Equivalences (me trying to understand an example)

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the concept of equivalence relations in mathematics, specifically focusing on the definition of an equivalence relation using the symbol ≈, where m and n are integers and m≈n indicates that m-n is even. Participants are exploring the implications of this definition, particularly in relation to the equivalence classes [0] and [1], which represent even and odd integers, respectively.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to understand how the equivalence relation leads to the classification of integers into even and odd sets. Questions are raised about the meaning of x≈0 and how it relates to the definition of even integers. There is also a discussion about the notation used to represent these equivalence classes.

Discussion Status

Some participants are providing explanations regarding the equivalence classes and the meaning of the notation, while others are seeking further clarification on the concepts presented. The discussion is ongoing, with various interpretations being explored.

Contextual Notes

There is mention of confusion regarding the notation used to represent elements of the integers, with suggestions for clearer symbols. Participants are also grappling with the implications of the equivalence relation and its application to integer classification.

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Homework Statement


I'll be using ≈ as the equivalence symbol.

If m and n are integers, define m≈n to mean that m-n is even. Then ≈ is an equivalence on Z.

and
[0] = {x→Z | x≈0} is the set of even integers
[1] = {x→Z | x≈1} is the set of odd integers

where the x→Z was used to represent X is an element of Z.

So basically I'm having trouble making sense of this...
x≈0 means x-0, and if that has an equivalenet class of [0] somehow that means it's even? Can somebody try to explain what's going on here to me?
 
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PsychonautQQ said:

Homework Statement


If m and n are integers, define m≈n to mean that m-n is even. Then ≈ is an equivalence on Z.
and
[0] = {x→Z | x≈0} is the set of even integers
[1] = {x→Z | x≈1} is the set of odd integers

where the x→Z was used to represent X is an element of Z.

So basically I'm having trouble making sense of this...
x≈0 means x-0, and if that has an equivalenet class of [0] somehow that means it's even? Can somebody try to explain what's going on here to me?

[0] and [1] are notations for equivalence classes. All elements of, say, [0] are related to 0 via the equivalence relation. This means that [0], for example, contains all integers, x, such that x ≈ 0. What does x≈0 mean? It means that for any x in the integers, x - 0 = x is even. Well this is simply the set of all even integers.

Does [1] now make sense?
 
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PsychonautQQ said:
[0] = {x→Z | x≈0} is the set of even integers
[1] = {x→Z | x≈1} is the set of odd integers

where the x→Z was used to represent X is an element of Z.
Here, have an \in symbol: ∈

If you're going to use plain text, you can copy and paste that symbol instead of that rather confusing arrow. You can also use LaTeX. Type
Code:
##[0]=\{x\in\mathbb Z|x\approx 0\}##
to get ##[0]=\{x\in\mathbb Z|x\approx 0\}##. See the FAQ post for more information.
 
PsychonautQQ said:

Homework Statement


I'll be using ≈ as the equivalence symbol.

If m and n are integers, define m≈n to mean that m-n is even. Then ≈ is an equivalence on Z.

and
[0] = {x→Z | x≈0} is the set of even integers
[1] = {x→Z | x≈1} is the set of odd integers

where the x→Z was used to represent X is an element of Z.

So basically I'm having trouble making sense of this...
x≈0 means x-0
It means that x-0 is an even number and since x- 0= x, that is the same as saying x os an even number.

, and if that has an equivalenet class of [0] somehow that means it's even? Can somebody try to explain what's going on here to me?
 

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