An example of a relation that is symmetric and anti-symmetric

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SUMMARY

The relation R = {(1,1),(2,2)} on the set A = {1,2,3} is a valid example of a relation that is both symmetric and anti-symmetric. This is because the only relations that satisfy both properties are those of the form {(x,x) | x ∈ B} for some subset B ⊆ A. Additionally, the relation R = {(1,2),(2,1),(2,3)} demonstrates a case that is neither symmetric nor anti-symmetric, highlighting that most relations do not fall into these specific categories.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of symmetric relations in set theory
  • Knowledge of anti-symmetric relations in set theory
  • Familiarity with the concepts of relations and sets
  • Basic comprehension of mathematical notation and definitions
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the properties of equivalence relations and their characteristics
  • Learn about partial orders and how they relate to anti-symmetry
  • Explore examples of relations that are neither symmetric nor anti-symmetric
  • Investigate the implications of symmetric and anti-symmetric relations in graph theory
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Mathematicians, computer scientists, and students studying discrete mathematics or set theory will benefit from this discussion, particularly those interested in the properties of relations.

Magenta55
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Would this example be valid in satisfying a relation that is symmetric and anti-symmetric?

The relation R = {(1,1),(2,2)} on the set A = {1,2,3}

Also, I'm curious to know since relations can both be neither symmetric and anti-symmetric, would R = {(1,2),(2,1),(2,3)} be an example of such a relation? (I'm unsure if I'm using the definitions correctly).
 
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Magenta55 said:
Would this example be valid in satisfying a relation that is symmetric and anti-symmetric?
The relation R = {(1,1),(2,2)} on the set A = {1,2,3}.
Yes, and that's essentially the only case : If R is both symmetric and antisymmetric then R must be the relation ## \{(x,x),x \in B\} ## for some subset ## B\subset A ##.
Also, I'm curious to know since relations can both be neither symmetric and anti-symmetric, would R = {(1,2),(2,1),(2,3)} be an example of such a relation?
Yes. Symmetric or antisymmetric are special cases, most relations are neither (although a lot of useful/interesting relations are one or the other).
 
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