Smallest Reflexive Relation on Set \( A = \{1,2,3,4\} \)

📺 Video Explanation

📝 Question

Write the smallest reflexive relation on the set:

\[ A = \{1,2,3,4\} \]


✅ Solution

🔹 Definition

A relation \( R \) on set \( A \) is reflexive if:

\[ (a,a) \in R \quad \forall a \in A \]

The smallest reflexive relation contains only these necessary pairs.


🔹 Construct the Relation

For each element in \( A \):

  • \( (1,1) \)
  • \( (2,2) \)
  • \( (3,3) \)
  • \( (4,4) \)

So, the smallest reflexive relation is:

\[ R = \{(1,1), (2,2), (3,3), (4,4)\} \]


🎯 Final Answer

\[ \boxed{R = \{(1,1), (2,2), (3,3), (4,4)\}} \]


🚀 Exam Insight

  • Smallest reflexive relation = identity relation
  • Contains only (a,a) pairs
  • Number of pairs = number of elements
Spread the love

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *