Discrete math - equivalence relation

In summary, for any set A and total function f:A->B, the relation R={(x,y) belonging to A*A:f(x)=f(y)} is defined. To prove that f is one-to-one, it is necessary for the equivalence classes of R to all be singletons. This can be shown by the definition of one-to-one and the equivalence classes of R.
  • #1
tukilala
3
0
Let A be a set. For every set B and total function f:A->B we define a relation R on A by R={(x,y) belonging to A*A:f(x)=f(y)}



*belonging to - because i don't know how to make the symbole...


Prove that f is one-to-one if and only if the equivalence classes of R are all singletones
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
You can write TeX code by inserting [ tex] ... [\ tex] and putting the code in between (obviously without the spaces). The notation for element of is \in: [tex] x \in A [/tex].

You can hit quote to see the code behind what I wrote.
 
  • #3
Have you made any attempt at this problem? It should follow easily from the definitions.
 
  • #4
OK, here is one attempt.
f is 1-1 iff for every x,y if f(x)=f(y) then x=y.

The relation is defined by ~<=> x~y<=>f(x)=f(y), thus the equivalence class [x]={y|y~x}={y|f(x)=f(y)} if it's one to one it's evident that [x] is a singleton.
 
  • #5
Btw, it's not in the right place this thread of yours, it should be in the set theory section.
 

What is an equivalence relation in discrete math?

An equivalence relation is a mathematical concept that describes a relationship between elements of a set. It is a binary relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. This means that every element in the set is related to itself, if x is related to y then y is also related to x, and if x is related to y and y is related to z, then x is also related to z.

How is an equivalence relation different from other types of relations?

An equivalence relation is different from other types of relations because it satisfies all three properties of reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity. This means that it is a stronger relationship than other types of relations, such as partial orders or strict orders, which only satisfy one or two of these properties.

What are some examples of equivalence relations?

Some examples of equivalence relations include the relation "is equal to" on the set of real numbers, the relation "is congruent to" on the set of triangles, and the relation "is similar to" on the set of shapes. In all of these examples, the relation satisfies the three properties of reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity.

How are equivalence classes used in discrete math?

Equivalence classes are used to partition a set into subsets of elements that are related to each other by an equivalence relation. This allows us to group together elements that have similar properties or characteristics, making it easier to analyze and understand the set as a whole. Equivalence classes are also useful for proving theorems and solving problems in discrete math.

What is the importance of equivalence relations in discrete math?

Equivalence relations are important in discrete math because they help us to establish relationships between elements of a set and to understand the structure of a set. They are also used to define important mathematical concepts, such as equivalence classes, which are essential for solving problems and proving theorems in discrete math.

Similar threads

  • Differential Geometry
Replies
2
Views
588
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Precalculus Mathematics Homework Help
Replies
10
Views
884
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
23
Views
1K
  • Calculus and Beyond Homework Help
Replies
12
Views
1K
Replies
8
Views
2K
  • Quantum Physics
Replies
7
Views
122
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
1K
  • Set Theory, Logic, Probability, Statistics
Replies
3
Views
1K
Back
Top