If symmetric then transitive relation

In summary, the conversation discusses the properties of symmetry, reflexivity, and transitivity in relations. It is noted that if a relation is symmetric and reflexive, it does not necessarily mean it is also transitive. Transitive relations require at least 3 distinct elements in a set, while symmetric and reflexive relations may only involve a smaller set of elements. It is also mentioned that even if a relation is transitive, it may not have elements that satisfy (xRy and yRx). An example of this is the order relation '>'.
  • #1
rajeshmarndi
319
0
Isn't, if we have xRy and yRx then xRx will also make transitive? Because if I am right {(x,x),(y,y)} on set {x,y} is symmetric and transitive.

Isn't the above similar to, if xRy and yRz then xRz is transitive relation?

Thanks.
 
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  • #2
##R = \{(x,x),(y,y),(z,z),(x,y),(y,x),(y,z),(z,y)\}##
is an example of a relation that's symmetric and reflexive without being transitive, because
##xRy \leftrightarrow yRx##
and
##yRz \leftrightarrow zRy##
but we also have ##xRy \wedge yRz## without ##xRz##.
 
  • #3
Similar but not nearly as strong. xRy and yRx => xRx is a statement about a much smaller set of x and y than the transitive property requires.
 
  • #4
FactChecker said:
Similar but not nearly as strong. xRy and yRx => xRx is a statement about a much smaller set of x and y than the transitive property requires.
Does this mean transitive relation require atleast 3 distinct element of a set e.g {x,y,z}.

Also as I mentioned, is {(x,x),(y,y)} on set {x,y} reflexive along with symmetric and transitive.
 
  • #5
(xRy and yRx) => xRx only makes a statement about the x & y where both xRy and yRx. There might easily be none of those, so it might say nothing.

PS. Even if the relation R is transitive, there may be no x & y where (xRy and yRx). An example is the order relation '>'. It's not possible for (x > y & y > x), even though '>' is a transitive relation.
 

Related to If symmetric then transitive relation

1. What is a symmetric relation?

A symmetric relation is a type of mathematical relationship between two elements where if one element is related to another, then the second element is also related to the first in the same way. In other words, if (a,b) is a part of the relation, then (b,a) is also a part of it.

2. What is a transitive relation?

A transitive relation is a type of mathematical relationship between three elements where if the first element is related to the second and the second is related to the third, then the first element is also related to the third. In other words, if (a,b) and (b,c) are parts of the relation, then (a,c) is also a part of it.

3. What is an example of a symmetric and transitive relation?

An example of a symmetric and transitive relation is the "equal to" relation. If a = b and b = c, then a = c. This relation is both symmetric and transitive.

4. Can a relation be symmetric but not transitive?

Yes, a relation can be symmetric but not transitive. An example of this is the "is a sibling of" relation. If a is a sibling of b, then b is also a sibling of a, making it symmetric. However, if a is a sibling of b and b is a sibling of c, it does not necessarily mean that a is a sibling of c, making it not transitive.

5. How can the properties of symmetry and transitivity be useful in mathematics?

The properties of symmetry and transitivity are useful in mathematics as they can help identify and analyze patterns and relationships between elements. These properties are often used in fields such as graph theory, abstract algebra, and computer science to understand and solve complex problems.

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