Chapter 1: Relations and Functions

Definitions, Types & Counting Formulas

1. Types of Relations (on Set A)

Empty Relation $$R = \phi$$ (No element is related to any other)
Universal Relation $$R = A \times A$$ (Every element related to every element)
Reflexive $$(a, a) \in R$$for every$$a \in A$$
Symmetric If $$(a, b) \in R \Rightarrow (b, a) \in R$$
Transitive If $$(a, b) \in R$$and$$(b, c) \in R \Rightarrow (a, c) \in R$$
Equivalence Relation Relation is Reflexive, Symmetric AND Transitive

2. Types of Functions ($$f: A \to B$$)

One-One (Injective) $$f(x_1) = f(x_2) \Rightarrow x_1 = x_2$$
(Distinct elements have distinct images)
Many-One Two or more elements in $$A$$have the same image in$$B$$
Onto (Surjective) Range $$=$$ Codomain ($$B$$)
(Every element in B has a pre-image in A)
Into Range $$\subset$$ Codomain ($$B$$)
(At least one element in B has no pre-image)
Bijective Function is both One-One AND Onto

3. Number of Relations

Let $$n(A) = p$$and$$n(B) = q$$.

Total Number of Relations from A to B $$2^{pq}$$
Number of Relations on Set A ($$A \to A$$) $$2^{p^2}$$
Number of Reflexive Relations on A $$2^{p^2 – p}$$
Number of Symmetric Relations on A $$2^{\frac{p(p+1)}{2}}$$

4. Number of Functions (Cases)

Let $$n(A) = p$$(domain) and$$n(B) = q$$ (codomain).

Type Case 1: $$p < q$$ Case 2: $$p = q$$ Case 3: $$p > q$$
Total Functions $$q^p$$ $$q^p$$(or$$p^p$$) $$q^p$$
One-One (Injective) $$^qP_p = \frac{q!}{(q-p)!}$$ $$p!$$ $$0$$
Onto (Surjective) $$0$$ $$p!$$ $$\sum_{r=1}^{q} (-1)^{q-r} {}^qC_r r^p$$
Bijective $$0$$ $$p!$$ $$0$$