
3
3*2 =
2+1
=1
Therefore, 2 * 3  3*2 .

Hence, the operation * is not commutative.

For 2, 3, 4  R-{-1}

2
(2*3)*4= *4
3+1

1
= *4
2
1
= 2
4+1

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 60

 1
=
10

3
2*(3*4) = 2*
4+1
3
=2*
5

2
=
3
+1
5
2
=
8
5
5
=
4
Therefore,  2 * 3 * 4  2 *  3 * 4  .
So, the operation * is not associative.

3. Consider the binary operation  on the set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 defined by

a  b = min a, b . Write the operation table of the operation  .

Ans: The binary operation  on the set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is defined by

a  b = min a, b for all a, b 1,2, 3, 4, 5 .

Operation table for the given binary operation  is:

 1 2 3 4 5
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 1 2 2 2 2
3 1 2 3 3 3
4 1 2 3 4 4
5 1 2 3 4 5

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 61

4. Consider a binary operation * on the set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 given by the
following multiplication table.

(Hint: use the following table)

* 1 2 3 4 5
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 1 2 2 2 2
3 1 2 3 3 3
4 1 2 3 4 4
5 1 2 3 4 5

i. Compute  2 * 3  * 4 and 2 *  3 * 4  .

Ans: Calculating  2 * 3 * 4 :

 2 * 3 * 4 = 1 * 4
=1
Calculating 2 *  3 * 4  :

2 *  3 * 4 = 2 * 1

=1

ii. Is * commutative?

Ans: The operation * is commutative because for every a, b 1,2, 3, 4, 5 , we

have a * b = b * a .

iii. Compute (2 * 3) * (4 * 5).

Ans: Calculating  2 * 3 *  4 * 5 :

Since,

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 62

 2 * 3 = 1
 4 * 5 = 1
So,

 2 * 3 *  4 * 5  = 1 * 1
=1

5. Let *' be the binary operation on the set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 defined by

a * b = H.C.F of a and b . Is the operation *' same as the operation *
defined in Exercise 4 above? Justify your answer.

Ans: The binary operation *' on the set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is defined by

a * b = H.C.F of a and b .

Operation table for the operation *' can be given as:

*' 1 2 3 4 5
1 1 1 1 1 1
2 1 2 2 2 2
3 1 2 3 3 3
4 1 2 3 4 4
5 1 2 3 4 5

As we can see, the operation tables for the operations * and *' are the same.
Therefore, operation *' is same as the operation * .

6. Let * be the binary operation on N given by a * b = L.C.M of a and b .

Find

i. Calculate 5 * 7 and 20 * 16 .

Ans: Calculating 5 * 7 :

Since, a * b = L.C.M of a and b .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 63
5 * 7 = L.C.M of 5 and 7 .
=35
Calculating 20 * 16 :

Since, a * b = L.C.M of a and b .

20 * 16= L.C.M of 20 and 16 .

=80

ii. Is * commutative?

Ans: Since L.C.M of a and b is equal to L.C.M of b and a for all a, b  N .

So, a * b = b * a .

Therefore, the operation * is commutative.

iii. Is * associative?

Ans: For a, b, c  N ,

a * b * c = ( L.C.M of a and b ) * c = L.C.M of a,b and c .

a *  b * c  = a * ( L.C.M of b and c )  L.C.M of a,b and c .

So,  a * b  * c = a *  b * c  .

Therefore operation * is associative.

iv. Find the identity of * in N .

Ans: The binary operation * on N is defined as L.C.M of a and b .

Now,

L.C.M of a and 1 is equal to L.C.M of 1 and a for all a  N .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 64

So, a * 1 = a = 1 * a for all a  N .

Therefore, 1 is the identity of * in N .

v. Which elements of N are invertible for the operation * ?

Ans: For a, b  N , the elements in N are invertible with respect to the operation
* only for the condition a * b = e = b * a .

e =1
L.C.M of a and b =1= L.C.M of b and a for all a, b  N .

This is only possible when a and b are equal to 1 .

Therefore, 1 is the only invertible element of N with respect to the operation * .

7. Is * defined on the set 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 by a * b = L.C.M of a and b a binary

operation? Justify your answer.

Ans: The operation * on the set A= 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 is defined as a * b = L.C.M of

a and b .

The operation table for * is as follows:

* 1 2 3 4 5
1 1 2 3 4 5
2 2 2 6 4 10
3 3 6 3 12 15
4 4 4 12 4 20
5 5 10 15 20 5

3 * 2 = 2 * 3 = 6A

5 * 2 = 2 * 5 = 10  A

3 * 4 = 4 * 3 = 12  A

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 65

3 * 5 = 5 * 3 = 15  A

4 * 5 = 5 * 4 = 20  A

Hence, the given operation * is not a binary operation.

8. Let * be the binary operation on N defined by a * b = H.C.F of a and b

. Is * commutative? Is * associative? Does there exist identity for this
binary operation on N ?

Ans: The binary operation * on N is defined as: a * b = H.C.F of a and b .

Since, H.C.F of a and b=H.C.F of b and a for all a, b  N .

Therefore, a * b = b * a .

Hence, operation * is commutative.

a * b * c = ( H.C.F of a and b ) * c = H.C.F of a,b and c .

a *  b * c  = a * ( H.C.F of b and c ) H.C.F of a,b and c .

So,  a * b  * c = a *  b * c  .

Therefore operation * is associative. a * 1 = a = 1 * a for all a  N

So, e  N will be the identity for the operation * if a * e = a = e * a for all e  N

. But this relation is not true for any e  N .

Therefore, operation * does not have any identity in N .

9. Let * be a binary operation on the set Q of rational numbers. Find which

of the given binary operations are commutative and which are associative.

i. The binary operation * is given by a * b = a - b .

Ans: On, The binary operation * is defined as a * b = a - b on set Q .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 66

 1 1
For , Q ,
2 3

1 1 1 1
* = -
2 3 2 3

3-2
=
3

1
=
6
And;

1 1 1 1
* = -
3 2 3 2

2-3
=
6

-1
=
6

1 1 1 1
Therefore, *  * .
2 3 3 2

Hence, the binary operation * is not commutative.

1 1 1
For , , Q ,
2 3 4

1 1 1 1 1 1
 * * =  - *
 2 3 4  2 3 4

1 1
= *
6 4

1 1
= -
6 4

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 67

 2-3
=
12
-1
=
12
And;

1 1 1 1 1 1
* *  = * - 
2 3 4 2 3 4

1  4-3 
= * 
2  12 

1 1
= *
2 12
1 1
= -
2 12
5
=
12

1 1 1 1 1 1
Therefore,  *  *  * *  .
 2 3 4 2 3 4

Hence, the binary operation * is not associative.

ii. a * b = a2 + b2

Ans: On, The binary operation * is defined as a * b = a 2 + b2 on set Q .

For a,b Q ,

a*b=a 2 +b2

=b 2 +a 2
=b*a

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 68

Therefore, a*b=b*a .

Hence, the binary operation * is commutative.

For 1,2,3Q ,

1 * 2  * 3 = 12 + 22  * 3 = 1 *  4 + 9

= 1 + 4  * 3

=5*3

= 52 + 32
= 34
And;

1 *  2 * 3 = 1 *  22 + 32 

= 1 *  4 + 9

= 1 * 13

= 12 + 132
=170

Therefore, 1 * 2  * 3  1 *  2 * 3 .

Hence, the binary operation * is not associative.

iii. a * b = a + ab

Ans: The binary operation * is defined as a * b = a + ab on set Q .

For 1,2  Q ,

1*2=1+1×2
=1+2

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 69

=3
2*1=2+2×1
=2+2
=4
Therefore, 1 * 2  2 * 1 .

Hence, operation * is not commutative.

For 1,2,3Q ,

1 * 2 * 3 = 1+ 1×2  * 3
= 1 + 2  * 3

=3*3
= 3 + 3×3
=3+9
= 12
And,

1 *  2 * 3 = 1 *  2 + 2×3 
= 1 *  2 + 6

=1*8
= 1 + 1×8
=9

Therefore, 1 * 2  * 3  1 *  2 * 3 .

Hence, the binary operation * is not associative.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 70

iv. a * b =  a - b 
2

Ans: The binary operation * is defined as a * b =  a - b  on set Q .

2

For a,b Q ,

a * b = a - b
2

b * a = b - a 
2

= -  a - b 
2

= a - b
2

a*b=b*a
Therefore, the binary operation * is commutative.

For 1,2,3Q ,

1 * 2 * 3 = 1 – 2
2
*3

=  – 1 * 3
2

=1*3

= 1 – 3
2

=  – 2
2

=4
And,

1 *  2 * 3 = 1 *  2 – 3
2

=1* – 1
2

=1 * 1
Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 71
=0

Therefore, 1 * 2  * 3  1 *  2 * 3 .

Hence, the binary operation * is not associative.

ab
v. a * b =
4
ab
Ans: The binary operation * is defined as a * b = on set Q .
4
For a,b Q ,

ab
a*b=
4
ba
=
4
=b*a
Therefore, a * b = b * a .

Hence, the binary operation * is commutative.

For a,b,c Q ,

 ab 
(a*b)*c =   *c
 4

ab
.c
= 4
4
abc
=
16
And,

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 72

  ba 
a*(b*c) = a* 
 4 

bc
a
= 4
4
abc
=
16

Therefore,  a * b  * c = a *  b * c 

Hence, the binary operation * is associative.

vi. a * b = ab2

Ans: The binary operation * is defined as a * b = ab2 on set Q .

1 1
For , Q ,
2 3
2
1 1 1 1
* = . 
2 3 2 3

1 1
= .
2 9

1
=
18
And,
2
1 1 1 1
* = . 
3 2 3 2

1 1
= .
3 4

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 73

 1
=
12
1 1 1 1
Therefore, *  * .
2 3 3 2

Hence, the binary operation * is not commutative.

1 1 1
For , , Q ,
2 3 4

 1 1  1 1  1   1
2

 * * =  .   *
 2 3  4  2  3   4

1 1
= *
18 4
2
1 1
=  
18  4 

1
=
18 16

1
=
288
And;

1  1 1  1 1  1  
2

* *  = *    
2  3 4  2  3  4  

1 1
= *
2 48
2
1 1 
=  
2  48 

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 74

 1
=
2  2304

1
=
4608

1 1 1 1 1 1
Therefore,  *  *  * *  .
 2 3 4 2 3 4

Hence, the binary operation * is not associative.

10. Find which of the operations given above has identity.

Ans: For the binary operation * , e  Q will be the identity element only if
a * e = a = e * a , for all a  Q .

As we can see, there is no such element e  Q for the operations given above
satisfying the condition a * e = a = e * a .

Therefore, none of the operations given above has identity.

11. A = N × N and * be the binary operation on A defined by

 a, b  *  c, d  =  a + c, b + d  . Show that * is commutative and
associative. Find the identity element for * on A , if any.
Ans: The binary operation * on A = N × N a is defined by
 a, b  *  c, d  =  a + c, b + d  .
Let  a, b  ,  c, d   A and a, b, c, d  N

 a, b  *  c, d  =  a + c, b + d 
 c, d  *  a, b  =  c + a, d + b  =  a + c, b + d 
Therefore,  a, b  *  c, d  =  c, d  *  a, b  .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 75

Hence, the binary operation * is commutative.

Let  a, b  ,  c, d ,  e, f   A and a, b, c, d, e, f N

 a, b * c, d  * e, f  =  a + c, b + d * e, f 

=  a + c + e, b + d + f 

And,

 a, b *  c, d * e, f  =  a, b *c + e, d + f 

=  a + c + e, b + d + f 

Therefore,  a, b * c, d  * e, f  =  a, b *  c, d * e, f  .

Hence, the binary operation * is associative.

For the binary operation * , e =  e1,e2   A will be an identity element only if

a*e=a=e*a for all a =  a1,a 2   A , that is,
 a +e , a
1 1 2
+ e 2  =  a1 , a 2  =  e1 +a1 , e 2 +a 2  . Which is not true for any element in
A.
Hence the binary operation * does not have any identity element.

12. State whether the following statements are true or false. Justify.

i. For an arbitrary binary operation * on a set N , a * a = aa  N .

Ans: Let us define an binary operation * on N as a * a = a+ba  N

Taking b = a = 3 ,
3*3=3+3=6  3
Therefore the given statement is false.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 76

ii. If * is a commutative binary operation on N , then a*  b*c  =  c*b  *a .

Ans: It is given that if * is a commutative binary operation on N , then

a* b*c  =  c*b *a .

Simplifying R.H.S :

R.H.S=  c * b  * a

=  b * c * a [as * is commutative]

= a *  b * c [as * is commutative]

=L.H.S

Therefore, a *  b * c  =  c * b  * a .

Hence, the given statement is true.

13. Consider a binary operation * on N defined as a*b=a3 + b3 . Choose the

correct answer.

(A) The binary operation * is both associative and commutative.

(B) The binary operation * is commutative but not associative.

(C) The binary operation * is associative but not commutative.

(D) The binary operation * is neither commutative nor associative.

Ans: The binary operation * is defined as a*b=a 3 + b3 on N .

For a,b  N ,

a*b=a 3 + b3

=b3 + a 3
=b*a

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 77

Hence, the binary operation * is commutative.

For 1,2,3 N ,

1 * 2  * 3= 13 +23  * 3
= 1+8*3

=9*3

=93 +33
= 756
And,

1*  2 * 3 = 1 *  23 +33 

=1*8 + 27 

=1*35

=13 +353
=1+42875
=42876

Therefore, 1 * 2  * 3  1 *  2 * 3 .

Hence, the binary operation * is not associative.

Therefore, the correct answer is option (B) the binary operation * is commutative,
but not associative.

Exercise 1.5

1. Let f: R  R be defined as f  x  = 10x + 7 . Find the function g: R  R

such that gof = fog = I R .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 78

Ans: The given function f: R  R is defined as f  x  = 10x + 7 .

For the function f to be one – one:

f  x  = f  y  , where x, y  R .

 10x + 7 = 10y + 7
x=y

So, the given function f is a one – one function.

For the function f to be onto:

Let y = 10x + 7 , for y  R .

y-7
x= R
10

y-7
So, for any y  R , there exists x =  R such that:
10

 x  = f 
y-7 

 10 

 y-7 
= 10  + 7
 10 
=y- 7+7
=y

So, the given function f is onto.

Therefore, the function f is an invertible function.

y-7
Defining g: R  R as  y  = .
10

Calculating gof :

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 79

go  x  =g  f  x  

= g 10x+7 

=
10x+7  -7
10
10x
=
10
=x
Calculating fog :

fo  y  =f  g  y  

 y-7 
=f  
 10 

 y-7 
=10   +7
 10 
=y-7+7
=y

Therefore, gof = I R and fog = I R .

2. Let f: W  W be defined as f  n  = n - 1 , if n is odd and f  n  = n + 1 , if

n is even. Show that f is invertible. Find the inverse of f . Here, W is the
set of all whole numbers.

 n-1 if n is odd 
Ans: The function f: W  W is defined as f  n  =  
n+1 if n is even 

For the function to be one – one:

f  n  = f  m

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 80

If n is odd and m is even, then we will have n - 1 = m + 1.
 n-m = 2
Which is not possible.

Similarly, the possibility that of n is even and m is odd can also be ignored.

Therefore, both n and m must be either odd or even.

Now, if both n and m are odd,

f  n  = f  m

n - 1 = m - 1
n=m

if both n and m are even,

f  n  = f  m

n + 1 = m + 1
n=m

Therefore the given function f is one – one.

For the function to be onto:

Now, for any odd number 2r + 1 N is the image of 2r  N and any even number
2r  N is the image of 2r + 1 N .

Hence, the function f is onto.

Therefore, the function f is an invertible function.

m+1 if m is even 
Defining g: W  W as  m  =  
 m-1 if m is odd 

When n is odd:

go  n  = g  f  n  

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 81

= g  n - 1

=n-1+1
=n
When n is even

go  n  = g  f  n  

= g  n + 1

=n+1-1
=n
When m is odd

fo  m  = f  g  m  

= f  m - 1

=m-1+1
=m
When m is even

fo  m  = f  g  m  

= f  m + 1

=m+1-1
=m
Therefore, gof = I W and fog = I W .

Hence, the function f is invertible and the inverse of f is given by f -1 =g , which

is the same as f .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 82

3. If f: R  R is defined by f  x  = x 2 - 3x + 2 , find f  f  x   .

Ans: The function f: R  R is defined as f  x  = x 2 - 3x + 2 .

Calculating f  f  x   :

f  f  x   = f  x 2 - 3x + 2 

=  x 2 - 3x + 2  - 3  x 2 - 3x+2  +2
2

=  x 4 +9x 2 +4-6x 3 -12x+4x 2  +  -3x 2 +9x-6  +2

= x 4 -6x 3 +10x 2 –3x

4. Show that function f: R  {x  R:-1 < x < 1} defined by

x
f  x = ,x  R is one – one and onto function.
1+|x|

x
Ans: The function f: R  {x  R:-1 < x < 1} is defined as f  x  = ,x  R .
1+|x|

For the function f to be one – one:

f  x  = f  y  , where x, y  R .

x y
 =
1+|x| 1+|y|

Assuming that x is positive and y is negative:

x y
=
1+x 1+y

 2xy=x-y

Since, x > y  x-y > 0 .

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 83

But 2xy is negative.

Therefore, 2xy  x - y .

Hence, x being positive and y being negative is not possible. Similarly x being
negative and y being positive can also be ruled out.

So, x and y have to be either positive or negative.

Assuming that both x and y are positive:

f(x)=f(y)

x y
 =
1+x 1+y

 x+xy=y+xy
 x=y

Assuming that both x and y are negative:

f(x)=f(y)

x y
 =
1+x 1+y
 x+xy=y+xy
 x=y

Therefore, the function f is one – one.

For onto:

y  R such that -1 < y < 1 .

y
If y is negative, then, there exists x =  R such that
1+y

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 84

  y 
 y   1+y 
f =
 1+y  1+ y
1+y

y
1+y
=
 -y 
1+  
 1+y 

y
=
1+y-y
=y

y
If y is positive, then, there exists x =  R such that
1-y

 y 
 y   1-y 
f =
 1-y  1+ y
1-y

y
1-y
=
 -y 
1+  
 1-y 

y
=
1-y+y
=y

Therefore, the function f is onto.

Hence the given function f is both one – one and onto.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 85

5. Show that the function f: R  R given by f  x  = x 3 is injective.

Ans: The given function f: R  R is given as f  x  = x 3 .

For the function f to be one – one:

f  x  = f  y  where x, y  R .

 x 3 =y3 …… (1)

We need to show that x=y .

Assuming that x  y , then,

 x 3  y3

Since this is a contradiction to (1), therefore, x=y .

Hence, the function f is injective.

6. Give examples of two functions f: N  Z and g: Z  Z such that gof

is injective but g is not injective.

(Hint: Consider f  x  = x and g  x  = x )

Ans: Taking the function f: N  Z as f  x  = x and the function g: Z  Z as

g x = x .

Showing that g is not injective:

 -1 = -1 = 1

1 = 1= 1

Therefore  -1 = g 1 but -1  1.

Therefore the function g is not injective.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 86

Showing that gof is injective:

The function gof: N  Z is defined as

go  x  = g  f  x  

= gx

= x

Taking x, y  N such that gof  x  = gof  y  .

x = y

Since x, y  N , both are positive.

x=y

Therefore the function gof is injective.

7. Given examples of two functions f: N  N and g: N  N such that gof

is onto but f is not onto.

 x-1, if x>1
(Hint: Consider f  x  = x+1 and  x  =  )
 1, if x>1 

Ans: Taking the function f: N  N as f  x  = x+1

 x-1, if x>1
And the function g: N  N by g  x  =  
1, if x>1 

Showing that g is not onto.

Taking an element 1 in co-domain N .

Since this element is not an image of any of the elements in domain N , therefore
g is not onto.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 87

Showing that gof is onto:

The function gof: N  N is defined as go  x  = g  f  x   .

= g  x + 1

=x+1-1 [ as x  N  x + 1 > 1 ]
=x
So, for y  N , there exists x = y  N such that gof  x  = y .

Therefore, the function gof is onto.

8. Given a non-empty set X , consider P  X  which is the set of all subsets of

X . Define the relation R in P  X  as follows:

For subsets A,B in P  X  , ARB if and only if A  B . Is R an equivalence

relation on P  X  ? Justify you answer.

Ans: We know that every set is a subset of itself, ARA for all A  P  X 

Therefore R is reflexive.

Let ARB  A  B .

This does not mean that B  A .

If A = 1, 2 and B = 1, 2, 3 , then it cannot be implied that B is related to A .

Therefore R is not symmetric.

If ARB and BRC , then;

A  B and B  C
AC
 ARC

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 88

Therefore R is transitive.

Hence, R is not an equivalence relation as it is not symmetric.

9. Given a non-empty set X , consider the binary operation

*: P  X  × P  X   P  X  given by A*B = A  BA, B in P  X  is the
power set of X . Show that X is the identity element for this operation and
X is the only invertible element in P  X  with respect to the operation * .

Ans: The binary operation *: P  X  × P  X   P  X  is given by

A*B = A  BA, B in P  X  .

A  X = A = X  A for all A  P  X 

 A * X = A = X * A for all A  P  X 

X is the identity element for the given binary operation * .

An element A  P  X  is invertible if there exists B  P  X  such that

A*B=X=B*A [As X is the identity element]

Or
A  B=X=B  A
This is only possible when A = X = B.

Therefore, X is the only invertible element in P  X  with respect to the given

operation * .

10. Find the number of all onto functions from the set {1, 2, 3, ... , n} to itself.

Ans: The total number of onto maps from {1, 2, 3, ... , n} to itself will be same
as the total number of permutations on n symbols 1, 2, 3, ... , n .

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Since the total number of permutations on n symbols 1, 2, 3, ... , n is n , thus
total number of onto maps from {1, 2, 3, ... , n} to itself are n .

11. Let S = a, b, c and T = 1, 2, 3 . Find F-1 of the following functions F
from S to T , if it exists.

i. The function is given as F =  a, 3  ,  b, 2  ,  c, 1 .

Ans: The function F: S  T is defined as F =  a, 3 ,  b, 2  ,  c, 1 .

 F  a  = 3, F  b  = 2, F  c  = 1

Therefore, F-1:T  S is given by F-1 =  3, a  ,  2, b  , 1, c  .

ii. The function is given as F =  a, 2 ,  b, 1 ,  c, 1 .

Ans: The function F: S  T is defined as F= a, 2 ,  b, 1 ,  c, 1 .

Since F  b  = F  c  = 1 , the function F is not one – one.

Hence, the function F is not invertible so its inverse does not exist.

12. Consider the binary operations *: R × R  R and o: R × R  R

defined as a*b = a-b and aob =a,a,b  R . Show that * is commutative
but not associative, o is associative but not commutative. Further, show
that a,b,c  R,a*  boc  =  a*b  o  a*c  . [If it is so, we say that the
operation * distributes over the operation o ]. Does o distribute over * ?
Justify your answer.

Ans: It is given that *: R × R  R and o: R × R  R is defined as a*b = a-b

and a ob=a,a,b  R

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 90

For a,b  R , we have a*b = a-b

And,

b*a = b-a    a-b   a-b

Therefore, a*b= b*a .

Hence, operation * is commutative.

For 1,2,3 R ,

1*2*3=  1-2 *3

=1*3

= 1-3

=2
And,

1* 2*3 =1* 2-3 

=1*1
= 1-1

=0

Therefore, 1*2 *3  1* 2*3 .

Hence, the operation * is not associative.

We can observe that, for 1,2,3 R , 1o2=1 and 2o1=2

Therefore, 1o 2  2o1

Hence, the operation o is not commutative.

For a,b, c  R ,

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 91

 a ob  oc =a oc=a
And,

a o  b oc  =a ob=a

Therefore,  a ob  oc  a o  b oc  where a,b, c  R .

Operation o is associative.

For a,b, c  R ,

a * b oc  =a * b= a-b

 a*b  o  a*c =  a-b  o  a-c   a-b

Hence, a * b oc  =  a*b  o  a*c  .

So, if 1,2,3 R , then,

1o  2*3 =1o  2-3 

=1o1

=1
1o2 *1o3 =1*1
= 1-1

=0

Therefore, the operation o does not distribute over * .

13. Given a non - empty set X , let *: P  X  × P  X   P  X  be defined as

A*B=(A-B)  (B-A),A,B  P(X) . Show that the empty set  is the
identity for the operation * and all the elements A of P(X) are invertible
with A-1 =A .
Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 92
(Hint:  A-Φ    Φ-A  =A and  A-A    A-A  =A*A ).

Ans: The function *: P  X  × P  X   P  X  is defined as

A*B=(A-B)  (B-A),A,B  P(X) .

For A  P(X) ,

A*Φ=  A-Φ    Φ-A 

=A  Φ
=A
Φ*A=  Φ-A    A-Φ 

=Φ  A
=A
Therefore, A*Φ=Φ*A for all A  P(X) .

For the given operation * , Φ is the identity element.

For A  P(X) , if there exists B  P(X) such that A*B=Φ=B*A , then element
A  P(X) will be invertible.

For all A  P(X) ,

A*A=  A-A    A-A 

=Φ-Φ
=Φ

Therefore, all the elements A  P(X) are invertible with A-1 =A .

14. Define a binary operation * on the set 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 as

a+b if a+b<6 
a*b=  .
a+b-6 if a+b  6 

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 93

 Show that zero is the identity for this operation and each element a  0 of
the set is invertible with 6-a being the inverse of a .

Ans: Let us take X= 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 .

a+b if a+b<6 
The binary operation * on X is defined as a*b=  .
 a+b-6 if a+b  6 

If a*e=a =e*a for all a  X , then element e  X is the identity element for the
operation * .

For a  X , we have

a*0=a +0= a [ a X  a  0  6 ]

0*a =0+a= a [ a X  a  0  6 ]

Therefore, a*0=0*a for all a  X .

Hence, 0 is the identity element for the given operation * .

For a  X , if there exists b  X such that a*b=0=b*a , then element a  X will be

invertible. That is,

a+b=0=b+a, if a+b<6 
a*b=  
a+b-6=0=b+a-6, if a+b  6 

 a= -b or b=6-a

Since, X= 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and a,b  X . So, a  -b .

Therefore, b=6-a is the inverse of a for all a  X .

15. Let A=-1, 0, 1, 2 ,B=-4, -2, 0, 2 and f,g:A  B be functions defined

1
by f  x  =x 2 -x,x  A and g  x  =2 x- -1,x  A . Are f and g equal?
2

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 94

 Justify your answer. (Hint: One may note that two function f:A  B
and g:A  B such that f  a  =g  a  a  A , are called equal functions)

Ans: Let A=-1, 0, 1, 2 ,B=-4, -2, 0, 2 and f,g:A  B are defined by

1
f  x  =x 2 -x, x  A and g  x  =2 x- -1,x  A .
2

f  -1 =  -1 -  -1

2

=1+1
=2
And,

1
g  -1 =2  -1 - -1
2

3
=2   -1
2
=3-1
=2
 f  -1 =g  -1

f  0 =  0 -  0
2

=0
And,

1
g  0  =2  0  - -1
2

=1-1
=0

 f  0  =g  0 

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 95

f 1 = 1 - 1
2

=1-1
=0
And,

1
g 1 =2 1 - -1
2

1
=2   -1
2

=1-1
=0

 f 1 =g 1

f  2 =  2 -  2
2

=4-2
=2
And,

1
g  2  =2  2  - -1
2

3
=2   -1
2
=3-1
=2
 f  2  =g  2 

Therefore, f  a  =g  a  a  A . Hence functions f and g are equal.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 96

16. Let A=1, 2, 3 Then number of relations containing  1, 2  and  1, 3 
which are reflexive and symmetric but not transitive is

(A) 1

(B) 2

(C) 3

(D) 4

Ans: We are given a set A= 1, 2, 3 .

Let us take the relation R, containing 1, 2 and 1, 3 , as

R=1, 1 ,  2, 2  , 3, 3 , 1, 2  , 1, 3 ,  2, 1, 3, 1 .

As we can see that 1, 1 ,  2, 2  ,  3, 3  R , therefore relation R is reflexive.

Since 1, 2  , 1, 3 ,  2, 1  R , the relation R is symmetric.

The relation Relation R is not transitive because 1, 2  ,  3, 1  R , but  3, 2   R

The relation Relation R will become transitive on adding and two pairs
 3, 2 ,  2, 3 .
Therefore the total number of desired relations is one.

The correct answer is option ( A ) 1 .

17. Let A=1, 2, 3 Then number of equivalence relations containing  1, 2 

is

(A) 1

(B) 2

(C) 3

(D) 4
Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 97
Ans: We are given a set A= 1, 2, 3 .

Let us take the relation R , containing 1, 2  as

R=1, 1 ,  2, 2 ,  3, 3 , 1, 2  ,  2, 1 .

Now the pairs left are  2, 3 ,  3, 2  , 1, 3 ,  3, 1

On order to add one pair, say  2, 3 , we must add  3, 2  for symmetry. And we
are required to add 1, 3 ,  3, 1 for transitivity.

So, only equivalence relation (bigger than R ) is the universal relation.

Therefore, the total number of equivalence relations containing 1, 2  are two.

Hence, the correct answer is (B) 2 .

1,x>0 
 
18. Let f:R  R be the Signum Function defined as  x  =  0,x=0  and
 -1,x<0 
 
g:R  R be the Greatest Integer Function given by g  x  =  x  where
 x is greatest integer less than or equal to x . Then does fog and gof
coincide in (1, 0] ?

1,x>0 
 
Ans: It is given that, f:R  R is defined as R  x  = 0,x=0  and g:R  R is
-1,x<0 
 
defined as g  x  =  x  where  x  is the greatest integer less than or equal to x .

Let us take x  (1, 0] .

So,  x  =1 if x=1 and  x  =0 if 0<x<1 .

Now,

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 98

fog  x  = f  g  x  

= f  x 

f 1 ,if x=1 

= 
f  0  ,if x   0,1 

1,if x=1 
= 
 0,if x   0,1 

go  x  = g  f  x   =g 1 [as x>0 ]

= 1

=1

Therefore, when x(1,0], fog = 0 and gof = 1, so they do not coincede in (1.0].

19. Number of binary operations on the set {a,b} are

(A) 10

(B) 16

(C) 20

(D) 8

Ans: A binary operation * on {a.b} is a function defined as {a,b}x{a,b}  {a.b}.

That is, * is a function from {(a,a), (a,b), (b,a), (b,b)} {a,b}.

4
Therefore the total number of binary operations on the set {a,b} is 2 =16 .

Hence, the correct answer is (B) 16.

Class XII Maths www.vedantu.com 99