Is R an Equivalence Relation on Functions to [0,1]?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion centers on the relation R defined on the set of functions from X to [0,1], where (f,g) is in R if the set difference f^{-1}(0) \setminus g^{-1}(0) is countable. Participants explore whether R is transitive, reflexive, and symmetric to determine if it qualifies as an equivalence relation. The proof for transitivity is established, while reflexivity is confirmed as the empty set is countable. However, the symmetry aspect raises questions, particularly regarding the countability of f^{-1}(0) in certain cases, indicating that R may not be an equivalence relation. The discussion highlights the complexities involved in proving properties of relations on function sets.
eXorikos
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Homework Statement


Given is the set X. The set of functions from X to [0,1] we call Fun(X,[0,1]). On this set we consider the relation R. An ordered pair (f,g) belongs to R when f^{-1}(0)\setminus g^{-1}(0) is a countable set.

a) Prove that R is transitive.

b) Is R an equivalence relation? Prove!

c) Prove that R \cap R^{-1} is an equivalence relation.

Homework Equations


Transitive means that if (f,g) and (g,h) belong to the relation, that also (f,h) belongs to it.

Equivalence relation is a relation that is transitive, reflexive ((f,f) \in R and symmetric ((f,g) \in R \Rightarrow (g,f) \in R.

The Attempt at a Solution


a) f^{-1}(0)\setminus g^{-1}(0) is a countable set. So f{-1}(0) is a countable set. This means that f^{-1}(0)\setminus h^{-1}(0), because a subset of a countable set is also countable.

Is this correct?

b) Reflexivity is easy, because f^{-1}(0)\setminus f^{-1}(0) is the empty set so that is obviously countable.
How do I prove that it is symmetric?

c) Is this just the subset of all the reflexive pairs?
 
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eXorikos said:
a) f^{-1}(0)\setminus g^{-1}(0) is a countable set. So f^{-1}(0) is a countable set.
You can't conclude f^{-1}(0) is countable. For instance, suppose X is R, the set of real numbers, and f(x)=g(x)=0. Then f^{-1}(0)\setminus g^{-1}(0) is the empty set, but f^{-1}(0)=R, which is not countable.
 
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