Chapter 12: Problem 5
Let \(\sim_{1}\) and \(\sim_{2}\) be distinct equivalence relations on \(A\). Define \(\sim_{3}\) by: \(a \sim_{3} b\) iff \(a \sim_{1} b\) and \(a \sim_{2} b\). Prove that \(\sim_{3}\) is an equivalence relation on \(A\). If \([x]_{i}\) denotes the equivalence class of \(x\) for \(\sim_{i}(i=1,2,3)\), prove that \([x]_{3}=[x]_{1} \cap[x]_{2} .\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Prove Reflexivity of \(\sim_3\)
Prove Symmetry of \(\sim_3\)
Prove Transitivity of \(\sim_3\)
Prove \([x]_3 = [x]_1 \cap [x]_2\)
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Reflexivity
Let's consider the set \(A\) and equivalence relations \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\) on it, which by definition are reflexive. This means for every element \(a\) in \(A\), \(a \sim_1 a\) and \(a \sim_2 a\) hold true. When defining a new equivalence relation \(\sim_3\) using these two, we say \(a \sim_3 a\) if both \(a \sim_1 a\) and \(a \sim_2 a\) are true.
Thus, since \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\) are reflexive, \(\sim_3\) must also be reflexive because it inherits the property from them.
Symmetry
For the equivalence relations \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\) on a set \(A\), they inherently have this symmetry property. This means if \(a \sim_1 b\), then \(b \sim_1 a\), and similarly, \(a \sim_2 b\) implies \(b \sim_2 a\).
Now, consider \(\sim_3\) defined such that \(a \sim_3 b\) if both \(a \sim_1 b\) and \(a \sim_2 b\). Given the symmetry of \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\), it follows that \(b \sim_1 a\) and \(b \sim_2 a\), thereby satisfying \(b \sim_3 a\). Thus, the symmetry of \(\sim_3\) is preserved through its definition.
Transitivity
With equivalence relations \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\), transitivity is a given. So if \(a \sim_1 b\) and \(b \sim_1 c\), then \(a \sim_1 c\). The same logic applies for \(\sim_2\).
Defining \(\sim_3\) as before, such that \(a \sim_3 b\) implies both \(a \sim_1 b\) and \(a \sim_2 b\), we can deduce that if both \(b \sim_1 c\) and \(b \sim_2 c\) hold, then \(a \sim_3 c\) must be true because of transitivity in the underlying relations \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\). Thus, \(\sim_3\) retains transitivity.
Equivalence Classes
Suppose you have an equivalence relation \(\sim\) on a set \(A\). For any element \(x\) in \(A\), the equivalence class \([x]\) contains all elements \(y\) such that \(x \sim y\).
In our case, the relation \(\sim_3\) is built from both \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\). The equivalence class \([x]_3\) for \(\sim_3\) consists of all elements \(y\) such that \(x \sim_3 y\), which occurs if \(x \sim_1 y\) and \(x \sim_2 y\). Hence, \([x]_3\) is effectively the intersection of the equivalence classes \([x]_1\) and \([x]_2\) from the relations \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\). This intersection property arises naturally from the definition of \(\sim_3\).
Intersection of Sets
In terms of equivalence relations and their classes, the intersection plays a crucial role. Given our relations \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\), each defines equivalence classes \([x]_1\) and \([x]_2\) for an element \(x\). The equivalence class \([x]_3\) for the relation \(\sim_3\) is precisely the intersection \([x]_1 \cap [x]_2\).
This means, to find \([x]_3\), we look for elements common to both \([x]_1\) and \([x]_2\). This effectively shows how \(\sim_3\) narrows down the equivalence by requiring elements meet the criteria of both \(\sim_1\) and \(\sim_2\). Thus, the concept of intersection helps understand the formation of equivalence classes in \(\sim_3\).