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onto

onto

9.0
A function where every result comes from some input
  • adjective
  • /ˈɒntu/
  • Specialized
translation icon : sobreyectivo
  • In our class, we learned that a function is onto if it maps to every element in the target set.

Examples

  • So FA to B is onto or surjective.

  • We showed that PSI was onto, so we did that right here.

  • 5 Aquinas on the onto-logical proof.

    Academic text (1995)
  • The function was proved to be onto because every output value corresponds to an input value.

  • Mathematicians often discuss whether a transformation is onto when analyzing its properties.

Synonyms

surjective
vsonto
  • Specialized
9.9

A function where every output value comes from at least one input

is a common alternative phrasing for the same function property

Compounds

onto function
  • Specialized
9.6

A rule that gives every possible output from some input

Surface Forms

onto positive

Etymology

Onto in math comes from the idea of putting something on ('on') to ('toward') every result; think of mapping at least one input 'onto' each output. That's why a function is called onto when every possible output comes from some input.