Mathematics I / Relations and Equivalence
Practice question · Fill in the blanks

Complete the definition of transitivity.

A relation is transitive when, whenever a relates to b and b relates to c, it follows that ______.

Word bank: b relates to a · a relates to c · a relates to a · c relates to b

Hints
  1. Transitivity lets you compose two links into one.
  2. The other options describe symmetry or reflexivity.
Show the answer

A relation is transitive when, whenever a relates to b and b relates to c, it follows that a relates to c.

Why

Transitivity says the relation composes: two links a-b and b-c collapse into a single link a-c. 'b relates to a' is symmetry, and 'a relates to a' is reflexivity, three distinct requirements.

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