Math Problem Statement

For the equivalence relation ≡ (mod 7) defined on ℤ, let [x] denote the equivalence relation of x. Find the option which is not correct: (a) [2] = [-5] (b) [0] = [7] (c) [6] ≠ [-1] (d) [3] = [-4]

Solution

Let's analyze the given problem.

We are dealing with an equivalence relation defined by modulo 7 on the set of integers, denoted as Z\mathbb{Z}. For any integer xx, the notation [x][x] represents the equivalence class of xx under this relation, meaning all integers that are congruent to xmod7x \mod 7.

We need to determine which of the given options is not correct. Let's check each one.

Step-by-step evaluation of each option:

(a) [2]=[5][2] = [-5]

  • 25(mod7)2 \equiv -5 \pmod{7}?
  • 5+7=2-5 + 7 = 2, so yes, 25(mod7)2 \equiv -5 \pmod{7}.

This option is correct.

(b) [0]=[7][0] = [7]

  • 07(mod7)0 \equiv 7 \pmod{7}?
  • 7mod7=07 \mod 7 = 0, so yes, 07(mod7)0 \equiv 7 \pmod{7}.

This option is correct.

(c) [6][1][6] \neq [-1]

  • 61(mod7)6 \equiv -1 \pmod{7}?
  • 1+7=6-1 + 7 = 6, so 61(mod7)6 \equiv -1 \pmod{7}. Hence, [6]=[1][6] = [-1].

This option is incorrect**, since they are congruent.**

(d) [3]=[4][3] = [-4]

  • 34(mod7)3 \equiv -4 \pmod{7}?
  • 4+7=3-4 + 7 = 3, so yes, 34(mod7)3 \equiv -4 \pmod{7}.

This option is correct.

Conclusion:

The incorrect option is (c) [6][1][6] \neq [-1], because [6]=[1][6] = [-1].


Would you like further details on this solution or explanations about equivalence relations?

Here are 5 related questions:

  1. What is the general definition of an equivalence relation?
  2. How do equivalence classes behave under modular arithmetic?
  3. How can we verify congruence between two integers modulo nn?
  4. Can an equivalence class under mod7\mod 7 contain negative integers?
  5. How does modular arithmetic simplify number theory problems?

Tip: When working with congruences, always simplify negative numbers by adding the modulus to bring them into the standard range.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Modular Arithmetic
Equivalence Relation
Congruence Modulo

Formulas

x ≡ y (mod n) if n divides (x - y)

Theorems

Congruence and Equivalence Class

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12