Relation \( a – b \) divisible by 5 on \( \mathbb{Z} \)

📺 Video Explanation

📝 Question

Let relation \( R \) on \( \mathbb{Z} \) be defined as:

\[ (a, b) \in R \iff a – b \text{ is divisible by } 5 \]

Show that \( R \) is an equivalence relation.


✅ Solution

🔹 Step 1: Reflexive

For reflexive, we need: \[ (a,a) \in R \quad \forall a \in \mathbb{Z} \]

\[ a – a = 0 \]

Since 0 is divisible by 5, \[ (a,a) \in R \]

✔ Therefore, the relation is Reflexive.


🔹 Step 2: Symmetric

Assume: \[ (a,b) \in R \Rightarrow a – b = 5k \]

\[ b – a = -5k = 5(-k) \]

So, \[ (b,a) \in R \]

✔ Therefore, the relation is Symmetric.


🔹 Step 3: Transitive

Assume: \[ (a,b) \in R,\ (b,c) \in R \]

\[ a – b = 5m,\quad b – c = 5n \]

Adding: \[ a – c = (a – b) + (b – c) = 5m + 5n = 5(m+n) \]

So, \[ (a,c) \in R \]

✔ Therefore, the relation is Transitive.


🎯 Final Answer

✔ Reflexive: Yes
✔ Symmetric: Yes
✔ Transitive: Yes

\[ \therefore R \text{ is an equivalence relation} \]


🚀 Exam Insight

  • \( a – b \) divisible by \( n \) → always an equivalence relation
  • This represents congruence: \( a \equiv b \ (\text{mod } 5) \)
  • It divides integers into 5 equivalence classes
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