Analyzing the Setup
Imagine you are standing before a set of numbers, A={0,1,2,…,9}. At first glance, it is just a simple list.
When we define a relation R where (x,y)∈R if and only if ∣x−y∣ is a multiple of 3, we are not just looking at numbers; we are looking at a hidden structure. This is the world of equivalence relations, and it is more elegant than it appears.
The Three Pillars of Equivalence
To prove that R is an equivalence relation, we must verify three fundamental properties: reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity.
First, reflexivity: for any x∈A, is (x,x)∈R? The condition is ∣x−x∣=0. Since 0=3×0, 0 is indeed a multiple of 3. Thus, R is reflexive.
Second, symmetry: if (x,y)∈R, then ∣x−y∣=3k. Since ∣x−y∣=∣y−x∣, it follows that ∣y−x∣=3k, so (y,x)∈R. Symmetry holds.
Finally, transitivity: if (x,y)∈R and (y,z)∈R, then x−y=3k and y−z=3m. Adding these gives x−z=3(k+m), which is a multiple of 3. Thus, (x,z)∈R.
With these three pillars standing tall, we have proven that R is an equivalence relation. Statement II is correct!
The Power of Partitioning
Now, let us tackle the counting problem. An equivalence relation acts like a sorter, partitioning our set A into disjoint equivalence classes. We group elements by their remainders when divided by 3.
Class C0 contains numbers x such that x≡0(mod3), which are {0,3,6,9}. This gives us n0=4 elements.
Class C1 contains numbers x such that x≡1(mod3), which are {1,4,7}, giving n1=3 elements.
Class C2 contains numbers x such that x≡2(mod3), which are {2,5,8}, giving n2=3 elements. Every element of A is accounted for, and no element is left behind.
The Final Calculation
To find the total number of ordered pairs n(R), we use the formula:
Substituting our values, we get:
This simplifies to 16+9+9, which equals 34.
Statement I claimed that n(R)=36. Our rigorous calculation shows that $34
eq 36$. Therefore, Statement I is incorrect.
We have navigated the logic, verified the properties, and performed the arithmetic with precision. The conclusion is clear: Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct.