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What is the formal definition of a relation R between two sets A and B?

A relation R between two sets A and B is formally defined as a subset of the Cartesian product A×BA \times B. This means that R is a collection of ordered pairs, where the first element of each pair belongs to set A and the second element belongs to set B.

Conditions

  • A and B are sets.
  • R is a binary relation between A and B.

Reasoning, step by step

  1. Identify the two sets A and B.
  2. Form the Cartesian product A×BA \times B, which is the set of all possible ordered pairs (a, b) where a∈Aa \in A and b∈Bb \in B.
  3. Define the relation R as any subset of A×BA \times B, 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 A×BA \times B.' The lecturer explains that the elements being collected in the subset are ordered pairs, specifically (a, b) ∈ A×BA \times B.

Common misconceptions

  • Assuming a relation must contain every possible ordered pair from A×BA \times B; the video clarifies it is a subset, not necessarily the entirety.
  • Confusing the relation R with the Cartesian product A×BA \times B itself; R is a selected collection of pairs from A×BA \times B.

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Answers are generated from source material and independently checked. Consult the original video or creator if something is unclear.