Equivalence relations and quotient classes
An equivalence relation partitions a set into classes.
Key knowledge
A relation on X is an equivalence relation when it is reflexive, symmetric and transitive. Its classes [x] = {y ∈ X: y ∼ x} partition X.
Values and equations
[x] = {y ∈ X : y ∼ x}
- X
- Underlying set
- ∼
- Equivalence relation
- [x]
- Class containing x
Conditions and scope
- The relation must satisfy all three properties on the whole declared set.
- Quotient operations require separate well-definedness checks.
Sources · 1
References
Sources retain their recorded scope. A source link alone does not establish verification of every statement.
Evidence and review
Reflexive/symmetric/transitive definition and equivalence-class partition argument.
2026-10-10 · Equivalence definition and partition correspondence.
Entry details
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- math-equivalence-relations
- Revision
- university-reference.1
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- University reference