Let $k$ be a field and let $\phi: S\to R=S/I$ be $k$-algebras. Then given a homomorphism $\varphi: I\to R$, it's said that it induces a homomorphism $\psi:I/I^2\to R$ since $\varphi$ kills $I^2$.
I am not sure about this: if $\varphi(x)$ is nontrivial in $R$, then $\varphi(x^2)=\varphi(x)^2$ can be nontrivial in $R=S/I$, right? Hope someone can help. Thanks!