I once read a Facebook post by my high-school classmate: “I hope we are like math so that aside from we have a relation, we also have infinity.”
I posted a comment on her post for the sake of a mathematical argument: “Not all relations are function[al]. What if one of you is one-to-many? It won’t be considered as function[al]. Are you ready for that setup?”
She replied with this comment: “Don’t be bitter! Not all relations are the same. Not because there existed a one-to-many relation, all relations will be like that.” To which I replied: “Just saying a mathematical truth; that a relation can be disproved as function.”
Yes, she had a point in her statement. In fact, I totally agreed with her. But no, I wasn’t bitter when it comes to relationships. I was just after the argument. I was testing her if she could present a counterargument.
I’m going to compare romantic relationships with relations in math and see their relation.
I’ve heard and witnessed stories of break-ups due to third party. A relation will be a function if it is one-to-one, meaning it will be functional if you only have one partner. It will also be a function if it is many-to-one. Consider God as that “one” that you and your partner share as the center of your relationship. These are true for all relations.
It’s hard to prove or disprove a theorem, a statement that has been proved on the basis of previously established statements and generally accepted statements. Formulating assumptions, finding counterexamples, showing the proof—what more in proving to other people that your relationship will be functional? That you will be faithful to each other? That your relation will be one-to-one and many-to-one?
First, you have to assume and have faith that you will be loyal to each other; that your relation will work out no matter what.
Second, find counterexamples that will disprove all doubts about your relationship.
Last, prove to everyone that your relationship will last up to infinity.
What better way to end this but with Q.E.D.*?
*Q.E.D. or quod erat demonstrandum means “which was to be shown.” It is used at the end of a mathematical or logical proof.
John Patrick F. Solano, 26, is a BS Applied Mathematics graduate at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines and currently a freshman of MS Mathematics at the Prince of Songkla University in Hat Yai, Thailand. The views Solano expressed in this column do not necessarily reflect those of the BusinessMirror’s.
