Given an example of a relation. Which is | Class 12 Mathematics Chapter Relations and Functions, Relations and Functions NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 1 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Mathematics - Chapter Relations and Functions. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 10: Given an example of a relation. Which is
(i) Symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.
(ii) Transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric.
(iii) Reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.
(iv) Reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.
(v) Symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 10: Given an example of a relation. Which is
(i) Symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive.
(ii) Transitive but neither reflexive nor symmetric.
(iii) Reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.
(iv) Reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.
(v) Symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.
Answer:

(i) Let A = {5, 6, 7}.

Define a relation R on A as R = {(5, 6), (6, 5)}.

Relation R is not reflexive as (5, 5), (6, 6), (7, 7) ∉ R.

Now, as (5, 6) ∈ R and also (6, 5) ∈ R, R is symmetric.

=> (5, 6), (6, 5) ∈ R, but (5, 5) ∉ R

∴R is not transitive.

Hence, relation R is symmetric but not reflexive or transitive.

(ii) Consider a relation R in R defined as:

R = {(a, b): a < b}

For any a ∈ R, we have (a, a) ∉ R since a cannot be strictly less than a itself. In fact, a = a.

∴ R is not reflexive.

Now,

(1, 2) ∈ R (as 1 < 2)

But, 2 is not less than 1.

∴ (2, 1) ∉ R

∴ R is not symmetric.

Now, let (a, b), (b, c) ∈ R.

⇒ a < b and b < c

⇒ a < c

⇒ (a, c) ∈ R

∴ R is transitive.

Hence, relation R is transitive but not reflexive and symmetric.

(iii) Let A = {4, 6, 8}.

Define a relation R on A as:

A = {(4, 4), (6, 6), (8, 8), (4, 6), (6, 4), (6, 8), (8, 6)}

Relation R is reflexive since for every a ∈ A, (a, a) ∈R i.e., (4, 4), (6, 6), (8, 8)} ∈ R.

Relation R is symmetric since (a, b) ∈ R ⇒ (b, a) ∈ R for all a, b ∈ R.

Relation R is not transitive since (4, 6), (6, 8) ∈ R, but (4, 8) ∉ R.

Hence, relation R is reflexive and symmetric but not transitive.

(iv) Define a relation R in R as:

R = {a, b): a3 ≥ b3}

Clearly (a, a) ∈ R as a3 = a3.

∴ R is reflexive.

Now,

(2, 1) ∈ R (as 23 ≥ 13)

But,

(1, 2) ∉ R (as 13 < 23)

∴ R is not symmetric.

Now,

Let (a, b), (b, c) ∈ R.

⇒ a3 ≥ b3 and b3 ≥ c3

⇒ a3 ≥ c3

⇒ (a, c) ∈ R

∴ R is transitive.

Hence, relation R is reflexive and transitive but not symmetric.

(v)  Let A = {−5, −6}.

Define a relation R on A as:

R = {(−5, −6), (−6, −5), (−5, −5)}

Relation R is not reflexive as (−6, −6) ∉ R.

Relation R is symmetric as (−5, −6) ∈ R and (−6, −5}∈R.

It is seen that (−5, −6), (−6, −5) ∈ R. Also, (−5, −5) ∈ R.

∴ The relation R is transitive.

Hence, relation R is symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Relations and Functions.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Comments

  • callboy
  • Aug 23, 2019

in part v set is trans. then (-6,-5) & (-5,-6) both are in relation


  • angshika
  • Aug 21, 2019

Thanks for the help


  • Kajol
  • Dec 23, 2018

In v. If -6,-6 belongs to R then it will be reflexive (a,a) belongs to R therefore v answer is correct


  • Sunny
  • Jul 15, 2018

Try to improve much more


  • Sachin
  • Apr 17, 2015

I think, it is correct because (-6,-6) does not belongs to relation set R. Properties of Relation is A realtion R on set A is reflexive if aRa for all a belongs to A i.e. is (a,a) belongs to R for all a belongs to R => each element a of A is related to itself. Ex: Let A = {a,b} and R = {(a,a),(a,b),(b,a)} then R is reflexive as aRa belongs to R but it is not reflexive for pair (b,b) does not belongs to R.


  • imer
  • Apr 16, 2015

plz check part v it does not seems correct as -6,-6 doesnot belongs to R


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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 12 Mathematics - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 10: Given an example of a relation. Which is (i) Symmetric but neither reflexive nor transitive. (ii) Tr....

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