If R is reflexive, then xRy means yRx; but then, this means that xRy which is true, so x(R^2)y is the same as xRy and applying R twice shows R^2 is also reflexive. Solution If R is reflexive, then xRy means yRx; but then, this means that xRy which is true, so x(R^2)y is the same as xRy and applying R twice shows R^2 is also reflexive..