A relation that is both an equivalence relation and a function. The question is: "Suppose R on A is

Aidyn Cox

Aidyn Cox

Answered question

2022-05-22

A relation that is both an equivalence relation and a function.
The question is: "Suppose R on A is both an equivalence relation on A and a function from A to A. What is R?" I'm not entirely sure where to start, I'm not even sure I understand what a function from A to A represents, can anybody help with this?

Answer & Explanation

glorietka4b

glorietka4b

Beginner2022-05-23Added 14 answers

Step 1
Recall the following definitions for a relation R on a set A (hence R A × A). These are adjectives which describe the kind of relation R is.
- Reflexive: For each a A, ( a , a ) R.
- Symmetric: Whenever ( a , b ) R, then ( b , a ) R
- Transitive: Whenever ( a , b ) , ( b , c ) R, then ( a , c ) R.
- Functional/Right-Unique: If ( x , y ) , ( x , z ) R, then y = z.
In other words, if a is related to any other two elementsin A, then those must be the same element.
Or put differently, any a must be related to either zero or one elements.
A totality axiom (i.e. that each a A is related to one thing) may be required to match the "typical" definition of a function, as usually given.
- Equivalence: Reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity all apply
Step 2
So, consider a relation R which is a right-unique equivalence relation.
- From reflexivity, we know { ( a , a ) a A } R
- From right-uniqueness, any a A can only be related to one element. That is, a can be in the left-coordinate of at most one pair in the relation.
In fact, you don't even need symmetry or transitivity to see what results.

Do you have a similar question?

Recalculate according to your conditions!

New Questions in Discrete math

Ask your question.
Get an expert answer.

Let our experts help you. Answer in as fast as 15 minutes.

Didn't find what you were looking for?