Let R be a relation on the set N of natural numbers denoted by nRm ⇔ n is a factor of m (i.e. n | m). Then, R is
Correct Answer :
Reflexive, transitive but not symmetric
Solution :
The correct option is "Reflexive, transitive but not symmetric".
Let us analyze the given relation defined on the set of natural numbers as:
We need to check the properties of reflexivity, transitivity, and symmetry for this relation.
1. Reflexivity:
A relation on a set is reflexive if every element is related to itself, i.e., for all .
Here, means is a factor of (or ). Since any natural number divides itself (i.e., , which is an integer), is always a factor of .
Therefore, the relation is reflexive.
2. Transitivity:
A relation is transitive if whenever and , then for all .
Let and . This implies:
for some integer .
for some integer .
Substituting the expression for into the equation for , we get:
Since and are integers, their product is also an integer. This shows that is a factor of (i.e., ), which means .
Therefore, the relation is transitive.
3. Symmetry:
A relation is symmetric if implies for all .
Let us test this with a counterexample. Take and .
Here, is true because is a factor of (i.e., ).
However, is false because is not a factor of (i.e., ).
Since does not necessarily imply , the relation is not symmetric.
Conclusion:
Since the relation is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric, the correct option is indeed "Reflexive, transitive but not symmetric".
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