Are These Relations Symmetric?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on determining the symmetry of various mathematical relations. Relation 1, defined as x~y if x-y is positive, is not symmetric. Relation 2, where x~y if xy >= 0, is confirmed as symmetric since the product of x and y being non-negative holds true in both directions. Relation 3 raises questions about its symmetry, as it is possible to find values of x and y where x + 2y is positive while y + 2x is not. The conversation concludes with a challenge to test the symmetry of relation 3 further.
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Determine which of these relations are symmetric

1) x~y if and only if x-y is positive
2) x~y if and only if xy >= 0
3) x~y if and only if x+2y is positive
4) x~y if and only if x+y is positive
5) x~y if and only if x+y is odd

I thought all but 1) but this was wrong.
The only one I am sure that is symmetric is 2)
 
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It is certainly true that if x+ y is positive, so is y+ x.

It is certainly true that if x+ y is odd, so is y+ x.

What about "x+ 2y is positive"? Can you find x such that x+ 2y is positive but y+ 2x is not?
 
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