S is a relation over the set R of all real numbers and it is given by $(a, b) ∈ S⇔ab ≥0$. Then, S is
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
Reflexivity: For any $a ∈ R$, we have
$a^2 = aa ≥0⇒ (a, a) ∈ S$
Thus, $(a, a) ∈ S$ for all $a ∈ R$.
So, S is a reflexive relation on R.
Symmetry: Let $(a, b) ∈ S$. Then,
$(a, b) ∈ S⇒ab ≥0⇒ ba ≥0⇒ (b, a) ∈ S$
Thus, $(a, b) ∈ S⇒ (b, a) ∈ S$ for all $a, b ∈ R$.
So, S is a symmetric relation on R.
Transitivity: Let $a, b, c ∈ R$ such that
$⇒(a, b) ∈S$ and $(b, c) ∈R$
$⇒ab ≥ 0$ and $bc ≥0$
$⇒a, b, c$ are of the same sign.
$⇒ac ≥ 0$
$⇒(a, c) ∈ R$.
Thus, $(a, b) ∈ S, (b, c) ∈S⇒ (a, c) ∈ S$.
So, S is a transitive relation on R.
Hence, S is an equivalence relation on R.