Why is $xy>0$ not an equivalence relation on the set $\mathbb{Z}$

equivalence-relations

From what I understand, an equivalence relation is a relation which must be

  • reflexive
  • symmetric
  • transitive

The relation in question is:

  • reflexive because the square of a number is always positive
  • symmetric as $xy=yx$
  • transitive as if $xy>0$ and $yz>0$, then $xy^2z>0$. Divide the last expression by $y^2$, and we find that $xz>0$

Best Answer

$0^2$ is not positive, so the relation is not reflexive.

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