A relation R is defined on R by a R b if a – b e Z. Prove that R is an equivalence relation and determine the equivalence classes [1/2] and [v2].

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Author:Erwin Kreyszig
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**Title: Understanding Equivalence Relations**

**Introduction**

In mathematics, an equivalence relation is a binary relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. This concept is fundamental in set theory and has applications across various branches of mathematics.

**Problem Statement**

A relation \( R \) is defined on the set of real numbers \( \mathbb{R} \) by \( a \, R \, b \) if \( a - b \in \mathbb{Z} \), where \( \mathbb{Z} \) represents the set of all integers. The task is to prove that \( R \) is an equivalence relation and determine the equivalence classes \([1/2]\) and \([\sqrt{2}]\).

**Solution**

1. **Reflexivity:**
   For any real number \( a \), \( a - a = 0 \), and 0 is an integer. Therefore, \( a \, R \, a \), validating reflexivity.

2. **Symmetry:**
   Assume \( a \, R \, b \); then \( a - b \in \mathbb{Z} \). This implies \( b - a = -(a - b) \), which is also an integer. Thus, \( b \, R \, a \), proving symmetry.

3. **Transitivity:**
   Suppose \( a \, R \, b \) and \( b \, R \, c \); thus, \( a - b \) and \( b - c \) are both integers. Therefore, \( (a - b) + (b - c) = a - c \) is an integer, so \( a \, R \, c \). This establishes transitivity.

Since the relation \( R \) is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive, it is an equivalence relation.

**Determining Equivalence Classes**

- **Equivalence class \([1/2]\):**
  The equivalence class of \( 1/2 \) is all numbers \( x \in \mathbb{R} \) such that \( x - 1/2 \in \mathbb{Z} \). Therefore, \([1/2] = \{ x \mid x = 1/2 + n, \, n \in \mathbb{Z} \}\).

- **Equivalence class \
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Understanding Equivalence Relations** **Introduction** In mathematics, an equivalence relation is a binary relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. This concept is fundamental in set theory and has applications across various branches of mathematics. **Problem Statement** A relation \( R \) is defined on the set of real numbers \( \mathbb{R} \) by \( a \, R \, b \) if \( a - b \in \mathbb{Z} \), where \( \mathbb{Z} \) represents the set of all integers. The task is to prove that \( R \) is an equivalence relation and determine the equivalence classes \([1/2]\) and \([\sqrt{2}]\). **Solution** 1. **Reflexivity:** For any real number \( a \), \( a - a = 0 \), and 0 is an integer. Therefore, \( a \, R \, a \), validating reflexivity. 2. **Symmetry:** Assume \( a \, R \, b \); then \( a - b \in \mathbb{Z} \). This implies \( b - a = -(a - b) \), which is also an integer. Thus, \( b \, R \, a \), proving symmetry. 3. **Transitivity:** Suppose \( a \, R \, b \) and \( b \, R \, c \); thus, \( a - b \) and \( b - c \) are both integers. Therefore, \( (a - b) + (b - c) = a - c \) is an integer, so \( a \, R \, c \). This establishes transitivity. Since the relation \( R \) is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive, it is an equivalence relation. **Determining Equivalence Classes** - **Equivalence class \([1/2]\):** The equivalence class of \( 1/2 \) is all numbers \( x \in \mathbb{R} \) such that \( x - 1/2 \in \mathbb{Z} \). Therefore, \([1/2] = \{ x \mid x = 1/2 + n, \, n \in \mathbb{Z} \}\). - **Equivalence class \
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