Basic Set Theory: Determining Relations: Reflexive, Symmetric, Transitive

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on the classification of a specific relation in set theory: {(b,d), (a,c), (d,c), (e,e), (b,c)} on the set {a,b,c,d,e}. The relation is identified as Nonreflexive, Nonsymmetric, and Transitive. It is clarified that the relation is not Reflexive due to the absence of pairs (a,a), (b,b), and (c,c). The distinction between Asymmetric and Antisymmetric is also explored, with definitions provided for both terms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic set theory concepts
  • Familiarity with relation properties: Reflexive, Symmetric, Transitive
  • Knowledge of logical implications in mathematics
  • Ability to analyze ordered pairs in sets
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the definitions and examples of Reflexive, Symmetric, and Transitive relations
  • Learn the differences between Asymmetric and Antisymmetric relations
  • Explore additional properties of relations in set theory
  • Practice with various sets and relations to classify their properties
USEFUL FOR

Students in philosophy or mathematics courses, educators teaching set theory, and anyone interested in the foundational concepts of relations in mathematics.

Bob4040
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I am taking a philosophy course that covers basic set theory as part of the introduction. I’m not sure in which section of the forum set theory should be, but I think this is the right place.

Homework Statement



For each of the following relations, indicate whether it is Reflexive, Nonreflexive, Irrelfexive, Symmetric, Nonsymmetric, Asymmetric, Antisymmetric, Transitive, Nontransitive, and Intransitive.

9) {(b,d), (a,c), (d,c), (e,e), (b,c)} on the set {a,b,c,d,e}.

Homework Equations


The Attempt at a Solution



I believe they are Nonreflexive, nonsymmetric, and transitive.

I do not know if they are Asymmetric or Antisymmetric because I do not know how to deal with (e,e).
 
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You are correct that this relation is not symmetric because it contains (a, c) but not (c, a). It is not reflexive because it does not contain (a, a), (b, b), and (c, c). It is transitive because the only pairs of the form '(x, y), (y, z)' are (b, d) and (d, c) and it does contain (b, c). What is the difference between 'asymmetric' and 'antisymmetric'?
 
HallsofIvy said:
What is the difference between 'asymmetric' and 'antisymmetric'?


Asymmetric: xRy \Rightarrow \neg (yRx)

Antisymmetric: xRy \wedge yRx \Rightarrow x=y
 

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