4.1 - Definition
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Introduction to Relations
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Today we're going to start with the definition of a relation. Can anyone tell me what a relation actually is?
Isn't it something to do with how two things connect?
Exactly! A relation between two sets A and B is a subset of the Cartesian product A×B. In simpler words, it consists of ordered pairs where the first element is from A and the second is from B. For example, if we have A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {a, b, c}, one possible relation could be R = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)}.
Wait, so it’s like matching pairs?
Yes! You can think of it as matching pairs from two different groups. Now, can anyone tell me what a Cartesian product is?
Isn't that when you combine all elements from both sets in ordered pairs?
Spot on! The Cartesian product A×B creates all possible pairs from the two sets. Let’s move on to discuss different types of relations.
Types of Relations
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Now that we understand what a relation is, let’s break down the types of relations. First, we have the reflexive relation. Can anyone guess what that means?
Does it involve pairs like (x, x)?
Exactly! A relation R is reflexive if every element x in set A also has the pair (x, x) in R. For example, if A = {1, 2, 3}, then the reflexive relation could be R = {(1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3)}. What about symmetric relations?
That sounds like if (a, b) is in R, then (b, a) is also in R?
Precisely! Next, we have transitive relations. Can anyone explain what that means?
If you have (a, b) in R and (b, c) in R, then (a, c) should also be in R?
Yes, wonderful! And remember, an anti-symmetric relation happens when if (a, b) and (b, a) are both present, then a must equal b. Learning these types helps in identifying how relations behave.
Understanding Functions
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Let's switch gears to functions. Can anyone tell me what makes a function different from a relation?
Functions map inputs to one specific output, right?
Exactly! A function is a special kind of relation where each input from the domain maps to exactly one output in the co-domain. We denote this as f: A → B. For instance, if A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {a, b, c}, then a function could look like f = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)}.
What about injective or surjective? I’ve heard those terms.
Great question! An injective function means different inputs yield different outputs. Surjective, or onto, means every element in the co-domain is mapped by at least one element in the domain. And if a function is both, we call it bijective. Let’s take an example: if f = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, b)}, it’s surjective because both 2 and 3 map to b, while f = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)} is bijective. This is crucial as we delve deeper into functions later.
Composition and Inverse of Functions
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Now let's discuss the composition of functions. If we have two functions f and g, how do we define their composition?
Isn’t it like applying one function after another? Like, g(f(x))?
Correct! The composition of f and g, denoted g∘f, is defined as g(f(x)) for all x in A. This means you apply function f first, then use the result in function g. Can anyone tell me what the inverse of a function is?
Does it reverse the operation of f?
Exactly! The inverse f⁻¹ undoes what f does. A function has an inverse only if it is bijective. So, if we were to say f: A → B, the inverse would be f⁻¹: B → A. This concept is vital to understand how functions relate to each other.
Introduction & Overview
Read summaries of the section's main ideas at different levels of detail.
Quick Overview
Standard
This section explores the definitions of relations and functions, including types of relations (reflexive, symmetric, transitive, anti-symmetric, and equivalence relations) and classes of functions (injective, surjective, bijective). Each concept is explained with examples and key terminology.
Detailed
Detailed Summary
In this section, we delve into the fundamental definitions surrounding relations and functions, two core concepts in mathematics that underpin the study of more advanced topics such as calculus and algebra. Understanding relations is crucial as they describe the connections between elements of different sets. A relation is defined as a subset of the Cartesian product of two sets, represented by ordered pairs.
Key Concepts of Relations
- Relations: A relation between two sets A and B is a subset of A×B, meaning it consists of ordered pairs where the first element comes from A and the second from B. An example is R = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)} if A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {a, b, c}.
- Types of Relations:
- Reflexive Relation: For every x in A, the pair (x, x) belongs to R.
- Symmetric Relation: If (a, b) is in R, (b, a) must also be in R.
- Transitive Relation: If (a, b) and (b, c) are in R, then (a, c) must be in R.
- Anti-Symmetric Relation: If (a, b) and (b, a) are in R, then a must equal b.
- Equivalence Relation: A relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
Key Concepts of Functions
- Functions: A function is a specific type of relation where each element in the domain (set A) corresponds to exactly one element in the co-domain (set B). Formally, f: A → B.
- Types of Functions:
- Injective Function (One-to-One): Different elements in the domain map to different elements in the co-domain.
- Surjective Function (Onto): Every element in the co-domain has at least one element from the domain mapping to it.
- Bijective Function (One-to-One Correspondence): A function that is both injective and surjective.
- Key components: Domain, co-domain, and range are discussed to understand how functions operate.
- Composition and Inverse of Functions: These operations are essential for the manipulation and understanding of functions in various contexts.
By mastering these definitions and properties, students gain tools to explore deeper mathematical currents and applications.
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Definition of a Relation
Chapter 1 of 2
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Chapter Content
A relation between two sets 𝐴 and 𝐵 is a subset of the cartesian product 𝐴×𝐵. This means that a relation is a set of ordered pairs, where the first element is from set 𝐴 and the second element is from set 𝐵.
Detailed Explanation
A relation connects elements from two different sets. When we take two sets, 𝐴 and 𝐵, we can create all possible pairs consisting of one element from set 𝐴 and one element from set 𝐵. This collection of pairs is called the cartesian product of the two sets, denoted as 𝐴×𝐵. A relation, then, is just a selection or subset of these pairs. For instance, if set 𝐴 contains the numbers 1, 2, and 3, and set 𝐵 contains the letters a, b, and c, then a relation could include pairs like (1,a) and (2,b).
Examples & Analogies
Consider a party where each attendee has a favorite drink. If we think of attendees as set 𝐴 and drinks as set 𝐵, a relation could be a list that matches each attendee with their favorite drink, like (Alice, soda) or (Bob, tea). This list of favorite matches illustrates how elements from two sets can relate.
Example of a Relation
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Chapter Content
Let 𝐴 = {1,2,3} and 𝐵 = {𝑎,𝑏,𝑐}. A relation from 𝐴 to 𝐵 is a subset of 𝐴×𝐵, for example: 𝑅 = {(1,𝑎),(2,𝑏),(3,𝑐)}.
Detailed Explanation
In this example, we define two simple sets: 𝐴 containing the numbers 1, 2, and 3, and 𝐵 containing the letters a, b, and c. The cartesian product 𝐴×𝐵 would include all combinations of these elements, such as (1,a), (1,b), (1,c), (2,a), and so on, totaling 9 pairs. The proposed relation 𝑅 chooses some specific pairs from this larger set, establishing particular connections between elements of the two sets.
Examples & Analogies
Think of a school where students (set 𝐴) are assigned specific projects (set 𝐵). The relation R we defined could represent the specific projects each student has. For example, student 1 has project a, student 2 has project b, and student 3 has project c. This direct mapping helps us see which student is working on which project.
Key Concepts
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Relations: A relation between two sets A and B is a subset of A×B, meaning it consists of ordered pairs where the first element comes from A and the second from B. An example is R = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)} if A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {a, b, c}.
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Types of Relations:
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Reflexive Relation: For every x in A, the pair (x, x) belongs to R.
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Symmetric Relation: If (a, b) is in R, (b, a) must also be in R.
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Transitive Relation: If (a, b) and (b, c) are in R, then (a, c) must be in R.
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Anti-Symmetric Relation: If (a, b) and (b, a) are in R, then a must equal b.
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Equivalence Relation: A relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
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Key Concepts of Functions
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Functions: A function is a specific type of relation where each element in the domain (set A) corresponds to exactly one element in the co-domain (set B). Formally, f: A → B.
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Types of Functions:
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Injective Function (One-to-One): Different elements in the domain map to different elements in the co-domain.
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Surjective Function (Onto): Every element in the co-domain has at least one element from the domain mapping to it.
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Bijective Function (One-to-One Correspondence): A function that is both injective and surjective.
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Key components: Domain, co-domain, and range are discussed to understand how functions operate.
-
Composition and Inverse of Functions: These operations are essential for the manipulation and understanding of functions in various contexts.
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By mastering these definitions and properties, students gain tools to explore deeper mathematical currents and applications.
Examples & Applications
Example of a Relation: R = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)} for sets A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {a, b, c}.
Reflexive Relation Example: R = {(1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3)} for set A = {1, 2, 3}.
Symmetric Relation Example: R = {(1, 2), (2, 1)} where both pairs are included.
Transitive Relation Example: R = {(1, 2), (2, 3), (1, 3)} showing linkage.
Injective Function Example: f = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)}; distinct mappings.
Surjective Function Example: f = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, b)}; b is covered by multiple inputs.
Bijective Function Example: f = {(1, a), (2, b), (3, c)}; one-to-one correspondence.
Memory Aids
Interactive tools to help you remember key concepts
Rhymes
In a relation, pairs we find, ordered kindly, two sets aligned.
Stories
Once upon a time, in the land of Sets, A met B to form Relations. They decided to pair up based on their unique identities, creating Functions that held secrets of their own. Together, they composed stories and sometimes even reversed their tales.
Memory Tools
RATS: Reflexive, Anti-symmetric, Transitive relations help us remember key types.
Acronyms
FIR
Function Is Royal
remember it maps inputs to unique outputs.
Flash Cards
Glossary
- Relation
A subset of the Cartesian product of two sets, consisting of ordered pairs.
- Function
A special type of relation where each input is related to exactly one output.
- Reflexive Relation
A relation where every element has itself as a pair.
- Symmetric Relation
A relation where if (a, b) is in R, then (b, a) is also in R.
- Transitive Relation
A relation where if (a, b) and (b, c) are in R, (a, c) must also be in R.
- Antisymmetric Relation
A relation where if (a, b) and (b, a) are in R, then a must equal b.
- Equivalence Relation
A relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive.
- Injective Function
A function where different inputs map to different outputs.
- Surjective Function
A function where every output in the co-domain has at least one input in the domain.
- Bijective Function
A function that is both injective and surjective.
- Domain
The set of all possible input values for a function.
- Codomain
The set of possible output values for a function.
- Range
The set of actual output values that a function takes.
- Composition of Functions
The process of applying one function to the results of another.
- Inverse of a Function
A function that reverses the effect of another function.
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