Reflexive = transistive relation?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the properties of relations in set theory, specifically focusing on reflexive, symmetric, and transitive relations. Participants explore whether all reflexive relations are transitive and how to construct a relation that is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants assert that a relation can be reflexive and symmetric without being transitive, suggesting the need for specific examples.
  • One participant proposes that using the same element for all variables (a = 1, b = 1, c = 1) does not adequately demonstrate transitivity across all elements in the relation.
  • Another participant emphasizes the importance of defining a relation correctly, noting that the notation used in the initial post was incorrect.
  • A participant references an example from Wikipedia, stating that the relation "has a common factor greater than 1" is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive, providing a specific case to illustrate this point.
  • There is a discussion about constructing a relation that is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive, with one participant suggesting adding pairs to disrupt transitivity.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally disagree on whether all reflexive relations are transitive, with multiple competing views presented. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the construction of specific examples that meet the criteria of being reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.

Contextual Notes

Some participants express confusion over the correct notation for relations and the implications of defining transitivity. There are unresolved questions about the generality of the statements made regarding reflexive and transitive properties.

jwxie
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Given A = {1,2,3}
R1 = {1,1 2,2 3,3}

I know it is reflexive, and I know it is symmetric. But what about its transitivity?

Def of transitive: a,b in R, b,c in R, then a,c is also in R

let a = 1
let b = 1
let c = 1

(1,1) and (1,1)
So yes, the book says it is an equivalence relation, so its transitivity is also valid.

therefore, are all reflexive relations transitive?

but what if the questions asks: constructs a reflexive and sysmmetric but not transitive?

I can do 11 22 33 and add 12 21 to make them both reflexive and symmetric. since i added 12 and 21, thus these 2 ordered pairs destroyed the transitivity?
 
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jwxie said:
therefore, are all reflexive relations transitive?

No. You need to construct a relation where (a, b) and (b, c) are in the relation, but (a, c) is not.
 
CRGreathouse said:
No. You need to construct a relation where (a, b) and (b, c) are in the relation, but (a, c) is not.

Well can't I make a = 1 b = 1 and c =1?

The book said 11 22 33 is an equivalence relations on A, so I am guessing that's how he did it.
 
jwxie said:
Def of transitive: a,b in R, b,c in R, then a,c is also in R

let a = 1
let b = 1
let c = 1

(1,1) and (1,1)
So yes
This is wrong. You can't just "take" a,b,c=1. You need to check that FOR ALL a,b,c in R the implication "if (a,b) and (b,c) are in R, then (a,c) is in R" is valid.

Btw, you need to be careful with dropping brackets.
R1 = {(1,1), (2,2), (3,3)} is correct,
R1 = {1,1 2,2 3,3} is nonsensical.
 
jwxie said:
... are all reflexive relations transitive?
No. See the second example here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Equivalence_relation#Relations_that_are_not_equivalences
The relation "has a common factor greater than 1 with" between natural numbers greater than 1, is reflexive and symmetric, but not transitive. (Example: The natural numbers 2 and 6 have a common factor greater than 1, and 6 and 3 have a common factor greater than 1, but 2 and 3 do not have a common factor greater than 1).
(Bold emphasis added by me.)
 
jwxie said:
Given A = {1,2,3}
R1 = {1,1 2,2 3,3}
This is not even a relation! A relation is a collection of order pairs from A, a subset of [itex]A\times A[/itex]. Did you mean {(1,1), (2,2), (3,3)}? If that is the case, then, yes it is transitive. Transitive means "if (a, b) and (b, c) are in the relation, then (a, c) is also in the relation. Here, in order that (a, b) and (b, c) be in the relation, we must have a= b= c. so that (a, b)= (a, c) is in the set.

I know it is reflexive, and I know it is symmetric. But what about its transitivity?

Def of transitive: a,b in R, b,c in R, then a,c is also in R

let a = 1
let b = 1
let c = 1

(1,1) and (1,1)
So yes, the book says it is an equivalence relation, so its transitivity is also valid.

therefore, are all reflexive relations transitive?

but what if the questions asks: constructs a reflexive and sysmmetric but not transitive?

I can do 11 22 33 and add 12 21 to make them both reflexive and symmetric. since i added 12 and 21, thus these 2 ordered pairs destroyed the transitivity?
 

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