Can substitution be used to solve a single equation that represent a partial order with two variable

copafumpv

copafumpv

Answered question

2022-05-29

Can substitution be used to solve a single equation that represent a partial order with two variables?
I am still trying to wrap my head around partial orders and my algebra is not the best... My question is pertains to the following example:
ex.) Let a relation R be defined on the set of real numbers as follows: x R y 2 x + y = 3. Prove that this relation is antisymmetric.
Solution: aRb is ( 2 a + b = 3 ), since bRa is 2 b + a = 3.
( 2 a + b ) ( 2 b + a ) = 3 3
2 a + b 2 b a = 0
a b = 0
a = b
My question is, why subtract the two equations? Do we subtract the two equations because a partial order is a way to quantify how objects in a set are different from each other?And is it possible to solve the same equation by substitution?
I solved: 2 x + y = 3
x = 3 y / 2
and plugged x back into the equation and solved for y.
2 ( 3 y / 2 ) + y = 3
3 y + y = 3
3 + y = 3 + y
y = y
I tested a few values to find that the equation 2 x + y = 3 is true for any value y that is added to 2 ( 3 y / 2 )

Answer & Explanation

Alberto Duffy

Alberto Duffy

Beginner2022-05-30Added 5 answers

Step 1
In order to show antisymmetry we have to show that given xRy and yRx the equality x = y follows. Here we have the situation that since xRy is defined as 2 x + y = 3 the system of equations
(1) 2 x + y = 3 (2) x + 2 y = 3 is valid.
Step 2
We can do any admissible equivalence transformations with (1) and (2) to find out if x = y is true. This means that we can subtract (1) from (2) to come to a conclusion as well as applying the substitution method. So, both approaches are fine.
Hint: Your calculation needs to be revised somewhat. In fact from 2 x + y = 3 it follows x = 3 y 2 . Substitution of x = 3 y 2 in x + 2 y = 3 results in y = 1 and we finally get x = y = 1.

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