Chapter 2: Problem 12
Suppose that \(\mathcal{R}\) is a reflexive, symmetric binary relation on a set \(A\). Show that the transitive closure \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is an equivalence relation.
Short Answer
Expert verified
Since \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive, it is an equivalence relation.
Step by step solution
01
Understand the Definitions
An equivalence relation is a binary relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. Given that \(\mathcal{R}\) is reflexive and symmetric, we need to show that \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) satisfies all three properties to be an equivalence relation.
02
Establish Reflexivity of \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\)
Since \(\mathcal{R}\) is reflexive, for every element \(a \in A\), \((a, a) \in \mathcal{R}\). In a transitive closure, reflexivity is automatically preserved, thus \(\forall a \in A, (a, a) \in \mathcal{R}^{*}\). Therefore, \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is reflexive.
03
Establish Symmetry of \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\)
Since \(\mathcal{R}\) is symmetric, for any \((a, b) \in \mathcal{R}\), \((b, a) \in \mathcal{R}\). In the transitive closure, symmetric pairs will be preserved, so for all pairs \((a, b) \in \mathcal{R}^{*}\), \((b, a) \in \mathcal{R}^{*}\) too, which means \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is symmetric.
04
Establish Transitivity of \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\)
The transitive closure \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is defined as the smallest transitive relation that contains \(\mathcal{R}\). By definition, \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is transitive because any sequence of related elements in \(\mathcal{R}\) will have their closure in \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\). Hence, for any \((a, b)\) and \((b, c)\) in \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\), we have \((a, c)\) in \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\).
05
Conclude that \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is an Equivalence Relation
Having proven that \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) satisfies reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity, it follows that \(\mathcal{R}^{*}\) is indeed an equivalence relation.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Transitive Closure
The transitive closure of a relation is an essential concept when dealing with equivalence relations. If you have a relation \( \mathcal{R} \) on a set \( A \), the transitive closure, denoted \( \mathcal{R}^* \), encompasses \( \mathcal{R} \) and ensures that it is transitive. In simpler terms, transitivity means if there is a direct path from element \( a \) to \( b \) and from \( b \) to \( c \), then there should also be a direct path from \( a \) to \( c \).
Here’s how it works:
Here’s how it works:
- Start with the original pairs in \( \mathcal{R} \).
- Add pairs to make the relation transitive: if \( (a, b) \) and \( (b, c) \) are in \( \mathcal{R} \), then \( (a, c) \) should also be in \( \mathcal{R}^* \).
- Continue this process until no more pairs can be added.
Reflexive Relation
A reflexive relation is a straightforward yet important concept in the study of relations. For a relation \( \mathcal{R} \) on a set \( A \) to be reflexive, every element must be related to itself. This means that for every \( a \) in \( A \), the pair \( (a, a) \) should exist in the relation.
Key features of reflexivity include:
Key features of reflexivity include:
- Every element has a loop back onto itself.
- This property is inherently preserved in the transitive closure of a relation.
Symmetric Relation
Symmetry in relations adds a level of reciprocal respect between the elements of a set. A relation \( \mathcal{R} \) on a set \( A \) is symmetric if whenever an element \( a \) is related to an element \( b \), \( b \) is also related to \( a \). In more formal terms, for all \( (a, b) \) in \( \mathcal{R} \), \( (b, a) \) should also be in \( \mathcal{R} \).
Characteristics of symmetric relations include:
Characteristics of symmetric relations include:
- For each connection in one direction, there must be a corresponding connection in the opposite direction.
- This quality must be maintained in the transitive closure to ensure symmetry in \( \mathcal{R}^* \).