The relation R = {(a, b) : a is a multiple of b} on the set of natural numbers N is:

The relation R = {(a, b) : a is a multiple of b} on the set of natural numbers N is:

• A. reflexive, symmetric, transitive
• B. reflexive, transitive but not symmetric
• C. reflexive, symmetric but not transitive
• D. symmetric, transitive but not reflexive

Answer: B) reflexive, transitive but not symmetric

Explanation: Every number is a multiple of itself → reflexive. If a is multiple of b and b is multiple of c, then a is multiple of c → transitive. 4 is multiple of 2 but 2 is not multiple of 4 → not symmetric.