Exercise · ZW-EQUIVALENCE-RELATION-001 · ★☆☆ Basic

Which three properties must a relation \(R\) on \(A\) satisfy to be an equivalence relation?

Choose one option.

Show answer
  • D. Reflexive, symmetric and transitive

Explanation

An equivalence relation is reflexive, symmetric and transitive. Replacing symmetry with antisymmetry gives the definition of a partial order, not of an equivalence.

Study Set theory in ZWMath →

Review the concept: Equivalence relation

A binary relation \(R\) on \(A\) that is reflexive, symmetric and transitive. It groups the elements of \(A\) that behave alike with respect to some property.

\[\forall a\in A\,(a\,R\,a)\ \wedge\ \forall a,b\in A\,(aRb \Rightarrow bRa)\ \wedge\\ \forall a,b,c\in A\,(aRb\wedge bRc\Rightarrow aRc)\]

More practice problems: equivalence relation

ZW-EQUIVALENCE-RELATION-002 →