(a) Mr. X claims the following:
If a relation R is both symmetric and transitive, then R is reflexive. For this, Mr. X offers the following proof.

"From xRy, using symmetry we get yRx. Now because R is transitive, xRy and yRx togethrer imply xRx. Therefore, R is reflextive."

Briefly point out the flaw in Mr. X' proof.

(b) Give an example of a relation R which is symmetric and transitive but not reflexive.

Let X and Y be two exponentially distributed and independent random variables with mean $$\alpha $$ and $$\beta $$, respectively. If Z = min (X, Y), then the mean of Z is given by

Consider two events $${{E_1}}$$ and $${{E_2}}$$ such that probability of $${{E_1}}$$, Pr [$${{E_1}}$$] = 1/2, probability of $${{E_2}}$$, Pr[$${{E_2}}$$ = 1/3, and probability of $${{E_1}}$$ and $${{E_2}}$$, $$\left[ {{E_1}\,\,or\,\,{E_2}} \right]$$ = 1/5. Which of the following statements is /are true?

Let $$\left( {\left\{ {p,\,q} \right\},\, * } \right)$$ be a semi group where $$p * p = q$$. Show that: (a) $$p * q = q * p,$$, and (b) $$q * q = q$$