[Math] Prove that $(\mathbb{R}\setminus \{0\},\sim):= ab>0$ is transitive.

abstract-algebraequivalence-relations

I have the following problem:

A relation $\sim$ on $\mathbb{R}\setminus\{0\}$ is defined by $a\sim b$ if $ab>0$. Show that $\sim$ is an equivalence relation and identify the equivalence classes.

I've been able to easily demonstrate that $\sim$ is both reflexive and symmetric, but I'm not sure how to approach demonstrating that it is transitive.

Best Answer

Hint: $ac = \frac{(ab)(bc)}{b^2}$.