Equivalence Relation (redirected from Identification (mathematics))

equivalence relation

In mathematics, a generalization of the idea of equality between elements of a set. All equivalence relations (e.g., that symbolized by the equals sign) obey three conditions: reflexivity (every element is in the relation to itself), symmetry (element A has the same relation to element B that B has to A), and transitivity (see transitive law). Congruence of triangles is an equivalence relation in geometry. Members of a set are said to be in the same equivalence class if they have an equivalence relation.

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equivalence relation [i′kwiv·ə·ləns ri′lā·shən]

(mathematics)

A relation which is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. Also known as equals functions.

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(mathematics)

equivalence relation - A relation R on a set including elements a, b, c, which is reflexive (a R a), symmetric (a R b => b R a) and transitive (a R b R c => a R c). An equivalence relation defines an equivalence class. See also partial equivalence relation.

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Equivalence Relation 

a concept in logic and mathematics expressing the presence in different objects of the same characteristics or properties. The objects are indistinguishable—identical, equal, or equivalent—with respect to such shared characteristics. Any of them can serve equally well as a “representative” of the equivalence class to which all objects between which the equivalence relation holds belong. Equivalence relations are reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. Under certain conditions and within certain limits, they possess the property of substitution—that is, objects in an equivalence class can, with certain limitations, perform the same functions and their names, or words designating them, can be substituted for each other in different propositions.

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Equivalence Relation 

an equality-type relation, that is, a binary relation that is reflexive, symmetric, and transitive. For example, if two geometric figures are congruent or similar or if two sets of objects are isomorphic or equipotent, the figures or sets are equal or identical in some regard. Thus, isomorphic sets are indistinguishable in structure if by “structure” is meant the aggregate of the properties with respect to which the sets are isomorphic.