Question Details

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

Options

A

Reflexive and symmetric

B

Transitive and symmetric

C

Equivalence

D

Reflexive, transitive but not symmetric

Correct Answer :

Reflexive, transitive but not symmetric

Solution :

The correct option is "Reflexive, transitive but not symmetric".

Let us analyze the given relation R defined on the set of natural numbers &DoubleStruckCapitalN; as:
nRmn is a factor of m (i.e., n|m)
We need to check the properties of reflexivity, transitivity, and symmetry for this relation.

1. Reflexivity:
A relation R on a set &DoubleStruckCapitalN; is reflexive if every element is related to itself, i.e., nRn for all n&DoubleStruckCapitalN;.
Here, nRn means n is a factor of n (or n|n). Since any natural number divides itself (i.e., nn=1, which is an integer), n is always a factor of n.
Therefore, the relation R is reflexive.

2. Transitivity:
A relation R is transitive if whenever nRm and mRp, then nRp for all n,m,p&DoubleStruckCapitalN;.
Let nRm and mRp. This implies:
n|mm=kn for some integer k.
m|pp=jm for some integer j.
Substituting the expression for m into the equation for p, we get:
p=j(kn)=(jk)n
Since j and k are integers, their product jk is also an integer. This shows that n is a factor of p (i.e., n|p), which means nRp.
Therefore, the relation R is transitive.

3. Symmetry:
A relation R is symmetric if nRm implies mRn for all n,m&DoubleStruckCapitalN;.
Let us test this with a counterexample. Take n=2 and m=4.
Here, 2R4 is true because 2 is a factor of 4 (i.e., 2|4).
However, 4R2 is false because 4 is not a factor of 2 (i.e., 42).
Since nRm does not necessarily imply mRn, the relation R is not symmetric.

Conclusion:
Since the relation R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric, the correct option is indeed "Reflexive, transitive but not symmetric".

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