01 On the set \(A=\{2,3,4,6,8,12\}\), relation \(R\) is defined by \(aRb\) if and only if \(a\mid b\). If \((2,6)\in R\) and \((6,12)\in R\), which of the following pairs must belong to \(R\) by transitivity?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: A. \((2,12)\)
Explanation: By transitivity, if \((a,b)\in R\) and \((b,c)\in R\), then \((a,c)\in R\). Here, \((2,6)\in R\) and \((6,12)\in R\), so \((2,12)\in R\) must hold; indeed, \(2\mid12\). Option B reverses the divisibility relation, since \(12\nmid2\). Exam tip: in a transitive relation, when the second element of the first pair matches the first element of the second pair, combine the two outer elements.