Equivalence Relation Homework: Proving Transitivity

In summary, the conversation discusses how to prove the transitive property of the relation R on N × N, given by (a,b)R(c,d) iff ad(b+c) = bc(a+d). The attempt at a solution involves rearranging the relation into the form f(a,b) = f(c,d) for some function f. The method involves algebraically manipulating the relation to get ab(x-y)=xy(a-b), which proves the transitive property.
  • #1
Suraj M
Gold Member
597
39

Homework Statement


If a relation R on N × N is
(a,b)R(c,d) iff
ad(b+c) = bc(a+d)

Homework Equations


--

The Attempt at a Solution


I got the reflexive and symmetric parts but not the transitive part...
here's what i have
## (a,b)(c,d)∈R and (c,d)(e,f)∈R##
To prove ##(a,b)(e,f) ∈ R## .i.e., ##af(b+e)= be(a+f)##
i have
$$ad(b+c) = bc(a+d)$$and$$de(c+f) = cf(d+e)$$
my attempt was...
multiplying we get $$afcd(b+c)(d+e) = becd(c+f)(a+d)$$
$$af(b+c)(d+e) = be(c+f)(a+d)$$
by cancelling ##afbe## on both sides i get
$$af(bd+cd+ce) = be(ac+cd+fd)$$
stuck here :(
is this a wrong method, if not how do i proceed??,
Thank you
 
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  • #2
what to proove
 
  • #3
See if you can rearrange R into the form f(a,b) = f(c,d) for some function f.
 
  • #4
MK5 said:
what to proove
Suraj M said:
To prove (a,b)(e,f)∈R(a,b)(e,f) ∈ R .i.e., af(b+e)=be(a+f)af(b+e)= be(a+f)
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
See if you can rearrange R into the form f(a,b) = f(c,d) for some function f.
Im sorry, but could you please tell me how i could do that?
 
  • #6
Suraj M said:
Im sorry, but could you please tell me how i could do that?

Do some algebra. If ##(a,b)R(x,y)## then ##ay(b+x)=bx(a+y)##. Try to rearrange that equation so ##x## and ##y## are on one side and ##a## and ##b## are on the other.
 
  • #7
Il get ##ab(x-y)=xy(a-b)##
How will that help..?
 
  • #8
Oh brilliant!
Got it thanks!
All of you thank you..
 

1. What is an equivalence relation?

An equivalence relation is a mathematical concept that defines a relationship between elements in a set. It is a binary relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive, meaning that it satisfies the properties of equality.

2. How do I prove transitivity for an equivalence relation?

To prove transitivity for an equivalence relation, you must show that if a is related to b and b is related to c, then a is also related to c. This can be done by using the definition of the equivalence relation and the properties of reflexivity and symmetry.

3. What are some examples of equivalence relations?

Some examples of equivalence relations include equality of integers, congruence of geometric shapes, and similarity of triangles. In each of these examples, the relation satisfies the properties of reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity.

4. Why is transitivity important in equivalence relations?

Transitivity is important in equivalence relations because it allows us to make logical deductions and draw conclusions about the relationships between elements in a set. It also helps to simplify complex mathematical problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts.

5. How can I use transitivity to solve a problem related to equivalence relations?

To use transitivity to solve a problem related to equivalence relations, you can apply the transitive property to the given information and use it to make logical deductions. You can also use transitivity to prove or disprove the equivalence of two elements in a set.

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