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Homework Statement
Let R be a relation and define the following sequence
[tex] R^0 = R [/tex]
[tex] R^{i+1} = R^i \cup \{(s,u) \vert \exists t, (s,t) \in R^i, (t,u) \in R^i \} [/tex]
And
[tex] R^{+} = \bigcup_{i} R_i [/tex]
Prove that [tex] R^{+} [/tex] is the transitive closure.
Homework Equations
The Attempt at a Solution
1)
[tex] R = R_0 \subset R^{+} [/tex]
2) show transitive
Assume [tex] xR^{+}y,yR^{+}z[/tex] Then there is a
k, such [tex] \exists u, xR^{k}u, uR^{k}y [/tex], and
l, such [tex] \exists w, yR^{l}w, wR^{l}z [/tex]
Therefore [tex] \exists m \geq k+l, xR^{k+l}z [/tex], because ??
I don't know why I think this is the way to go, and I don't know how to finish this part of the proof. I will continue on. Please suggestions here??
3) show smallest transitive relation (by induction)
Let T be any other transitive relation containing R.
(I) [tex] R^0 = R \subset T [/tex]
(II) Assume [tex] R^n \subset T [/tex] and let [tex]xR{n+1}y[/tex]. Then there is a z, such that
[tex] (x,y) \in R^n \cup \{(x,y) \vert (x,z) \in R^n, (z,y) \in R^m \} [/tex]
Now if [tex] (x,y) \in R^n [/tex] then we are done. Assume [tex] (x,y) \in \{(x,y) \vert (x,z) \in R^n, (z,y) \in R^m \} [/tex]. Then because [tex] R^n \in T [/tex] , then [tex] (x,z) \in T, (z,y) \in T [/tex]. Then because T is transitive (x,y) is in T.
?Is my last statement here correct?
Therefore [tex] R^n \subset T [/tex]
Any help on the above two questions would be greatly appreciated.