Prove that the relation R in the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} given by R = {(a, b): |a - b| is even}, is an equivalence relation.
A = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }
R = { ( a, b ): is even }
For R to be an equivalence relation it must be
(i) reflexive, = 0
So R is reflexive.
(ii) Symmetric,
So R is symmetric.
(iii) Transitive
Sum of two even numbers is even
So,
Hence, R is transitive.
Therefore, R is an equivalance relation.