Does a relation between two sets have to contain every possible ordered pair from their Cartesian product?
Conditions
- A and B are sets.
- R is a relation between A and B.
Reasoning, step by step
- Recall the definition of a relation as a subset of .
- Understand that a subset can be smaller than the full set.
- Recognize that a relation typically selects only specific ordered pairs that satisfy a given condition.
- Note that the full Cartesian product is a valid but trivial relation.
Example
The video uses a humans-and-pets example where only some human-pet pairings are included in the ownership relation. The lecturer explicitly states that a relation is not all possible pairings, though all possible pairings could be a trivial relationship.
Common misconceptions
- Confusing a relation with the entire Cartesian product.
- Assuming that if a relation exists, it must apply to all pairs of objects from the two sets.
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Related questions
The video tests the less-than relation with two reversed ordered pairs: (2, 5) and (5, 2). It shows that is true, so the pair (2, 5) belongs to the relation.
Conditions: The relation is the less-than symbol (<) on integers.; The pairs tested are (2, 5) and (5, 2).
Ordered pairs are used because the order of the elements matters in a relation. The first component of the pair is related to the second component, and swapping them can change whether the relationship holds.
Conditions: The relation is between two sets A and B.; The relationship is directional or asymmetric.
In the definition of a relation, capital letters A and B denote the sets themselves, while lowercase letters a and b denote individual elements belonging to those sets. The ordered pair (a, b) represents a specific element of the Cartesian product , where a is an element of A and b is an element of B.
Conditions: The context is the formal definition of a relation R between sets A and B.; The notation (a, b) ∈ is used.
Yes, elements of the sets can be left out of a relation. A relation is a subset of the Cartesian product, so it does not need to include every possible ordered pair.
Conditions: A relation R is defined between sets A and B.; R is a subset of .
In a relation diagram, an arrow drawn from an element in the first set to an element in the second set means that the corresponding ordered pair belongs to the relation. It visually encodes the membership of a specific pair in the subset of the Cartesian product.
Conditions: The diagram shows two sets, typically represented as ovals or circles.; An arrow connects an element from the first set to an element from the second set.
Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.