# Does homotopy between functions can induce homotopy between their images?

Let $f,g$ be two continuous functions between topological spaces $X$ and $Y$. Suppose $f$ and $g$ are homotopic, can we say $f(X)$ and $g(X)$ are homotopic?

I think intuitively they are. Because $f\simeq g$ means there exists an $H:X\times I\rightarrow Y$ which is continuous such that $H(x,0)=f(x),H(x,1)=g(x)$. I think it is saying that the image of $f$, namely $f(X)$, can continuously deform into $g(X)$. Then it seems to mean $f(X)$ and $g(X)$ are homotopic, by the geometric intuition of homotopy.

But trouble comes when I try to prove it. For this end, I need to construct a map from $f(X)$ to $g(X)$ and a map from $g(X)$ to $f(X)$. However, after some try, I cannot find such map.

Can anyone help?

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Functions are homotopic; spaces are homotopy equivalent. –  Zev Chonoles Jul 1 '13 at 16:24
@ZevChonoles, I mean that, sorry for misuse.. –  hxhxhx88 Jul 1 '13 at 16:26

No. For example, let $X$ be a two-point discrete space, $Y$ be $\Bbb{R}$, $f$ be constant and $g$ be nonconstant.