Try it on paper first. A hint, the key idea and the worked solution are here when you need them.
On , let mean that is divisible by . Show that is an equivalence relation, and describe the group of numbers that are related to .
holds every pair , and . A relation is any subset of . On one set, a relation that is reflexive, symmetric and transitive is an equivalence relation.
Have you tried it?
Work it out on paper first. It is fine to get stuck or make a mistake: that is how we learn. When you are ready, go through the solution one step at a time, and check each step against your own.
Step 1. Reflexive. is divisible by .
Step 2. Symmetric. If divides , it divides .
Step 3. Transitive. If divides and , it divides their sum, .
Step 4. The group of . All integers that leave a remainder of on division by : .
Answer: is an equivalence relation, and is related to every number of the form .
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