Question

Show that each of the relation R in the set, given by

(i)

(ii)

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

Answer 1

(i)

For any element a ∈A, we have (a, a) ∈ R as is a multiple of 4.

∴R is reflexive.

Now, let (a, b) ∈ R ⇒ is a multiple of 4.

⇒ (b, a) ∈ R

∴R is symmetric.

Now, let (a, b), (b, c) ∈ R.

⇒ (a, c) ∈R

∴ R is transitive.

Hence, R is an equivalence relation.

The set of elements related to 1 is {1, 5, 9} since

(ii) R = {(a, b): a = b}

For any element a ∈A, we have (a, a) ∈ R, since a = a.

∴R is reflexive.

Now, let (a, b) ∈ R.

⇒ a = b

⇒ b = a

⇒ (b, a) ∈ R

∴R is symmetric.

Now, let (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R.

⇒ a = b and b = c

⇒ a = c

⇒ (a, c) ∈ R

∴ R is transitive.

Hence, R is an equivalence relation.

The elements in R that are related to 1 will be those elements from set A which are equal to 1.

Hence, the set of elements related to 1 is {1}.