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Math Properties
. . .
Algebraic Equivalence Relations

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Math Properties - Equivalence Relations - Properties of Real Numbers : Math Properties: Real numbers have unique properties which make them particularly useful in everyday life.



First, Real numbers are an ordered set of numbers. This means real numbers are sequential. The numerical value of every real number fits between the numerical values two other real numbers.

Everyone is familiar with this idea since all measurements (weight, the purchasing power of money, the speed of a car, etc.) depend upon the fact that some numbers have a higher value than other numbers. Ten is greater than five, and five is greater than four . . . and so on. This is an important math property.

Second, another important math property is: we never run out of real numbers. The quantity of real numbers available is not fixed. There are an infinite number of values available. The availability of numbers expands without end. Real numbers are not simply a finite "row of separate points" on a number line. There is always another real number whose value falls between any two real numbers (this is called the "density" property).

Third, when real numbers are added or multiplied, the result is always another real number (this math property is called the "closure" property). [This is not the case with all arithmetic operations. For example, the square root of a -1 yields an imaginary number.]

With these three points in mind, the question is: , How can we use real numbers in practical calculations? What rules apply?
  • How should numbers be added, subtracted, multiplied, and divided? What latitude do we have?


  • Does it matter what we do first? second? third? . . .


  • Can we add a series of numbers together in any order? Will the final answer be the same regardless of the order we choose?


  • Can we multiply a series of numbers together in any order? Will the final answer be the same regardless of the order we choose?


The following math properties of real numbers answers these types of questions. The property characteristics which follow show how much latitude you have to change the mechanics of calculations which use real numbers without changing the results.
  • Associative Property


  • Commutative Property


  • Distributive Property


  • Identity Property


  • Inverse Property
 In addition, the following three math properties of equivalence determine when one algebraic quantity can be substituted for another without changing the original value.
  • Reflexive Property

  • Symmetric Property

  • Transitive Property
The Properties of Equivalence of Real Numbers - click description Return to Math Properties Page Return to Math Properties Page Return to Math Properties Page Return To "Math Properties" click here





Math Properties - Equivalence Relationships - Equal
Math Equivalence Properties - Reflexive, Symmetric, Transitive
Math Properties - Examples of Equivalence Properties
 Return to Top of Page Return To "Top of Page" click here Equivalence Relationships -



What is an Equivalence Relationship ?

Equivalence simply means two objects are alike in some way.

Equivalence means that two objects have a common characteristic. They are the same in that one respect.

However, equivalence does not mean two objects are alike in every respect.

For example:




Math - Fraction is equivalent to Math - Decimal
in three ways

Both of these numbers have the same value, mathematically. Their values are equivalent.

Both of these numbers have the same color. Their colors are equivalent.

Both of these numbers are displayed on the same background color. Their background colors are equivalent.

However, the format of the numbers is not the same. One number is a fraction and the other number is a decimal. Only the numerical values, color, and background color are equivalent. Nothing else about the numbers is equivalent: not the format, not the shape, not the numerals used, etc.


Why is an equivalence relation an important math property?

If an equivalence relation exists, substitution is possible. If two items are equivalent, one item can be replaced with the other, or vice versa.


For example:


(1) The number 1/2 can be replaced with 0.5 to simplify the following arithmetic problem:

3.0367 + 1/2 = ?

Substituting .5 for 1/2

3.0367 + 0.5 = 3.5367



(2) The number .5 can also be replaced with the fraction 1/2 to simplify a problem:

0.5 + 3/2 = ?

Substituting 1/2 for .5

1/2 + 3/2 = 4/2 = 2

This point cannot be overemphasized: equivalence relations make substitution possible.

Being able to substitute equivalent values, expressions, formulas, or quantities, simplifies problem solving.


Math Properties - Other Examples of Equivalence

Measurements of completely disparate objects are equivalent if they have the same length, weight, or volume - even if those measurements are expressed in different units:


Equivalence Relationships Involving Measurements
. . .

1 meter of ribbon

length is equivalent to

3.28 feet long fishing rod

1 ton of crushed ice

weight is equivalent to

2000 pounds of beach sand

1 gallon of antifreeze

volume is equivalent to

3.79 liters pink lemonade

The examples shown above have been deliberately selected so that the objects which are being compared (ribbon vs fishing rod, crushed ice vs beach sand, antifreeze vs pink lemonade) have almost nothing in common except their length, weight, or volume. Yet, they have something in common - they are equivalent in at least one respect.

This is true of other characteristics as well:


Miscellaneous Equivalence Relationships
. . .

5 green beads

color is equivalent to

a mixture of blue and yellow paint

4 year old horse

height is equivalent to

5 year old oak tree

95% average grade in PE class

percentage grade is equivalent to

95% average grade in a calculus class

Some equivalent relationships in mathematics are shown below. Note that the numbers do not refer to any special objects such as 5 ping pong balls, or 3 planets. That is the point - and the value - of using numbers or variables (such as "x"). Numbers and variables are an abstraction. They are not limited to any one application. The same numbers can be used over and over. They can be applied to any situation.


Some Equivalent Relationships in Mathematics

. . .

5 + 1

=

3 + 3

2x

=

x + x

15÷5

=

3



Return from Math "Properties" (equivalence relationships), to Math Properties Page (a general listing of math properties)

Return from Math "Properties" (equivalence relationships), to Solving Math Problems (home page)





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