Question

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.

Answer 1

R = {(1, 2), (2, 2), (1, 1), (4, 4), (1, 3), (3, 3), (3, 2)}

It is seen that (a, a) ∈ R, for every a ∈{1, 2, 3, 4}.

∴ R is reflexive.

It is seen that (1, 2) ∈ R, but (2, 1) ∉ R.

∴R is not symmetric.

Also, it is observed that (a, b), (b, c) ∈ R ⇒ (a, c) ∈ R for all a, b, c ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4}.

∴ R is transitive.

Hence, R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

The correct answer is B.