Question:

Let $S = \{(x, y) \mid x, y \in \mathbb{N}, 1 \le x \le 15, 1 \le y \le 20\}$ be a set. Let $\mathcal{R}$ be the equivalence relation on $S$ defined by $(x, y) \mathcal{R} (x', y')$ if and only if $x + y = x' + y'$. Then the number of equivalence classes of $\mathcal{R}$ on $S$ is

Show Hint

An equivalence class for $(x, y) \mathcal{R} (x', y')$ is determined by the output of the function $f(x, y) = x + y$.
The number of equivalence classes is equal to the size of the range of this function over the domain $S$.
Updated On: Jun 16, 2026
  • 34
  • 35
  • 15
  • 20
Show Solution
collegedunia
Verified By Collegedunia

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The problem defines a set $S$ consisting of ordered pairs of natural numbers within specified ranges.
An equivalence relation $\mathcal{R}$ partitions the set into distinct equivalence classes where two elements belong to the same class if their coordinates sum to the same value.
We need to find the total number of distinct possible sums.

Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Let $k = x + y$ be the sum of the coordinates.
An equivalence class is formed for each unique value of $k$ that can be achieved by at least one pair $(x, y) \in S$.
The number of equivalence classes is simply the number of distinct values of $k$ that can be formed.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:

• The coordinates of any pair $(x, y) \in S$ must satisfy:
\[ 1 \le x \le 15 \quad (x \in \mathbb{N}) \]
\[ 1 \le y \le 20 \quad (y \in \mathbb{N}) \]

• Let us find the minimum possible value of $k = x + y$:
\[ k_{\min} = x_{\min} + y_{\min} = 1 + 1 = 2 \]

• Let us find the maximum possible value of $k = x + y$:
\[ k_{\max} = x_{\max} + y_{\max} = 15 + 20 = 35 \]

• Since $x$ and $y$ are natural numbers, the sum $k$ must be an integer.
Can every integer value from 2 to 35 be achieved?
- For any $k \in [2, 16]$, we can choose $x = 1 \in [1, 15]$ and $y = k - 1 \in [1, 20]$.
- For any $k \in [17, 35]$, we can choose $y = 20 \in [1, 20]$ and $x = k - 20$. Since $17 \le k \le 35$, we have $1 \le k - 20 \le 15$, which is a valid value for $x$.
- Thus, every integer $k \in [2, 35]$ is achievable by at least one pair in $S$.

• The number of distinct values of $k$ is:
\[ N = 35 - 2 + 1 = 34 \]

• Each of these values corresponds to exactly one equivalence class.



Step 4: Final Answer:
The number of equivalence classes of $\mathcal{R}$ on $S$ is 34.
Was this answer helpful?
0
0

Top NEST Questions

View More Questions