How Do I Define an Equivalence Relation on a Subset?

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To define an equivalence relation on a subset, it must satisfy the properties of transitivity, symmetry, and reflexivity. An equivalence relation R from set A to set B is represented as a subset of the Cartesian product A X B, containing ordered pairs (a, b) that indicate a relationship between a and b. In the example provided, the equivalence relation is a subset of R X R, specifically for pairs (x, y) where both x and y are within the interval [0, 1]. The Cartesian product I X I indeed has the required properties for an equivalence relation. Clarifying the question may lead to better assistance in defining an explicit equivalence relation.
mcfc
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If I have a subset, how do I define an equivalence relation.
I understand it has to satisfy three properties:transitive, symmetric and reflexive, but I'm not sure how to give an explicit definition of the equivalence relation, for example on I where
I=\{(x,y) : 0 \le x\le 1 \ \& \ 0 \le y \le 1\}
 
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Do you know what a cartesian product is? If you don't its a very important topic for anyone learning set theory to know.

If you do, then an equivalence relation R from A to B is a subset of A X B. In other words an equivalence relation R contains those ordered pairs (a,b) \in A X B such that a is related to b by R.

In your example that equivalence relation is a subset of \Re X \Re consisting of those (x,y) \in \Re X \Re such that 0 \leq x \leq 1, 0 \leq y \leq 1.

Hope that makes sense to you.
 


CharmedQuark said:
Do you know what a cartesian product is? If you don't its a very important topic for anyone learning set theory to know.

If you do, then an equivalence relation R from A to B is a subset of A X B. In other words an equivalence relation R contains those ordered pairs (a,b) \in A X B such that a is related to b by R.

In your example that equivalence relation is a subset of \Re X \Re consisting of those (x,y) \in \Re X \Re such that 0 \leq x \leq 1, 0 \leq y \leq 1.

Hope that makes sense to you.

HI

That does makes sense, but I can't see how to define an explicit equivalence relation...?
 


mcfc said:
...for example on I where
I=\{(x,y) : 0 \le x\le 1 \ \& \ 0 \le y \le 1\}

I x I has the required properties, right?
 


bpet said:
I x I has the required properties, right?

sorry...I don't follow(again)
 


mcfc said:
sorry...I don't follow(again)

The equivalence relation you gave is a relation on the set I. I X I is the cartesian product of I with itself. Since the relation R is from I to I it is a subset of I X I. An equivalence relation is a set and can be written as such.

Perhaps if you rephrased your question I could be of more help?
 
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