EH

VUG/CSC/21/5196

ASSIGNMENT 1.0
Describe the following using valid examples and elucidation - including notes:
i. POSETs
ii. Hasse Diagrams
iii. Lattices (& their uses).

ANSWERS I
POSETs(partial order sets) are mathematical structures that capture relationships
where some elements "come before" others, but not always in a strict hierarchy.
A POSET is a pair (S, ), where:
● S is a set containing elements (like people, tasks, or concepts).
● is a binary relation between elements of S, called the partial order.

The crucial properties of are:

● Reflexivity: Every element relates to itself (a a).

● Transitivity : If a b and b c, then a c.
● Antisymmetry : If a b and b a, then a and b are the same element (a = b).

Examples;

1. Task Scheduling:
Imagine tasks A, B, and C with dependencies: A must be done before B, and B befo

2. Military Ranks:
Consider a chain of command: General Colonel Major Captain. This is a POSET bec

3. Number Divisibility:
The set of natural numbers with the divisibility relation (<) forms a POSET: (S =
Key Points to Remember:

● Not all pairs of elements need to be comparable in a POSET. This is the "partial"
part.
● POSETs can represent diverse relationships from hierarchies to dependencies.
● Order diagrams can visually depict POSETs with elements connected by arrows.

Further Exploration:

● Linear Orders: A special type of POSET where every pair of elements is

comparable. Imagine a queue where people wait in a definite order.
● Lattices: POSETs with special lattice elements (top and bottom) used in various
fields like computer science and logic.
● Duality: Fascinating relationships between POSETs, where reversing the order
relation creates a "dual" POSET with new insights.

ANSWER II
A Hasse diagram is a simple yet powerful tool in mathematics, particularly in order
theory. It's a graphical representation of a partial order, a relationship between elements
where some pairs can be compared, but not all. Unlike total orders (like numbers where
any two can be compared), partial orders allow for "incomparable" elements.

Imagine a ladder: elements higher up "dominate" those below. There's a clear order, but
some rungs might be far apart, representing incomparability. Hasse diagrams capture
this idea visually.

Key features of a Hasse diagram:

● Elements: Represented by points or circles called nodes.

● Order: Shown by directed edges (arrows) pointing upwards. An arrow from A to B
means A "covers" B, or B is "less than" A in the partial order.
● Transitivity: Implied by the diagram. If A covers B and B covers C, then A must
cover C (indirectly).
● No cycles: Arrows never form closed loops, as this would violate the partial order
definition.

Examples:

1. Divisibility: The set of positive integers {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} with divisibility as the

partial order.
Hasse diagram for divisibility of positive integers

Here, 6 covers 2 and 3 because it divides them, but 2 and 3 are incomparable as
neither divides the other.

2. Subsets: The set of subsets of {a, b, c} with the subset relation as the partial
order.
Hasse diagram for subsets of {a, b, c}

The empty set {} is the "smallest" element, included for completeness. Each element is
covered by its proper subsets (e.g., {a} is covered by {} and {a, b}).

Elucidation:

Hasse diagrams offer several advantages:

● Visualization: They make complex partial orders easier to understand by

providing a spatial representation.
● Identification of properties: Transitivity, minimality, maximality, and other
properties become readily apparent in the diagram.
● Proofs and algorithms: Hasse diagrams can be used to visually guide proofs and
design algorithms for problems related to partial orders.
ANSWERS III

In computer science, lattices are more than just geometric grids. They're powerful
mathematical structures used in various areas, with cryptography and optimization
being two prime examples. Here's a breakdown of lattices and their uses:

What are Lattices?

Imagine a grid made of points spaced apart in a specific way. Now, connect these
points with horizontal and vertical lines, creating squares or diamonds. That's the basic
idea of a lattice in two dimensions. In computer science, though, we deal with lattices in
higher dimensions, formed by vectors instead of points.

Key Properties of Lattices:

● Order: Elements in a lattice are ordered, meaning you can compare them using
"greater than" or "less than."
● Meet & Join: Every pair of elements has a "meet" (the greatest element smaller
than both) and a "join" (the smallest element bigger than both). This allows for
combining or separating elements in a meaningful way.
● Basis: You can build the lattice using a set of independent vectors called a basis.
Think of it as the building blocks of the lattice.

Uses of Lattices in Computer Science:

Cryptography: Lattices play a crucial role in modern cryptography. They're used

in:

○ Post-Quantum Cryptography: Quantum computers threaten current

encryption methods. Lattice-based cryptography is being developed as a
potential replacement, as it's believed to be resistant to quantum attacks.
○ Homomorphic Encryption: Imagine performing calculations on encrypted
data without decrypting it! Lattices enable this powerful encryption
scheme, allowing secure processing of sensitive information.
○ Digital Signatures: Lattices can be used to create secure digital signatures
for verifying the authenticity of documents or messages.

Combinatorial Optimization: Lattices help solve complex optimization problems

involving finding the best solution from a vast number of possibilities. Examples
include:
 ○ Integer Linear Programming: Finding the optimal allocation of resources
with integer constraints, used in logistics, scheduling, and network
optimization.
○ Shortest Lattice Vector Problem (SVP): Finding the shortest non-zero
vector in a lattice, with applications in code design and error correction.

Coding Theory: Lattices are useful in designing error-correcting codes for

reliable data transmission. They help find codes that can recover from certain
types of errors, ensuring data integrity.

Elucidation through Examples:

1. Imagine a lattice representing different types of cheese. Cheddar and Gouda

could be "neighbors" within the lattice, sharing similar properties. The "meet" of
Cheddar and Gouda might be a mild cheese, while the "join" could be a strong,
aged cheese.
2. In image compression, a lattice could represent different levels of detail. The
meet of two detail levels would give a coarser image, while the join would provide
a sharper image.

Have a blessed day.