(** A binary _relation_ on a set [X] is a family of propositions
    parameterized by two elements of [X] -- i.e., a proposition about
    pairs of elements of [X].  *)

Definition relation (X: Type) := X -> X -> Prop.(** (Why did we write it this way instead of starting with [Inductive
    le : relation nat...]?  Because we wanted to put the first [nat]
    to the left of the [:], which makes Coq generate a somewhat nicer
    induction principle for reasoning about [<=].) *)

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(** * Basic Properties *)

(** As anyone knows who has taken an undergraduate discrete math
    course, there is a lot to be said about relations in general,
    including ways of classifying relations (as reflexive, transitive,
    etc.), theorems that can be proved generically about certain sorts
    of relations, constructions that build one relation from another,
    etc.  For example... *)

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(** *** Partial Functions *)

(** A relation [R] on a set [X] is a _partial function_ if, for every
    [x], there is at most one [y] such that [R x y] -- i.e., [R x y1]
    and [R x y2] together imply [y1 = y2]. *)

Definition partial_function {X: Type} (R: relation X) :=
  forall x y1 y2 : X, R x y1 -> R x y2 -> y1 = y2.

Theorem next_nat_partial_function : partial_function next_nat.