Part 05- Discrete Mathematics for computer science- Anti Symmetric Relation with core Cocept
Here is Part 05 of Discrete Mathematics for Computer Science, focused on the Anti-Symmetric Relation, explained with core concepts, examples, and logic β especially useful for GATE, CS/IT, and university-level understanding.
Contents
What is an Anti-Symmetric Relation?
A binary relation RR on a set AA is said to be anti-symmetric if:
If (a,b)βR and (b,a)βR, then a=b\text{If } (a, b) \in R \text{ and } (b, a) \in R, \text{ then } a = b
In simple terms:
Formal Definition
Let AA be a set and RβAΓAR \subseteq A \times A.
RR is anti-symmetric if:
βa,bβA, (a,b)βRβ§(b,a)βRβa=b\forall a, b \in A, \ (a, b) \in R \land (b, a) \in R \Rightarrow a = b
Key Concept:
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Anti-symmetric does not mean symmetric = false.
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It is allowed to have both (a,b)(a,b) and (b,a)(b,a) only when a=ba = b.
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Reflexive elements like (a,a)(a,a) are fine.
Examples of Anti-Symmetric Relations
Example 1: βLess than or equal toβ (β€) on real numbers
If aβ€ba \leq b and bβ€ab \leq a, then a=ba = b
β
Example 2: Subset relation (β) on sets
If AβBA \subseteq B and BβAB \subseteq A, then A=BA = B
β
Example 3: Divisibility Relation on Natural Numbers
Let aRbβ ββΊβ βaβ£baRb \iff a \mid b (a divides b)
If aβ£ba \mid b and bβ£ab \mid a, then a=ba = b
β
Non-Anti-Symmetric Example
Let A={1,2}A = \{1, 2\}, and R={(1,2),(2,1)}R = \{(1,2), (2,1)\}
Here, both (1,2)(1,2) and (2,1)(2,1) exist but 1β 21 \ne 2
β
Summary Table of Relations
Relation Property | Reflexive | Symmetric | Anti-symmetric | Transitive |
---|---|---|---|---|
== (Equality) | ||||
β€\leq | ||||
Subset (β) | ||||
βFriend ofβ Relation |
Quick Check: How to Test Anti-Symmetry
Given relation RR on set AA:
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List all pairs (a,b) in RR
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For each pair, check if (b,a) also exists.
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If yes, then ensure a=ba = b. If even one pair violates this, itβs not anti-symmetric.
Key Takeaways:
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Anti-symmetric β Not symmetric
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Reflexive relations can be anti-symmetric.
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Useful in partial orders, posets, and hierarchical data.
Would you like practice questions (MCQs or reasoning-based) on anti-symmetric relations for GATE or university exams?