Give an example of a relation which is

transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric.

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.


Let there be a set A.


A = {1, 2, 3, 4}


We need to define a relation which is transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric.


Let there be a set A.


A = {1, 2, 3}


Transitive Relation:


R = {(2, 4), (4, 1), (2, 1)}


This is neither reflexive nor symmetric.


(1, 1) R


(2, 2) R


(4, 4) R


Hence, R is not reflexive.


if (2, 4) R


Then, (4, 2) R


Hence, R is not symmetric.


Thus, the relation which is transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric is:


R = {(2, 4), (4, 1), (2, 1)}


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