InterviewSolution
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The following relation is defined on the set of real numbers.(i) aRb if a – b > 0(ii) aRb iff 1 + ab > 0(iii) aRb if |a| ≤ b. Find whether relation is reflexive, symmetric or transitive. |
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Answer» (i) Consider aRb if a – b > 0 Let us check for this relation whether it is reflexive, transitive and symmetric. Reflexivity: Let a be an arbitrary element of R. Then, a ∈ R But a − a = 0 ≯ 0 Thus, this relation is not reflexive. Symmetry: Let (a, b) ∈ R ⇒ a − b > 0 ⇒ − (b − a) > 0 ⇒ b − a < 0 Therefore, the given relation is not symmetric. Transitivity: Let (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R. Then, a − b > 0 and b − c > 0 Adding the two, we get a – b + b − c > 0 ⇒ a – c > 0 ⇒ (a, c) ∈ R. Clearly, the given relation is transitive. (ii) Consider aRb iff 1 + a b > 0 Now for this relation we have to check whether it is reflexive, transitive and symmetric. Reflexivity: Let a be an arbitrary element of R. Then, a ∈ R ⇒ 1 + a × a > 0 i.e. 1 + a2 > 0 [Since, square of any number is positive] So, the given relation is reflexive. Symmetry: Let (a, b) ∈ R ⇒ 1 + ab > 0 ⇒ 1 + ba > 0 ⇒ (b, a) ∈ R So, the given relation is symmetric. Transitivity: Let (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R ⇒1 + ab > 0 and 1 + bc >0 But 1 + ac ≯ 0 ⇒ (a, c) ∉ R Thus, the given relation is not transitive. (iii) Consider aRb if |a| ≤ b. Let us check for this relation whether it is reflexive, transitive and symmetric. Reflexivity: Let a be an arbitrary element of R. Then, a ∈ R [Since, |a| = a] ⇒ |a| ≮ a Clearly, R is not reflexive. Symmetry: Let (a, b) ∈ R ⇒ |a| ≤ b ⇒ |b| ≰ a for all a, b ∈ R ⇒ (b, a) ∉ R Thus, R is not symmetric. Transitivity: Let (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R ⇒ |a| ≤ b and |b| ≤ c Multiplying the corresponding sides, we get |a| × |b| ≤ b c ⇒ |a| ≤ c ⇒ (a, c) ∈ R So, R is transitive. |
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