Chapter 1

RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS

vThere is no permanent place in the world for ugly mathematics ... . It may
be very hard to define mathematical beauty but that is just as true of
beauty of any kind, we may not know quite what we mean by a
beautiful poem, but that does not prevent us from recognising
one when we read it. — G. H. HARDY v

1.1 Introduction
Recall that the notion of relations and functions, domain,
co-domain and range have been introduced in Class XI
along with different types of specific real valued functions
and their graphs. The concept of the term ‘relation’ in
mathematics has been drawn from the meaning of relation
in English language, according to which two objects or
quantities are related if there is a recognisable connection
or link between the two objects or quantities. Let A be
the set of students of Class XII of a school and B be the
set of students of Class XI of the same school. Then some
of the examples of relations from A to B are
(i) {(a, b) ∈ A × B: a is brother of b}, Lejeune Dirichlet
(ii) {(a, b) ∈ A × B: a is sister of b}, (1805-1859)
(iii) {(a, b) ∈ A × B: age of a is greater than age of b},
(iv) {(a, b) ∈ A × B: total marks obtained by a in the final examination is less than
the total marks obtained by b in the final examination},
(v) {(a, b) ∈ A × B: a lives in the same locality as b}. However, abstracting from
this, we define mathematically a relation R from A to B as an arbitrary subset
of A × B.
If (a, b) ∈ R, we say that a is related to b under the relation R and we write as
a R b. In general, (a, b) ∈ R, we do not bother whether there is a recognisable
connection or link between a and b. As seen in Class XI, functions are special kind of
relations.
In this chapter, we will study different types of relations and functions, composition
of functions, invertible functions and binary operations.

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 2 MATHEMATICS

1.2 Types of Relations

In this section, we would like to study different types of relations. We know that a
relation in a set A is a subset of A × A. Thus, the empty set φ and A × A are two
extreme relations. For illustration, consider a relation R in the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4} given by
R = {(a, b): a – b = 10}. This is the empty set, as no pair (a, b) satisfies the condition
a – b = 10. Similarly, R′ = {(a, b) : | a – b | ≥ 0} is the whole set A × A, as all pairs
(a, b) in A × A satisfy | a – b | ≥ 0. These two extreme examples lead us to the
following definitions.
Definition 1 A relation R in a set A is called empty relation, if no element of A is
related to any element of A, i.e., R = φ ⊂ A × A.
Definition 2 A relation R in a set A is called universal relation, if each element of A
is related to every element of A, i.e., R = A × A.
Both the empty relation and the universal relation are some times called trivial
relations.
Example 1 Let A be the set of all students of a boys school. Show that the relation R
in A given by R = {(a, b) : a is sister of b} is the empty relation and R′ = {(a, b) : the
difference between heights of a and b is less than 3 meters} is the universal relation.
Solution Since the school is boys school, no student of the school can be sister of any
student of the school. Hence, R = φ, showing that R is the empty relation. It is also
obvious that the difference between heights of any two students of the school has to be
less than 3 meters. This shows that R′ = A × A is the universal relation.
Remark In Class XI, we have seen two ways of representing a relation, namely raster
method and set builder method. However, a relation R in the set {1, 2, 3, 4} defined by R
= {(a, b) : b = a + 1} is also expressed as a R b if and only if
b = a + 1 by many authors. We may also use this notation, as and when convenient.
If (a, b) ∈ R, we say that a is related to b and we denote it as a R b.
One of the most important relation, which plays a significant role in Mathematics,
is an equivalence relation. To study equivalence relation, we first consider three
types of relations, namely reflexive, symmetric and transitive.
Definition 3 A relation R in a set A is called
(i) reflexive, if (a, a) ∈ R, for every a ∈ A,
(ii) symmetric, if (a1, a2) ∈ R implies that (a2, a1) ∈ R, for all a1, a2 ∈ A.
(iii) transitive, if (a1, a2) ∈ R and (a2, a3) ∈ R implies that (a1, a3) ∈ R, for all a1, a2,
a3 ∈ A.

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 RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS 3

Definition 4 A relation R in a set A is said to be an equivalence relation if R is

reflexive, symmetric and transitive.
Example 2 Let T be the set of all triangles in a plane with R a relation in T given by
R = {(T1, T2) : T1 is congruent to T2}. Show that R is an equivalence relation.
Solution R is reflexive, since every triangle is congruent to itself. Further,
(T1, T2) ∈ R ⇒ T1 is congruent to T2 ⇒ T2 is congruent to T1 ⇒ (T2, T1) ∈ R. Hence,
R is symmetric. Moreover, (T1, T2), (T2, T3) ∈ R ⇒ T1 is congruent to T2 and T2 is
congruent to T3 ⇒ T1 is congruent to T3 ⇒ (T1, T3) ∈ R. Therefore, R is an equivalence
relation.
Example 3 Let L be the set of all lines in a plane and R be the relation in L defined as
R = {(L1, L2) : L1 is perpendicular to L2}. Show that R is symmetric but neither
reflexive nor transitive.
Solution R is not reflexive, as a line L1 can not be perpendicular to itself, i.e., (L1, L1)
∉ R. R is symmetric as (L1, L2) ∈ R
⇒ L1 is perpendicular to L2
⇒ L2 is perpendicular to L1
⇒ (L2, L1) ∈ R.
R is not transitive. Indeed, if L1 is perpendicular to L2 and Fig 1.1
L2 is perpendicular to L3, then L1 can never be perpendicular to
L3. In fact, L1 is parallel to L3, i.e., (L1, L2) ∈ R, (L2, L3) ∈ R but (L1, L3) ∉ R.
Example 4 Show that the relation R in the set {1, 2, 3} given by R = {(1, 1), (2, 2),
(3, 3), (1, 2), (2, 3)} is reflexive but neither symmetric nor transitive.
Solution R is reflexive, since (1, 1), (2, 2) and (3, 3) lie in R. Also, R is not symmetric,
as (1, 2) ∈ R but (2, 1) ∉ R. Similarly, R is not transitive, as (1, 2) ∈ R and (2, 3) ∈ R
but (1, 3) ∉ R.
Example 5 Show that the relation R in the set Z of integers given by
R = {(a, b) : 2 divides a – b}
is an equivalence relation.
Solution R is reflexive, as 2 divides (a – a) for all a ∈ Z. Further, if (a, b) ∈ R, then
2 divides a – b. Therefore, 2 divides b – a. Hence, (b, a) ∈ R, which shows that R is
symmetric. Similarly, if (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R, then a – b and b – c are divisible by
2. Now, a – c = (a – b) + (b – c) is even (Why?). So, (a – c) is divisible by 2. This
shows that R is transitive. Thus, R is an equivalence relation in Z.

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 4 MATHEMATICS

In Example 5, note that all even integers are related to zero, as (0, ± 2), (0, ± 4)
etc., lie in R and no odd integer is related to 0, as (0, ± 1), (0, ± 3) etc., do not lie in R.
Similarly, all odd integers are related to one and no even integer is related to one.
Therefore, the set E of all even integers and the set O of all odd integers are subsets of
Z satisfying following conditions:
(i) All elements of E are related to each other and all elements of O are related to
each other.
(ii) No element of E is related to any element of O and vice-versa.
(iii) E and O are disjoint and Z = E ∪ O.
The subset E is called the equivalence class containing zero and is denoted by
[0]. Similarly, O is the equivalence class containing 1 and is denoted by [1]. Note that
[0] ≠ [1], [0] = [2r] and [1] = [2r + 1], r ∈ Z. Infact, what we have seen above is true
for an arbitrary equivalence relation R in a set X. Given an arbitrary equivalence
relation R in an arbitrary set X, R divides X into mutually disjoint subsets Ai called
partitions or subdivisions of X satisfying:
(i) all elements of Ai are related to each other, for all i.
(ii) no element of Ai is related to any element of Aj , i ≠ j.
(iii) ∪ Aj = X and Ai ∩ Aj = φ, i ≠ j.
The subsets Ai are called equivalence classes. The interesting part of the situation
is that we can go reverse also. For example, consider a subdivision of the set Z given
by three mutually disjoint subsets A1, A2 and A3 whose union is Z with
A1 = {x ∈ Z : x is a multiple of 3} = {..., – 6, – 3, 0, 3, 6, ...}
A2 = {x ∈ Z : x – 1 is a multiple of 3} = {..., – 5, – 2, 1, 4, 7, ...}
A3 = {x ∈ Z : x – 2 is a multiple of 3} = {..., – 4, – 1, 2, 5, 8, ...}
Define a relation R in Z given by R = {(a, b) : 3 divides a – b}. Following the
arguments similar to those used in Example 5, we can show that R is an equivalence
relation. Also, A1 coincides with the set of all integers in Z which are related to zero, A2
coincides with the set of all integers which are related to 1 and A3 coincides with the
set of all integers in Z which are related to 2. Thus, A1 = [0], A2 = [1] and A3 = [2].
In fact, A1 = [3r], A2 = [3r + 1] and A3 = [3r + 2], for all r ∈ Z.
Example 6 Let R be the relation defined in the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} by
R = {(a, b) : both a and b are either odd or even}. Show that R is an equivalence
relation. Further, show that all the elements of the subset {1, 3, 5, 7} are related to each
other and all the elements of the subset {2, 4, 6} are related to each other, but no
element of the subset {1, 3, 5, 7} is related to any element of the subset {2, 4, 6}.

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 RELATIONS AND FUNCTIONS 5

Solution Given any element a in A, both a and a must be either odd or even, so
that (a, a) ∈ R. Further, (a, b) ∈ R ⇒ both a and b must be either odd or even
⇒ (b, a) ∈ R. Similarly, (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R ⇒ all elements a, b, c, must be
either even or odd simultaneously ⇒ (a, c) ∈ R. Hence, R is an equivalence relation.
Further, all the elements of {1, 3, 5, 7} are related to each other, as all the elements
of this subset are odd. Similarly, all the elements of the subset {2, 4, 6} are related to
each other, as all of them are even. Also, no element of the subset {1, 3, 5, 7} can be
related to any element of {2, 4, 6}, as elements of {1, 3, 5, 7} are odd, while elements
of {2, 4, 6} are even.

EXERCISE 1.1
1. Determine whether each of the following relations are reflexive, symmetric and
transitive:
(i) Relation R in the set A = {1, 2, 3, ..., 13, 14} defined as
R = {(x, y) : 3x – y = 0}
(ii) Relation R in the set N of natural numbers defined as
R = {(x, y) : y = x + 5 and x < 4}
(iii) Relation R in the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} as
R = {(x, y) : y is divisible by x}
(iv) Relation R in the set Z of all integers defined as
R = {(x, y) : x – y is an integer}
(v) Relation R in the set A of human beings in a town at a particular time given by
(a) R = {(x, y) : x and y work at the same place}
(b) R = {(x, y) : x and y live in the same locality}
(c) R = {(x, y) : x is exactly 7 cm taller than y}
(d) R = {(x, y) : x is wife of y}
(e) R = {(x, y) : x is father of y}
2. Show that the relation R in the set R of real numbers, defined as
R = {(a, b) : a ≤ b2} is neither reflexive nor symmetric nor transitive.
3. Check whether the relation R defined in the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} as
R = {(a, b) : b = a + 1} is reflexive, symmetric or transitive.
4. Show that the relation R in R defined as R = {(a, b) : a ≤ b}, is reflexive and
transitive but not symmetric.
5. Check whether the relation R in R defined by R = {(a, b) : a ≤ b3} is reflexive,
symmetric or transitive.

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6 MATHEMATICS

6. Show that the relation R in the set {1, 2, 3} given by R = {(1, 2), (2, 1)} is
symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.
7. Show that the relation R in the set A of all the books in a library of a college,
given by R = {(x, y) : x and y have same number of pages} is an equivalence
relation.
8. Show 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. Show that all the
elements of {1, 3, 5} are related to each other and all the elements of {2, 4} are
related to each other. But no element of {1, 3, 5} is related to any element of {2, 4}.
9. Show that each of the relation R in the set A = {x ∈ Z : 0 ≤ x ≤ 12}, given by
(i) R = {(a, b) : |a – b| is a multiple of 4}
(ii) R = {(a, b) : a = b}
is an equivalence relation. Find the set of all elements related to 1 in each case.
10. Give an example of a relation. Which is
(i) Symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.
(ii) Transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric.
(iii) Reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.
(iv) Reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.
(v) Symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.
11. Show that the relation R in the set A of points in a plane given by
R = {(P, Q) : distance of the point P from the origin is same as the distance of the
point Q from the origin}, is an equivalence relation. Further, show that the set of
all points related to a point P ≠ (0, 0) is the circle passing through P with origin as
centre.
12. Show that the relation R defined in the set A of all triangles as R = {(T1, T2) : T1
is similar to T2}, is equivalence relation. Consider three right angle triangles T1
with sides 3, 4, 5, T2 with sides 5, 12, 13 and T3 with sides 6, 8, 10. Which
triangles among T1, T2 and T3 are related?
13. Show that the relation R defined in the set A of all polygons as R = {(P1, P2) :
P1 and P2 have same number of sides}, is an equivalence relation. What is the
set of all elements in A related to the right angle triangle T with sides 3, 4 and 5?
14. Let L be the set of all lines in XY plane and R be the relation in L defined as
R = {(L1, L2) : L1 is parallel to L2}. Show that R is an equivalence relation. Find
the set of all lines related to the line y = 2x + 4.

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 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

Exercise 1.1 Page No: 5

1. Determine whether each of the following relations are reflexive, symmetric and
transitive:
(i) Relation R in the set A = {1, 2, 3,…….., 13, 14} defined as
R = {(x, y) : 3x – y = 0}

(ii) Relation R in the set N of natural numbers defined as

R = {(x, y) : y = x + 5 and x < 4}

(iii) Relation R in the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} as

R = {(x, y) : y is divisible by x}

(iv) Relation R in the set Z of all integers defined as

R = {(x, y) : x – y is an integer}

(v) Relation R in the set A of human beings in a town at a particular time given by

(a) R = {(x, y) : x and y work at the same place}

(b) R = {(x, y) : x and y live in the same locality}
(c) R = {(x, y) : x is exactly 7 cm taller than y}
(d) R = {(x, y) : x is wife of y}
(e) R = {(x, y) : x is father of y}

Solution:
(i)R = {(x, y) : 3x - y = 0}

A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ……13, 14}

Therefore, R = {(1, 3), (2, 6), (3, 9), (4, 12)} …(1)

As per reflexive property: (x, x) ∈ R, then R is reflexive)

Since there is no such pair, so R is not reflexive.

As per symmetric property: (x, y) ∈ R and (y, x) ∈ R, then R is symmetric.

Since there is no such pair, R is not symmetric

As per transitive property: If (x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R, then (x, z) ∈ R. Thus R is transitive.

From (1), (1, 3) ∈ R and (3, 9) ∈ R but (1, 9) ∉ R, R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric and nor transitive.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

(ii) R = {(x, y) : y = x + 5 and x < 4} in set N of natural numbers.

Values of x are 1, 2, and 3

So, R = {(1, 6), (2, 7), (3, 8)}

As per reflexive property: (x, x) ∈ R, then R is reflexive

Since there is no such pair, R is not reflexive.

As per symmetric property: (x, y) ∈ R and (y, x) ∈ R, then R is symmetric.

Since there is no such pair, so R is not symmetric

As per transitive property: If (x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R, then (x, z) ∈ R. Thus R is transitive.

Since there is no such pair, so R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric and nor transitive.

(iii) R = {(x, y) : y is divisible by x} in A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}

From above we have,

R = {(1, 1), (1, 2), (1, 3), (1, 4), (1, 5), (1, 6), (2, 2), (2, 4), (2, 6), (3, 3), (3, 6), (4, 4), (5, 5), (6,
6)}

As per reflexive property: (x, x) ∈ R, then R is reflexive.

(1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3), (4, 4), (5, 5) and (6, 6) ∈ R . Therefore, R is reflexive.

As per symmetric property: (x, y) ∈ R and (y, x) ∈ R, then R is symmetric.

(1, 2) ∈ R but (2, 1) ∉ R. So R is not symmetric.

As per transitive property: If (x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R, then (x, z) ∈ R. Thus R is transitive.

Also (1, 4) ∈ R and (4, 4) ∈ R and (1, 4) ∈ R, So R is transitive.

Therefore, R is reflexive and transitive but nor symmetric.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

(iv) R = {(x, y) : x - y is an integer} in set Z of all integers.

Now, (x, x), say (1, 1) = x – y = 1 – 1 = 0 ∈ Z => R is reflexive.

(x, y) ∈ R and (y, x) ∈ R, i.e.,

x – y and y – x are integers => R is symmetric.

(x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R, then (x, z) ∈ R i.e.,

x – y and y – z and x - z are integers.

(x, z) ∈ R => R is transitive

Therefore, R is reflexive, symmetric and transitive.

(v)
(a) R = {(x, y) : x and y work at the same place}
For reflexive: x and x can work at same place
(x, x) ∈ R
R is reflexive.

For symmetric: x and y work at same place so y and x also work at same place.
(x, y) ∈ R and (y, x) ∈ R
R is symmetric.

For transitive: x and y work at same place and y and z work at same place, then x and z also
work at same place.

(x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R then (x, z) ∈ R

R is transitive

Therefore, R is reflexive, symmetric and transitive.

(b) R = {(x, y) : x and y live in the same locality}

(x, x) ∈ R => R is reflexive.

(x, y) ∈ R and (y, x) ∈ R => R is symmetric.

Again,
(x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R then (x, z) ∈ R => R is transitive.

Therefore, R is reflexive, symmetric and transitive.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

(c) R = {(x, y) : x is exactly 7 cm taller than y}

x can not be taller than x, so R is not reflexive.

x is taller than y then y can not be taller than x, so R is not symmetric.

Again, x is 7 cm taller than y and y is 7 cm taller than z, then x can not be 7 cm taller than z, so
R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric and nor transitive.

(d) R = {(x, y) : x is wife of y}

x is not wife of x, so R is not reflexive.

x is wife of y but y is not wife of x, so R is not symmetric.

Again, x is wife of y and y is wife of z then x can not be wife of z, so R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric and nor transitive.

(e) R = {(x, y) : x is father of y}

x is not father of x, so R is not reflexive.

x is father of y but y is not father of x, so R is not symmetric.

Again, x is father of y and y is father of z then x cannot be father of z, so R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric and nor transitive.

2. Show that the relation R in the set R of real numbers, defined as R = {(a, b) : a ≤ b 2} is
neither reflexive nor symmetric nor transitive.

Solution:
R = {(a, b) : a ≤ b2} , Relation R is defined as the set of real numbers.

(a, a) ∈ R then a ≤ a2 , which is false. R is not reflexive.

(a, b)=(b, a) ∈ R then a ≤ b2 and b ≤ a2, it is false statement. R is not symmetric.

Now, a ≤ b2 and b ≤ c2,then a ≤ c2 , which is false. R is not transitive

Therefore, R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric and nor transitive.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

3. Check whether the relation R defined in the set {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} as R = {(a, b) : b = a +

1} is reflexive, symmetric or transitive.

Solution: R = {(a, b) : b = a + 1}

R = {(1, 2), (2, 3), (3, 4), (4, 5), (5, 6)}

When b = a, a = a + 1: which is false, So R is not reflexive.

If (a, b) = (b,a), then b = a+1 and a =b+1: Which is false, so R is not symmetric.

Now, if (a, b), (b,c) and (a, c) belongs to R then

b = a+1 and c =b+1 which implies c = a + 2: Which is false, so R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is neither reflexive, nor symmetric and nor transitive.

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

6. Show that the relation R in the set {1, 2, 3} given by R = {(1, 2), (2, 1)} is symmetric but
neither reflexive nor transitive.

Solution:

R = {(1, 2), (2, 1)}

(x, x) ∉ R. R is not reflexive.

(1, 2) ∈ R and (2,1) ∈ R. R is symmetric.

Again, (x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R then (x, z) does not imply to R. R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.

7. Show that the relation R in the set A of all the books in a library of a college, given by
R = {(x, y) : x and y have same number of pages} is an equivalence relation.

Solution:
Books x and x have same number of pages. (x, x) ∈ R. R is reflexive.

If (x, y) ∈ R and (y, x) ∈ R, so R is symmetric.

Because, Books x and y have same number of pages and Books y and x have same number
of pages.

Again, (x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R and (x, z) ∈ R. R is transitive.

Therefore, R is an equivalence relation.

8. Show 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. Show that all the elements of {1,
3, 5} are related to each other and all the elements of {2, 4} are related to each other. But
no element of {1, 3, 5} is related to any element of {2, 4}.

Solution:
A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} and R = {(a, b) : |a – b| is even}

We get, R = {(1, 3), (1, 5), (3, 5), (2, 4)}

For (a, a), |a – b| = |a – a| = 0 is even. Therfore, R is reflexive.

If |a – b| is even, then |b – a| is also even. R is symmetric.

Again, if |a – b| and |b – c| is even then |a – c| is also even. R is transitive.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

Therefore, R is an equivalence relation.

(b) We have to show that, Elements of {1, 3, 5} are related to each other.

|1 – 3| = 2
|3 – 5| = 2
|1 - 5| = 4
All are even numbers.

Elements of {1, 3, 5} are related to each other.

Similarly, |2 - 4| = 2 (even number), elements of (2, 4) are related to each other.

Hence no element of {1, 3, 5} is related to any element of {2, 4}.

9. Show that each of the relation R in the set A = {x ∈ Z : 0 ≤ x ≤ 12}, given by

(i) R = {(a, b) : |a – b| is a multiple of 4}
(ii) R = {(a, b) : a = b}
is an equivalence relation. Find the set of all elements related to 1 in each case.

Solution:

(i) A = {x ∈ Z : 0 ≤ x ≤ 12}
So, A = {0, 1, 2, 3, ………, 12}

Now R = {(a, b) : |a – b| is a multiple of 4}

R = {(4, 0), (0, 4), (5, 1), (1, 5), (6, 2), (2, 6), ....., (12, 9), (9, 12),...., (8, 0), (0, 8), ...., (8, 4), (4,
8),....., (12, 12)}

Here, (x, x) = |4-4| = |8-8|= |12-12| = 0 : multiple of 4.

R is reflexive.

|a – b| and |b – a| are multiple of 4. (a, b) ∈ R and (b, a) ∈ R.

R is symmetric.

And |a – b| and |b – c| then |a - c| are multiple of 4. (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R and (a, c) ∈ R
R is transitive.

Hence R is an equivalence relation.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

(ii) Here, (a, a) = a = a.

(a, a) ∈ R . So R is reflexive.

a = b and b = a. (a, b) ∈ R and (b, a) ∈ R.

R is symmetric.

And a = b and b = c then a = c. (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) ∈ R and (a, c) ∈ R

R is transitive.

Hence R is an equivalence relation.

Now set of all elements related to 1 in each case is

(i) Required set = {1, 5, 9}

(ii) Required set = {1}

10. Give an example of a relation. Which is

(i) Symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.
(ii) Transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric.
(iii) Reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.
(iv) Reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.
(v) Symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.

Solution:
(i)Consider a relation R = {(1, 2), (2, 1)} in the set {1, 2, 3}

(x, x) ∉ R. R is not reflexive.

(1, 2) ∈ R and (2,1) ∈ R. R is symmetric.

Again, (x, y) ∈ R and (y, z) ∈ R then (x, z) does not imply to R. R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.

(ii) Relation R = {(a, b): a > b}

a > a (false statement).

Also a > b but b > a (false statement) and
If a > b but b > c, this implies a > c

Therefore, R is transitive, but neither reflexive nor symmetric.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

(iii) R = {a, b): a is friend of b}

a is friend of a. R is reflexive.

Also a is friend of b and b is friend of a. R is symmetric.

Also if a is friend of b and b is friend of c then a cannot be friend of c. R is not transitive.

Therefore, R is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.

(iv) Say R is defined in R as R = {(a, b) : a ≤ b}

a ≤ a: which is true, (a, a) ∈ R, So R is reflexive.

a ≤ b but b ≤ a (false): (a, b) ∈ R but (b, a) ∉ R, So R is not symmetric.

Again, a ≤ b and b ≤ c then a ≤ c : (a, b) ∈ R and (b, c) and (a, c) ∈ R, So R is transitive.

Therefore, R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

(v)R = {(a, b): a is sister of b} (suppose a and b are female)

a is not sister of a. R is not reflexive.

a is sister of b and b is sister of a. R is symmetric.

Again, a is sister of b and b is sister of c then a is sister of c.

Therefore, R is symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.

11. Show that the relation R in the set A of points in a plane given by
R = {(P, Q) : distance of the point P from the origin is same as the distance of the point
Q from the origin}, is an equivalence relation. Further, show that the set of all points
related to a point P ≠ (0, 0) is the circle passing through P with origin as centre.

Solution: R = {(P, Q): distance of the point P from the origin is the same as the distance of the
point Q from the origin}

Say "O" is origin Point.

Since the distance of the point P from the origin is always the same as the distance of the
same point P from the origin.
OP = OP
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

So (P, P) R. R is reflexive.

Distance of the point P from the origin is the same as the distance of the point Q from the
origin

OP = OQ then OQ = OP
R is symmetric.

Also OP = OQ and OQ = OR then OP = OR. R is transitive.

Therefore, R is an equivalent relation.

12. Show that the relation R defined in the set A of all triangles as R = {(T1, T2) : T1 is
similar to T2}, is equivalence relation. Consider three right angle triangles T1 with sides
3, 4, 5, T2 with sides 5, 12, 13 and T3 with sides 6, 8, 10. Which triangles among T1, T2
and T3 are related?

Solution:
Case I:
T1, T2 are triangle.

R = {(T1, T2): T1 is similar to T2}

Check for reflexive:

As We know that each triangle is similar to itself, so (T1, T1) ∈ R

R is reflexive.

Check for symmetric:

Also two triangles are similar, then T1 is similar to T2 and T2 is similar to T1, so (T1, T2) ∈ R and
(T2, T1) ∈ R
R is symmetric.

Check for transitive:

Again, if then T1 is similar to T2 and T2 is similar to T3, then T1 is similar to T3 , so (T1, T2) ∈ R
and (T2, T3) ∈ R and (T1, T3) ∈ R
R is transitive

Therefore, R is an equivalent relation.

Case 2: It is given that T1, T2 and T3 are right angled triangles.

 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

T1 with sides 3, 4, 5
T2 with sides 5, 12, 13 and
T3 with sides 6, 8, 10

Since, two triangles are similar if corresponding sides are proportional.

Therefore, 3/6 = 4/8 = 5/10 = 1/2

Therefore, T1 and T3 are related.

13. Show that the relation R defined in the set A of all polygons as R = {(P1, P2) :P1 and
P2 have same number of sides}, is an equivalence relation. What is the set of all
elements in A related to the right angle triangle T with sides 3, 4 and 5?

Solution:

Case I:
R = {(P1, P2) :P1 and P2 have same number of sides}
Check for reflexive:

P1 and P1 have same number of sides, So R is reflexive.

Check for symmetric:

P1 and P2 have same number of sides then P2 and P1 have same number of sides, so (P1, P2)
∈ R and (P2, P1) ∈ R
R is symmetric.

Check for transitive:

Again, P1 and P2 have same number of sides, and P2 and P3 have same number of sides,
then also P1 and P3 have same number of sides .
So (P1, P2) ∈ R and (P2, P3) ∈ R and (P1, P3) ∈ R
R is transitive

Therefore, R is an equivalent relation.

Since 3, 4, 5 are the sides of a triangle, the triangle is right angled triangle. Therefore, the set
A is the set of right angled triangle.

14. Let L be the set of all lines in XY plane and R be the relation in L defined as R = {(L1,
L2) : L1 is parallel to L2}. Show that R is an equivalence relation. Find the set of all lines
related to the line y = 2x + 4.
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

Solution:

Again, The set of all lines related to the line y = 2x + 4, is the set of all its parallel lines.
Slope of given line is m = 2.
As we know slope of all parallel lines are same.
Hence, the set of all related to y = 2x + 4 is y = 2x + k, where k ∈ R.

15. Let R be the relation in the set {1, 2, 3, 4} given by R = {(1, 2), (2, 2), (1, 1), (4,4), (1, 3),
(3, 3), (3, 2)}. Choose the correct answer.
(A) R is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.
(B) R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.
(C) R is symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.
(D) R is an equivalence relation.

Solution:
Let R be the relation in the set {1, 2, 3, 4} given by R = {(1, 2), (2, 2), (1, 1), (4,4), (1, 3), (3, 3),
(3, 2)}.

Step 1: (1, 1), (2, 2), (3, 3), (4, 4) ∈ R R. R is reflexive.

Step 2: (1, 2) ∈ R but (2, 1) ∉ R. R is not symmetric.

Step 3: Consider any set of points, (1, 3) ∈ R and (3, 2) ∈ R then (1, 2) ∈ R. So R is
transitive.

Option (B) is correct.

16. Let R be the relation in the set N given by R = {(a, b) : a = b – 2, b > 6}. Choose the
correct answer.
(A) (2, 4) ∈ R (B) (3, 8) ∈ R (C) (6, 8) ∈ R (D) (8, 7) ∈ R
 NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Maths Chapter 1 Relations and
Functions

Solution: R = {(a, b) : a = b – 2, b > 6}

(A) Incorrect : Value of b = 4, not true.

(B) Incorrect : a = 3 and b = 8 > 6

a = b – 2 => 3 = 8 – 2 and 3 = 6, which is false.

(C) Correct: a = 6 and b = 8 > 6

a = b – 2 => 6 = 8 – 2 and 6 = 6, which is true.

(D) Incorrect : a = 8 and b = 7 > 6

a = b – 2 => 8 = 7 – 2 and 8 = 5, which is false.

Therefore, option (C) is correct.

∈ R but (2, 1) ∉ R