For $$A = \{(−4, −20), (−3, −9), (−2, −4), (−1, −11), (−1, −3), (1, 2), (1, 5), (2, 10), (2, 14), (3, 6), (4, 8), (4, 12)\}$$ define the relation $R$ on $A$ by $(a, b) R (c, d)$ if $ad = bc$.
- a) Verify that $R$ is an equivalence relation on $A$.
- b) Find the equivalence classes $[(2, 14)], [(−3, −9)],$ and $[(4, 8)]$.
- c) How many cells are there in the partition of $A$ induced by $R$?
First of all you have to check the property of reflexivity for all elements of $A$. For instance: $-4 \cdot -20= -20 \cdot -4$.
Secondly you have to check all $aRb$ for symmetry. For instance $(-2,-4)R(3,6)$ because $-2 \cdot 6 = -4 \cdot 3$. Now we have to verify if $(3,6)R(-2,-4)$.
Thirdly you have to check the transitivity: if $aRb$ and $bRc$ then $aRc$. For instance: $(3,6)R(4,8)$. We already know that $(-2,-4)R(3,6)$. You now have to check if $(-2,-4)R(4,8)$.
Hints for parts $b$ en $c$ of your question. To get a good intuitive feel for equivalence classes and equivalence relations I suggest you take a piece of paper and draw some dots on it. Each dot will represent an element $a \in A$. Draw a line between two dots $a$ and $b$ if $aRb$. Also draw a line if it turns out $bRa$. Do you know what your drawing should look like when you are finished? Can you see the equivalence classes? How many are there?
Hope this helps