A little help with symmetric, reflexive and transitive

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In summary, the conversation discusses determining whether a relation is reflexive, symmetric, or transitive. The first dilemma involves the relation "isFatherOf" on the set of people, which is determined to be neither reflexive, symmetric, antisymmetric, nor transitive. The second dilemma involves the relation R = {(x,y)} | x^2 + y^2 = 1} for x and y real numbers, which is determined to be symmetric but not reflexive, antisymmetric, or transitive. The third dilemma involves the relation R = {(x,y) | x mod y = 0} for x, y in the set {1, 2, 3, 4}, which is determined to be reflex
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BlackMamba
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Hello,

It's been a while since I've had to determine whether a relation is reflexive, symmetric or transitive so I would appreciate a bit of guidance. I now that being reflexive means the relation xRx for all x and being symmetric implies xRy and yRx for all x, y and transitive implies that if (xRy and yRz) then xRz.

But here are my dilemmas:

1. isFatherOf on the set of people: Based on my thinking this is not reflexive. If I have Bob, and put him in the relation Bob isFatherOf Bob, someone can't be the father of themselves, so that fails. At least this is how I'm reasoning this and for some reason I can't see any other way to reason it. Secondly, it's not symmetric. If again I use Bob and Ted and put them in the relation, Bob isFatherOf Ted, Ted cannot be father of Bob so this relation also fails. Lastly, for being transitive that also fails. Using Bob and Ted, I'll add Henry and put them into the relation as follows: Bob isFatherOf Ted and Ted isFatherOf Henry therefore Bob cannot be father of Henry since Ted is.

So my final answer is it is neither reflexive, symmetric, antisymmetric or transitive.

Again, these are my ways of reasoning it out. I hope I'm on the right path with this.

2. The relation R = {(x,y)} | x^2 + y^2 = 1} for x and y real numbers.
Here do I need to make sure the numbers I use to test the relation for x and y when put in the equation x^2 + y^2 = 1 to make the equation equal 1? I mean if that's the case then x and y can only be (0,1) and (1,0) to have the equation hold. Which then would state that the relation is not reflexive, antisymmetric, and transitive but is symmetric.

Lastly, 3. The relation R = {(x,y) | x mod y = 0} for x, y in the set {1, 2, 3, 4}.
Again for this one, there is an equation involved. So do I take all combination's in the set in which x mod y will equal 0? Like (1,1), (2,2), (3,3), (4,4), (2,1), (3,1), (4,1) all of those (x,y) will produce x mod y = 0. So base on this my answer is as follows:

The relation is reflexive since xRx for all x.
The relation is not symmetric since 2R1 (2,1) is present but 1R2 (1,2) is not.
The relation is transitive since 2R2 (2,2) and 2R1 (2,1) implies 2R1 (2,1).
The relation is antisymmetric since (1,2), (1,3) and (1,4) are not present.

So my final answer for this one is the relation is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.Thanks in advance for any help provided, it is greatly appreciated.
 
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Opps I also left out antisymmetric. I don't understand how if aRb and bRa then a=b. I could use a little guidance on this one too. Thanks.
 

1. What is symmetry in relation to sets?

Symmetry refers to the property of a relation on a set where if two elements are related, then the reverse relationship also holds. In other words, if a relates to b, then b also relates to a. This can also be thought of as a mirror image or reflection of a relation.

2. How can I determine if a relation is symmetric?

To determine if a relation is symmetric, you can check if for every pair of elements a and b in the set, if a relates to b, then b also relates to a. If this is true for all pairs, then the relation is symmetric.

3. What is a reflexive relation?

A reflexive relation is a relation on a set where every element in the set is related to itself. In other words, for every element a in the set, a relates to a. This can be thought of as a self-relationship or self-reflection.

4. Can a relation be both symmetric and reflexive?

Yes, a relation can be both symmetric and reflexive. In fact, any relation that is both symmetric and reflexive is also transitive. This type of relation is known as an equivalence relation.

5. What is a transitive relation?

A transitive relation is a relation on a set where if a relates to b and b relates to c, then a also relates to c. In other words, if there is a chain of relationships between elements, then the first and last element in the chain are also related. This can be thought of as a "domino effect" where the relationship between a and b "transfers" to the relationship between b and c.

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