[Math] Relations are just sets of ordered pairs

elementary-set-theory

If the definition of a relation is that it is a set of ordered pairs, how come two relations are not equal if they contain the same elements but aren't on the same sets?

For example, Let $R_1$ be a relation from $A$ to $B$ and $R_2$ be a relation from $C$ to $D$ such that $B \ne D$ but $R_1$ and $R_2$ contain the same elements. If $R_1$ and $R_2$ are just sets shouldn't $R_1=R_2$?

Wouldn't it be more appropriate to define relations as something like an ordered triple? For example $(R,A,B)$ where $R \subseteq A \times B$.

Thanks in advance

Best Answer

You seem to be quoting an ill-stated version of the definition of a relation. A better crafted version will have the domain and range given as part of the definition:

  • Given sets $A$ and $B$, a relation between $A$ and $B$ is a subset of $A \times B$.