Check whether the relation R defined on the set A={1,2,3,4,5,6} as R= {(a, b) : b = a + 1} is reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

We have the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

So, recall that for any binary relation R on set A. We have,


R is reflexive if for all x A, xRx.


R is symmetric if for all x, y A, if xRy, then yRx.


R is transitive if for all x, y, z A, if xRy and yRz, then xRz.


We have


R = {(a, b): b = a + 1}


Every a, b A.


And A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}


The relation R on set A can be defined as:


Put a = 1


b = a + 1


b = 1 + 1


b = 2


(a, b) ≡ (1, 2)


Put a = 2


b = 2 + 1


b = 3


(a, b) ≡ (2, 3)


Put a = 3


b = 3 + 1


b = 4


(a, b) ≡ (3, 4)


Put a = 4


b = 4 + 1


b = 5


(a, b) ≡ (4, 5)


Put a = 5


b = 5 + 1


b = 6


(a, b) ≡ (5, 6)


Put a = 6


b = 6 + 1


b = 7


(a, b) ≠ (6, 7) [ 7 A]


Hence, R = {(1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5), (5, 6)}


Check for Reflexivity:


For 1, 2, …, 6 A [ A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}]


(1, 1) R


(2, 2) R



(6, 6) R


So, a A, then (a, a) R.


R is not reflexive.


R is not reflexive.


Check for Symmetry:


1, 2 A [ A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}]


If (1, 2) R


Then, (2, 1) R


[ R = {(1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5), (5, 6)}]


So, if (a, b) R, then (b, a) R


a, b A


R is not symmetric.


R is not symmetric.


Check for Transitivity:


1, 2, 3 A


If (1, 2) R and (2, 3) R


Then, (1, 3) R


[ R = {(1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5), (5, 6)}]


So, if (a, b) R and (b, c) R, then (a, c) R.


a, b, c A


R is not transitive.


R is not transitive.


6