Total Order Relation

18.7k Views Asked by At

Given $X = \{ a , b , c \}$ and $R = \{ (a,a) , (b,b) , (c,c) , (a,b) , (a,c)\}$

Is $R$ a total order on $X$?

I know that total order requires the relation to be comparable on all elements, anti-symmetric, and transitive.

What I am confused about is that I was told this relation is NOT total order, but I do not see how the elements cannot be compared, because they surely are anti-symmetric and transitive.

Can't $a$ be compared to itself? Surely $(a,b)$ and $(a,c)$ pass the comparability test, so all that remains must be the reflexive examples.

Clarification is greatly appreciated, thank you for your time, patience and assistance!