Equivalence relations problem (algebra)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around an equivalence relation defined on the set of all integers, where two integers are related if the difference of their squares is even. The participants are exploring the implications of this relation, particularly in finding a well-defined bijection from the equivalence classes to a set with two elements.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants discuss the nature of the set A and its equivalence classes, questioning whether a bijection to set B is feasible given the cardinality of the sets. Some express confusion about the definitions and the implications of the equivalence relation.

Discussion Status

The conversation is ongoing, with participants providing insights and pushing each other to clarify their understanding of the equivalence relation and the associated bijection. There are indications of differing interpretations of the sets involved, and some participants are attempting to reconcile these views.

Contextual Notes

There are mentions of potential misunderstandings regarding the definition of the set A and the nature of the equivalence classes formed by the relation. Some participants are reflecting on the definitions and the requirements for a bijection, indicating a need for further exploration of these concepts.

Pearce_09
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Z = all integers

A = Z; m is related to n, means that m^2 - n^2 is even;
B = {0,1}

I already proved that this is a equivalence relation, but i just don't know how to;

I need to find a well defined bejection
sigma : A_= -> B


I hope this makes sense.. i wrote it up as well as I can.
 
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Pearce_09 said:
Z = all integers
A = Z; m is related to n, means that m^2 - n^2 is even;
B = {0,1}
I already proved that this is a equivalence relation, but i just don't know how to;
I need to find a well defined bejection
sigma : A_= -> B
I hope this makes sense.. i wrote it up as well as I can.

You want a bijection from A to B?

Is that was you are looking for?

Note: If that is the case, that isn't possible.
 
I'm confused, why wouldn't that be possible??
 
A is an equivalence class,
so yes i am looking for
A_= -> B
 
A has more than two elements, where B has two elements.

If I got the definition of bijection, which I think I do, then it's not possible.
 
I could be reading the definition of the set A incorrectly.
 
no, i think A is really Z/~ where ~ is the equivalence relation given. as with any equivalence relation, the underlying set (in this case the integers) gets partitioned into cosets, in this case the one where m^2 - n^2 is even & one where it's odd, so A:=Z/~ has two elements. make sigma(one coset) = 0 or 1 & sigma(other coset) = 0 or 1 (so sigma is bijective). i don't know what the actual bijection is but that's probably how it's done. might take some fiddling.
 
fourier jr said:
no, i think A is really Z/~ where ~ is the equivalence relation given. as with any equivalence relation, the underlying set (in this case the integers) gets partitioned into cosets, in this case the one where m^2 - n^2 is even & one where it's odd, so A:=Z/~ has two elements. make sigma(one coset) = 0 or 1 & sigma(other coset) = 0 or 1 (so sigma is bijective). i don't know what the actual bijection is but that's probably how it's done. might take some fiddling.

Oh, I thought you said all elements (m and n) that satisfy that and that are in Z, which would be written as a pair is in A.

You know what. I'm really confused.
 
yes Fourier jr, that's the idea..
thanks guys for giving me a push in the right direction
 
  • #10
another way to write it is

m~n <==> m^2 \equiv n^2 (mod2) ie m^2 - n^2 \equiv 0 (mod2)

so you've got 2 possibilities: m~n or not, in which case m^2 - n^2 \equiv 1 (mod2)

(OOPS i just gave the solution away i think :blushing: )

edit: only jasonrox is allowed to read this!
 
Last edited:
  • #11
im actually going to post another question similar to this..
thanks
 
  • #12
fourier jr said:
another way to write it is
m~n <==> m^2 \equiv n^2 (mod2) ie m^2 - n^2 \equiv 0 (mod2)
so you've got 2 possibilities: m~n or not, in which case m^2 - n^2 \equiv 1 (mod2)
(OOPS i just gave the solution away i think :blushing: )
edit: only jasonrox is allowed to read this!

I see what's going on now. Thanks. :biggrin:
 

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