Chapter 9: Problem 56
Show that the relation \(R\) on a set \(A\) is reflexive if and only if the complementary relation \(\overline{R}\) is irreflexive.
Short Answer
Expert verified
A relation \(R\) is reflexive if and only if \(\bar{R}\) is irreflexive because \( \forall a \, \text{in} \, A, (a, a) \, \text{is in} \, R \) implies \( (a, a) \, \text{is not in} \, \bar{R}\) and vice versa.
Step by step solution
01
Understanding Reflexivity
A relation \(R\) on a set \(A\) is reflexive if every element in \(A\) is related to itself. Formally, \(R\) is reflexive if \( \forall a \, \text{in} \, A, (a, a) \, \text{is in} \, R\).
02
Understanding Irreflexivity
A relation \(\bar{R}\) (complementary of \(R\)) on a set \(A\) is irreflexive if no element in \(A\) is related to itself. Formally, \(\bar{R}\) is irreflexive if \( \forall a \, \text{in} \, A, (a, a) \, \text{is not in} \, \bar{R}\).
03
Complementary Relation
The complementary relation \(\bar{R}\) consists of all the pairings in \(A \times A\) that are not in \(R\). Therefore, \((a, b) \, \text{is in} \, \bar{R}\) if and only if \((a, b) \, \text{is not in} \, R\).
04
Prove Reflexivity implies Irreflexivity of the Complement
Assume \(R\) is reflexive. Then, by definition, \( \forall a \, \text{in} \, A, (a, a) \, \text{is in} \, R\). Consequently, \( (a, a) \, \text{is not in} \, \bar{R}\) for all \(a\). This implies that \(\bar{R}\) is irreflexive.
05
Prove Irreflexivity of the Complement implies Reflexivity
Assume \(\bar{R}\) is irreflexive. Then, by definition, \( \forall a \, \text{in} \, A, (a, a) \, \text{is not in} \, \bar{R}\). This means that \( (a, a) \, \text{is in} \, R\) for all \(a\). Hence, \(R\) is reflexive.
06
Conclusion
Therefore, we have shown that a relation \(R\) is reflexive if and only if its complementary relation \(\bar{R}\) is irreflexive.
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.
Relations in Discrete Mathematics
In discrete mathematics, relations are a way of describing a relationship between elements of a set. When we talk about a relation on a set \(A\), it typically refers to a subset of the Cartesian product \(A \times A\). This means a relation \(R\) can be understood as any collection of ordered pairs \((a, b)\) where both \(a\) and \(b\) belong to \(A\).
Types of relations include:
Types of relations include:
- Reflexive Relation: Every element is related to itself. Mathematically, \(R\) is reflexive if \(\forall a \in A, (a, a) \in R\).
- Irreflexive Relation: No element is related to itself. Mathematically, \(\forall a \in A, (a, a) otin R\).
- Symmetric Relation: If \(a\) is related to \(b\), then \(b\) is related to \(a\). Mathematically, \(\forall a, b \in A, (a, b) \in R \Rightarrow (b, a) \in R\).
- Transitive Relation: If \(a\) is related to \(b\) and \(b\) is related to \(c\), then \(a\) is related to \(c\). Mathematically, \(\forall a, b, c \in A, (a, b) \in R \wedge (b, c) \in R \Rightarrow (a, c) \in R\).
Complementary Relation
The complementary relation \( \overline{R} \) of a given relation \( R \) on a set \( A \) consists of all pairs \((a, b)\) in \(A \times A\) that are not in \(R\). Essentially, if \( (a, b) \in \overline{R} \), then \( (a, b) otin R \), and vice versa.
Here's a deeper look:
Here's a deeper look:
- Complement: The concept of a complement is akin to taking everything that is not in the original set. In this context, it means every ordered pair not present in \( R \).
- Example: If \( A = \{1, 2\} \) and \( R = \{(1, 1), (2, 2)\} \), then the complement \( \overline{R} \) will be \( \{(1, 2), (2, 1)\} \).
Proof Techniques
Proving properties about relations often involves clear logical steps. Let's break down the key techniques used in proofs concerning reflexivity and irreflexivity.
Understanding Definitions: First, it's crucial to understand the definitions involved. For reflexive relations, we need \( (a, a) \in R \) for all \( a \in A \). For irreflexive relations, we need \( (a, a) otin \overline{R} \) for all \( a \in A \).
Direct Proof Method: Often we use direct proof where we assume one property and then show another:
Contrapositive Proof Method: Sometimes proving a contrapositive can simplify the effort:
Understanding Definitions: First, it's crucial to understand the definitions involved. For reflexive relations, we need \( (a, a) \in R \) for all \( a \in A \). For irreflexive relations, we need \( (a, a) otin \overline{R} \) for all \( a \in A \).
Direct Proof Method: Often we use direct proof where we assume one property and then show another:
- To prove that \( R \) being reflexive implies that \( \overline{R} \) is irreflexive, start by assuming \( R \) is reflexive.
- We then show that \( (a, a) otin \overline{R} \), meaning \( \overline{R} \) is irreflexive.
Contrapositive Proof Method: Sometimes proving a contrapositive can simplify the effort:
- Instead of directly proving \( P \Rightarrow Q \), we prove \( eg Q \Rightarrow eg P \).
- If \( \overline{R} \) was not irreflexive, it would mean \( R \) is not reflexive.