Analyzing the Setup
We are given a relation R on A×B defined by the condition that 3ad−7bc is an even integer. To determine the properties of this relation, we must test for reflexivity, symmetry, and transitivity.
The Reflexivity Check
To check for reflexivity, we must determine if (a,b)R(a,b) holds true for all (a,b)∈A×B. By substituting c=a and d=b into our condition, we obtain:
3(a)(b)−7(b)(a)=3ab−7ab=−4ab
Since −4 is a multiple of 2, the expression −4ab is always even, regardless of the values of a and b. Therefore, reflexivity is satisfied.
The Symmetry Dance
Next, we test for symmetry. We assume (a,b)R(c,d) is true, meaning 3ad−7bc=2k for some integer k. We must now evaluate the condition for the reverse pair (c,d)R(a,b), which is 3cb−7da.
We can rewrite 3cb−7da as −(7ad−3bc). By splitting 7ad into 3ad+4ad and −3bc into −7bc+4bc, we transform the expression:
−(3ad−7bc+4ad+4bc)=−(2k+4ad+4bc)=−2(k+2ad+2bc)
Since this result is a multiple of 2, it is necessarily even. Thus, symmetry holds.
The Transitivity Trap
Finally, we examine transitivity: if (a,b)R(c,d) and (c,d)R(e,f) are true, does it imply (a,b)R(e,f)? Rather than attempting a complex general proof, we test for a counter-example.
Let (a,b)=(3,4), (c,d)=(6,4), and (e,f)=(3,1).
First, check
(3,4)R(6,4):
3(3)(4)−7(4)(6)=36−168=−132(Even)
Next, check
(6,4)R(3,1):
3(6)(1)−7(4)(3)=18−84=−66(Even)
Finally, check
(3,4)R(3,1):
3(3)(1)−7(4)(3)=9−84=−75(Odd)
Because the result is odd, the chain is broken. Transitivity fails.
Conclusion
We have systematically proven that the relation is reflexive and symmetric, but not transitive. This problem highlights the importance of using counter-examples to efficiently disprove properties that do not hold universally.