What is the formal definition of a relation R between two sets A and B?
Conditions
- A and B are sets.
- R is a binary relation between A and B.
Reasoning, step by step
- Identify the two sets A and B.
- Form the Cartesian product , which is the set of all possible ordered pairs (a, b) where and .
- Define the relation R as any subset of , meaning R contains only some or all of these ordered pairs.
Example
The video displays the definition: 'Defn: A Relation R between A and B Is a subset of .' The lecturer explains that the elements being collected in the subset are ordered pairs, specifically (a, b) ∈ .
Common misconceptions
- Assuming a relation must contain every possible ordered pair from ; the video clarifies it is a subset, not necessarily the entirety.
- Confusing the relation R with the Cartesian product itself; R is a selected collection of pairs from .
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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).
No, a relation does not have to contain every possible ordered pair. By definition, a relation is a subset of the Cartesian product , meaning it can include only some of the ordered pairs.
Conditions: A and B are sets.; R is a relation between A and B.
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 .
Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.