Introductions to Sets

Unit 15 > Lesson 1 of 14

Example 1: Kyesha was in math class with her friend Angie. She whispered to Angie that she had just bought a set of winter clothes. The outerwear collection includes a coat, a hat, a scarf, gloves, and boots. Their teacher, Mrs. Glosser, overheard the conversation and asked them: What is a set? Solution: Luckily for Kyesha and Angie, their classmate Eduardo had a math dictionary with him! He quickly looked up the word "set" and defined it for the class as shown below.

A set is a collection of objects that have something in common or follow a rule. The objects in the set are called its elements. Set notation uses curly braces, with elements separated by commas. So the set of outwear for Kyesha would be listed as follows: A = {coat, hat, scarf, gloves, boots}, where A is the name of the set, and the braces indicate that the objects written between them belong to the set. Every object in a set is unique: The same object cannot be included in the set more than once. Let's look at some more examples of sets.

Example 2: What is the set of all fingers? Solution: P = {thumb, index, middle, ring, little} Note that there are others names for these fingers: The index finger is commonly referred to as the pointer finger; the ring finger is also known as the fourth finger, and the little finger is often referred to as the pinky. Thus, we could have listed the set of fingers as: P = {thumb, pointer, middle, fourth, pinky}

Example 3: What is the set of all even whole numbers between 0 and 10? Solution: Q = {2, 4, 6, 8} Note that the use of the word between means that the range of

numbers given is not inclusive. As a result, the numbers 0 and 10 are not listed as elements in this set.

Example 4: Eduardo was in art class when the teacher wrote this on the chalkboard: In fine arts, primary colors are sets of colors that can be combined to make a useful range of colors. Then she asked the class: What is the set of primary colors? Solution: Eduardo answered: red, blue and yellow. Angie answered: We can use set notation to list the set of all primary colors. Kyesha went to the chalkboard and wrote: X = {red, blue, yellow} The teacher said: Good work everyone. This is a nice combination of art and math!

In examples 1 through 4, each set had a different number of elements, and each element within a set was unique. In these examples, certain conventions were used. The following conventions are used with sets:

Capital letters are used to denote sets. Lowercase letters are used to denote elements of sets. Curly braces { } denote a list of elements in a set.

So for examples 1 through 4, we listed the sets as follows: 1. 2. 3. 4. A = {coat, hat, scarf, gloves, boots} P = {thumb, index, middle, ring, little} Q = {2, 4, 6, 8} X = {red, blue, yellow}

These sets have been listed with roster notation. Roster notation is a list of elements, separated by commas, enclosed in curly braces. The curly braces are used to indicate that the elements written between them belong to that set. Let's look at some more examples of sets listed with roster notation.

Example 5: Let R be the set of all vowels in the English alphabet.

Solution:

R = {a, e, i, o, u}

Example 6: Let G be the set of all whole numbers less than ten. Solution: G = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

Example 7: Let T be the set of all days in a week. Solution: T = {Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday}

Example 8: Let X be the set of odd numbers less than 12. Solution: X = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11}

Example 9: Let Y be the set of all continents of the world. Solution: Y = {Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia}

There are times when it is not practical to list all the elements of a set. In this case, it is better to describe the set. The rule that the elements follow can be given in the braces. For example,: R = {vowels} means Let R be the set of all vowels in the English alphabet. This is especially useful when working with large sets, as shown below. A = {types of triangles} G = {letters in the English alphabet} J = {prime numbers less than 100} M = {state capitals in the US}

When describing a set, It is not necessary to list every element in that set. Thus, there are two methods for indicating a set of objects: 1) listing the elements and 2) describing the elements. We will distinguish between these two methods in examples 10 and 11 below. Example 10: Listing elements: What is the set of all letters in the English alphabet? D = {a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z}

Describing elements: D = {letters in the English alphabet}

Example 11: What is the set of all states in the Unites States? Solution: R = {all states in the US}

In example 10, set D has 26 elements, so it is easier to describe its elements than to list them. Similarly, in example 11, setR has 50 elements, so it is easier to describe its elements.

Summary: A set is a collection of objects that have something in common or follow a rule. The objects in the set are called its elements. Curly braces are used to indicate that the objects written between them belong to a set. Every object in a set is unique. It is not necessary to list every object in the set. Instead, the rule that the objects follow can be given in the braces. We can define a set by listing its elements or by describing its elements. The latter method is useful when working with large sets.

Exercises
Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, rethink your answer, then choose a different button.

1. Which of the following is the set of all suits in a standard deck of playing cards?
R = [ace, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, jack, queen, king] S = {hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades} T = {jokers} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

2. Which of the following is the set of odd whole numbers less than 10?
C = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

D = {0, 2, 4, 6, 8} E = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

3. Which of the following is the set of all oceans on earth?

G = {Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, Indian, Antarctic} E = {Amazon, Nile, Mississippi, Rio Grande, Niagara} F = {Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia} All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

4. Which of the following is the set of all types of matter?

X = {iron, aluminum, nickel, copper, gold, silver} Y = {hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide} Z = {liquids, solids, gases, plasmas} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

5.

Jennifer listed the set of all letters in the word library as shown below. What is wrong with this set? A = {l, i, b, r, a, r, y}

A capital letter is used to represent this set. It uses curly braces. It uses commas. The objects in this set are not unique. RESULTS BOX:

Basic Set Notation

Unit 15 > Lesson 2 of 14

Problem 1: Mrs. Glosser asked Kyesha, Angie and Eduardo to join the new math club. After school they signed up and became members. They wrote about it on the chalkboard using set notation: P = {Kyesha, Angie and Eduardo} When Angie's mother came to pick her up, she looked at the chalkboard and asked: What does that mean? Solution: Let P be the set of all members in the math club.

An object that belongs to a set is called an element (or a member) of that set. We use special notation to indicate whether or not an element belongs to a set, as shown below.

Symbol

Meaning
is an element of is not an element of

For example, given the set A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, we can write 1 A, which stands for 1 is an element of set A. We can also write 7 A, which stands for 7 is not an element of set A. Let's look at some more examples of this.

Set
A = {2, 4, 6, 8}

Notation Meaning
2 5 A A B B C C 2 is an element of A 5 is not an element of A e is an element of B w is not an element of B 7 is an element of C 2 is not an element of C -2 is an element of D One-half is not an element of D

B = {a, e, i, o, u}

e w

C = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}

7 2

D = {-3, -2, -1, 0, 1, 2, 3}

Determine if the given item is an element of the set.

Set
R = {2, 4, 6, 8}

Item
10

Is an element?

S = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}

10

D = {English alphabet}

D = {English alphabet}

X = {prime numbers less than 10}

A = {even numbers}

Summary: An object that belongs to a set is called an element (or a member) of that set. We use special notation to indicate whether or not an element belongs to a set: ( ),

Exercises
Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, rethink your answer, then choose a different button.

1. Which of the following is true for set R? R = {liquid, gas, solid, plasma}
gas solid liquid R R R

None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

2. Which of the following is true for set G? G = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}

5 7 3 G G G

All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

3. Which of the following is true for set B? B = {US flag colors}

red B

blue white

B B

All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

4. Which of the following elements is not a member of set X? X = {tiger, lion, puma, cheetah, leopard, cougar, ocelot}
cougar bobcat puma tiger RESULTS BOX:

5.

Which of the following elements is not a member of set A? A = {states in the US}
Guam Haiti Philippines All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

Types of Sets

Unit 15 > Lesson 3

of 14
We learned how to write sets using roster notation, as shown in examples 1 and 2. Let R be the set of all vowels in the English alphabet. Describe this set using roster notation. R = {a, e, i, o, u}

Example 1: Solution:

Example 2: Solution:

Let S be the set of all letters in the English alphabet. Describe this set using roster notation. S = {a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z}

In example 2, there are 26 elements in set S. It would be easier to use a shortcut to list this set: Example 2: Solution: Let S be the set of all letters in the English alphabet. Describe this set using roster notation. S = {a, b, c, ..., x, y, z}

The three dots are called an ellipsis. We use an ellipsis in the middle of a set as a shortcut for listing many elements. Note that the number of elements in set R and set S is countable, So each of these sets is a finite set. A finite set has a finitenumber of elements. Let's examine another type of set:

Example 3: Let T be the set of all whole numbers. Solution: T = {0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, ...}

In example 3, we used an ellipsis at the end of the list to indicate that the set goes on forever. Set T is an infinite set. An infinite set is a set with an infinite number of elements. It is not possible to explicitly list out all the elements of an infinite set. Let's look at some more examples of finite and infinite sets.

FINITE SETS

INFINITE SETS

Description
A = {whole numbers between 0 and 100} B = {primary colors} C = {prime numbers less than 12}

Roster Notation
A = {1, 2, 3, ..., 97, 98, 99} B = {red, blue, yellow} C = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11}

Description
W = {even whole numbers} X = {atoms in the universe} Y = {prime numbers}

Roster Notation
W = {0, 2, 4, 6, 8, ...} X = {atom1, atom2, atom3,...} Y = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, ...}

The ellipsis makes it easier to list both finite and infinite sets with roster notation. There are some sets that do not contain any elements at all, as shown below.

Example 4: Let D be the set of all weeks with 8 days. Solution: D = {}

We call a set with no elements the null or empty set. It is represented by the symbol { } or . So D = {} or D = . Let's look at some more examples of empty sets.

Empty (Null) Sets

Description The set of dogs with sixteen legs. The set of computers that are both on and off. The set of triangles with 4 sides. The set of months with 32 days. The set of bicycles with no wheels. Notation X = {} Y = {} Z = {} D= E=

The set of whole numbers that are odd and even. F =

Summary: An ellipsis is a shortcut used when listing sets with roster notation. A finite set has a countable number of elements: An infinite has an infinite number of elements, such as the set of whole numbers, which goes on forever. We call a set with no elements the null or empty set.

Exercises
Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, rethink your answer, then choose a different button.

1. What type of set is G? G = {liquids, solids, gases, plasmas}

empty finite infinite None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

2. What type of set is H? H = {..., -3, -2, -1, 0, +1, +2, +3, ...}
empty finite infinite None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

3. Which of the following sets are finite?

{vowels} {days of the week} {primary colors} All of the above.

RESULTS BOX:

4. Which of the following is an infinite set?

{integers} {states in the US} {alphabet} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

5.

Which of the following is an empty (null) set?

{tiger, lion, puma, cheetah, leopard, cougar, ocelot} {cars with more than 20 doors} {prime numbers between 1 and 100} All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

Set Equality

Unit 15 > Lesson 4 of 14

Problem 1:

Mrs. Glosser asked her class to write the set of primary colors using roster notation. She received two different answers from two different students as shown below. Which student used the correct notation?

Student Notation
Eduardo X = {red, yellow, blue}

Angie Solution:

Y = {blue, red, yellow}

Both students used the correct notation.

The sets from problem 1 are equal, and we write X = Y. The equals sign (=) is used to show equality. Let's look at some more examples of set equality. Example 1: Solution: Are sets A and B equal? A = {1, 3, 5, 7} B = {3, 7, 1, 5} Examine these sets closely to confirm that they are equal. Answer: A=B

Since A and B contain exactly the same number of elements, and the elements in both are the same, we say that A is equal to B, and we write A = B. The order in which the elements appear in the set is not important.

Example 2: Solution:

Are sets X and Y equal? X = {a, e, i, o, u} Y = {u, o, i, e, a} Examine these sets closely to confirm that they are equal.

Answer:

X=Y

Since X and Y contain exactly the same number of elements, we write X = Y. Remember that the order in which the elements appear in the set is not important.

Example 3:

Are sets P and Q equal?

Solution:

P = {apples, oranges, bananas, pears} Q = {oranges, pears, apples} Examine these sets closely to confirm that they are not equal.

Answer:

PQ

Since P and Q do not contain exactly the same elements, we say that P is not equal to Q, and we write P Q.

Example 4: Solution:

Let R be the set of all whole numbers less than 5, and let S = {4, 2, 0, 3, 1}. Are sets R and S equal? R = {whole numbers < 5} S = {4, 2, 0, 3, 1} Examine these sets closely to confirm that they are equal.

Answer:

R=S

Example 5:

Which of the following sets are equal? C = {1, 2, 3} D = {a, e, i, o, u} E = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10} F = {John, Jane, Joe} G = {2, 3, 1} H = {o, e, a, y, u} J = {2, 4, 6, 8} K = {Jane, Joe, John}

Answer:

C = G and F = K

In example 5, these sets are NOT equal: D H and E J. Can you name other sets that are not equal?

Summary: Two sets are equal if they have the exact same number of elements, and their elements are the same. The order in which the elements appear in the set is not important.

Exercises
Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, rethink your answer, then choose a different button.

1. Which of the following sets is equal to set P? P = {Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday}
W = {Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday} X = {Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday} Y = {Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday} All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

2. Which of the following sets is not equal to set H? H = {5, 2, 1, 4, 3, 6}

M = {3, 2, 1, 4, 5, 6} Q = {4, 1, 6, 2, 7, 3} D = {1, 2, 6, 4, 5, 3}

None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

3. Let M = {0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10}, and let N = {even numbers < 10}. Which of the following statements is true?
M is an infinite set. M=N MN All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

4. Let X = {primary colors}, and let Y = {yellow, blue, red}. Which of the following statements is true?
X=Y Y= X is an infinite set. None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

5.

Let A = {}, and let B = . Which of the following statements is true?

A is an infinite set and B is a finite set. A is a finite set and B is an infinite set. A is null and B has one element.

A = B. RESULTS BOX:

Venn Diagrams

Unit 15 > Lesson 5 of 14

Until now, we have examined sets using set notation. We know from previous lessons that the following conventions are used with sets:

Capital letters are used to denote sets. Lowercase letters are used to denote elements of sets. Curly braces { } denote a list of elements in a set.

Another way to look at sets is with a visual tool called a Venn diagram, first developed by John Venn in the 1880s. In aVenn diagram, sets are represented by shapes; usually circles or ovals. The elements of a set are labeled within the circle. Let's look at some examples. Example 1: Given set R is the set of counting numbers less than 7. Draw and label a Venn diagram to represent set R and indicate all elements in the set. Analysis: Solution Draw a circle or oval. Label it R. Put the elements in R.

Notation:

R = {counting numbers < 7}

Example 2: Analysis:

Given set G is the set of primary colors. Draw and label a Venn diagram to represent set G and indicate all elements in the set. Draw a circle or oval. Label it G. Put the elements in G.

Solution:

Notation:

G = {primary colors}

Example 3: Analysis: Solution:

Given set B is the set of all vowels in the English alphabet. Draw and label a Venn diagram to represent set B and indicate all elements in the set. Draw a circle or oval. Label it B. Put the elements in B.

Notation:

B = {vowels}

In each example above, we used a Venn diagram to represent a given set pictorially. Venn diagrams are especially useful for showing relationships between sets, as we will see in the examples below. First, we will use a Venn diagram to find the intersection of two sets. The intersection of two sets is all the elements they have in common. Example 4: Analysis: Let X = {1, 2, 3} and Let Y = {3, 4, 5}. Draw and label a Venn diagram to show the intersection of sets X and Y. We need to find the elements that are common in both sets. Draw a picture of two overlapping circles. Elements that are common to both sets will be placed in the middle part, where the circles overlap.

Solution:

Explanation: The circle on the left represents set X and the circle on the right represents set Y. The shaded section in the middle is what they have in common. That is their intersection.

The Venn Diagram in example 4 makes it easy to see that the number 3 is common to both sets. So the intersection of Xand Y is 3. This is what X and Y have in common. The intersection of X and Y is written as and is read as "X intersect Y". So Intersection means "X and Y". In example 5 below, we will find the union of two sets. The union of two sets is the set obtained by combining the elements of each.

Example 5: Analysis: Solution:

Let X = {1, 2, 3} and Let Y = {3, 4, 5}. Draw and label a Venn diagram to represent the union of these two sets. To find the union of two sets, we look at all the elements in the two sets together.

Explanation: Any element in X, Y, or in their intersection is in their union. So X union Y is {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}. Both circles have been shaded to show the union of these sets.

The union of two sets is written as compare intersection and union.

and is read as "X union Y". It means "X or Y". Let's

Intersection
written as

Union

read as meaning of

X intersect Y X and Y

X union Y X or Y

Look for the elements in common to both combine all elements

The examples in this lesson included simple Venn diagrams. We will explore this topic in more depth in the next few lessons. We will also learn more about intersection and union in this unit.

Summary: We can use Venn diagrams to represent sets pictorially. Venn diagrams are especially useful for showing relationships between sets, such as the intersection and union of overlapping sets.

Exercises
Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, rethink your answer, then choose a different button.

1. Which of the following is represented by the Venn diagram below?

{A} A = {odd numbers between 0 and 10} A = {even numbers between 0 and 10} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

2. Which of the following is represented by the Venn diagram below?

{B} B = {hearts, diamonds, clubs, spades} B = {jacks, queens, kings, aces} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

3. Which of the following is represented by the Venn diagram below?

P = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10} Q = {6, 9} PQ All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

4. Which of the following is the correct roster notation for set X?

X = {2, 3, 5, 6, 7} X = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11} X = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 15} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

5.

Which of the following relationships is shown by the Venn diagram below?

XY XY X=Y All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

Subset s

Unit 15 > Lesson 6 of 14

Given A = {1, 3, 4} and B = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, what is the relationship between these sets? We say that A is a subset of B, since every element of A is also in B. This is denoted by:

Example 1:

A Venn diagram for the relationship between these sets is shown to the right. Answer: A is a subset of B.

Another way to define a subset is: A is a subset of B if every element of A is contained in B. Both definitions are demonstrated in the Venn diagram above.

Example 2:

Given X = {a, r, e} and Y = {r, e, a, d}, what is the relationship between these sets? We say that X is a subset of Y, since every element of X is also in Y.This is denoted by:

A Venn diagram for the relationship between these sets is shown to the right. Answer: X is a subset of Y.

Example 3:

Given P = {1, 3, 4} and Q = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6}, what is the relationship between these sets? We say that P is not a subset of Q since not every element of P is not contained in Q. For example, we can see that 1 Q. The statement "P is not a subset of Q" is denoted by:

Note that these sets do have some elements in common. The

intersection of these sets is shown in the Venn diagram to the right. Answer: P is not a subset of Q.

The notation for subsets is shown below. Symbol Meaning is a subset of is not a subset of

Example 4: Analysis:

Given A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} and B = {3, 1, 2, 5, 4}, what is the relationship between A and B? Recall that the order in which the elements appear in a set is not important. Looking at the elements of these sets, it is clear that:

Answer:

A and B are equivalent.

Definition: For any two sets, if A

B and B

A, then A = B. Thus A and B are equivalent.

Example 5: Answer:

List all subsets of the set C = {1, 2, 3}. Subset D = {1} Comment List all possible combinations of elements...

E = {2} F = {3} G = {1, 2} M = {1, 3} N = {2, 3} P = {1, 2, 3}

one at a time one at a time two at a time two at a time two at a time three at a time The null set has no elements.

Looking at example 5, you may be wondering why the null set is listed as a subset of C. There are no elements in a null set, so there can be no elements in the null set that aren't contained in the complete set. Therefore, the null set is a subset of every set. You may also be wondering: Is a set a subset of itself? The answer is yes: Any set contains itself as a subset. This is denoted by: A A.

A subset that is smaller than the complete set is referred to as a proper subset. So the set {1, 2} is a proper subset of the set {1, 2, 3} because the element 3 is not in the first set. In example 5, you can see that G is a proper subset of C, In fact, every subset listed in example 5 is a proper subset of C, except P. This is because P and C are equivalent sets (P = C). Some mathematicians use the symbol to denote a subset and the symbol to denote a proper subset, with the definition for proper subsets as follows:

If A

B, and A B, then A is said to be a proper subset of B and it is denoted by A

B.

While it is important to point out the information above, it can get a bit confusing, So let's think of subsets and proper subsets this way: Subsets and Proper Subsets The set {1, 2} is a proper subset of the set {1, 2, 3}. The set {1, 2, 3} is a not a proper subset of the set {1, 2, 3}.

Do you see a pattern in the examples below?

Example 6:

List all subsets of the set R =

Example 7:

List all subsets of the set C =

{x, y, z}. How many are there? Subsets D = {x} E = {y} F = {z} G = {x, y} H = {x, z} J = {y, z} K = {x, y, z} Answer: There are eight subsets of the set R = {x, y, z}. Answer:

{1, 2, 3, 4}. How many are there? Subsets D = {1} E = {2} F = {3} G = {4} M = {2, 4} N = {3, 4} O = {1, 2, 3} P = {1, 2, 4}

H = {1, 2} Q = {1, 3, 4} J = {1, 3} K = {1, 4} L = {2, 3} R = {2, 3, 4} S = {1, 2, 3, 4}

There are 16 subsets of the set C = {1, 2, 3, 4}.

In example 6, set R has three (3) elements and eight (8) subsets. In example 7, set C has four (4) elements and 16 subsets. To find the number of subsets of a set with n elements, raise 2 to the nth power: That is: The number of subsets in set A is 2n , where n is the number of elements in set A.

Lesson Summary
Subset Equivalent Sets Null set Sets and subsets Proper Subsets Number of Subsets A is a subset of B if every element of A is contained in B. This is denoted by A B. For any two sets, if A B and B A, then A = B.

The null set is a subset of every set. Any set contains itself as a subset. This is denoted by A A.

If A B, and A B, then A is said to be a proper subset of B and it is denoted by A B. The number of subsets in set A is 2n , where n is the number of elements in set A.

Exercises
Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, rethink your answer, then choose a different button. 1. Which of the following is a subset of set G? G = {d, a, r, e} X = {e, a, r} Y = {e, r, a} Z = {r, e, d} All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

2. Which of the following statements is true? {vowels} {consonants} {vowels}

{consonants} {vowels}

{alphabet}

None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

3. Which of the following is NOT a subset of set A? A = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11} B = {3, 5, 2, 7} C = {2, 3, 7, 9} D = {7, 2, 3, 11} All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

4. How many subsets will the set below have? T = {Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday} 5 10 32 None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

5.

If R = {whole numbers < 5} and S = {4, 2, 0, 3, 1}, then which of the following statements is true? R=S R has more elements than S. S is null. None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

Universal Set

Unit 15 > Lesson 7 of 14

In previous lessons, we learned that a set is a group of objects, and that Venn diagrams can be used to illustrate both set relationships and logical relationships.

Example 1:

Given A = {1, 2, 5, 6} and B = {3, 9}, what is the relationship between these sets? A and B have no elements in common. This relationship is shown in the Venn diagram below.

Answer:

A and B have no elements in common. These sets do not overlap.

In example 1, A and B have no elements in common. (Each set is shaded with a different color to illustrate this.) Therefore, it is logical to assume that there is no relationship between these sets. However, if we consider these sets as part of a larger set, then there is a relationship between them. For example, consider the single-digit numbers 1 through 9: If {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9} is our larger set, then A and B are part of that set. Thus A and B are each a subset of this larger set, called the Universal Set. Definition: A Universal Set is the set of all elements under consideration, denoted by capital All other sets are subsets of the universal set. .

Example 2:

Given = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}, A = {1, 2, 5, 6} and B = {3, 9}, draw a Venn diagram to represent these sets.

Answer:

Think of a Universal set is the "big picture" It includes everything under consideration, or everything that is relevant to the problem you have. In example 2, and . Note that subsets A and B do not overlap: These sets are disjoint. The procedure for creating a Venn

diagram is as follows; 1. Draw a rectangle and label it U to represent the universal set. 2. Draw circles within the rectangle to represent the subsets of the universe. Label the circles and write the relevant elements in each circle. 3. Write the remaining elements outside the circles but within the rectangle.

Let's look at some more examples.

Example 3:

Given = {whole numbers less than 10}, P = {multiples of 3 less than 10} and Q = {even numbers less than 10}, draw a Venn diagram to represent these sets.

Answer:

In example 3, subsets P and Q are overlapping.

Example 4:

Given = {whole numbers}, R = {primes numbers less than 12} and S = {even primes}, draw a Venn diagram to represent these sets.

Answer:

In example 4, S is contained within R. This is due to the fact that the number 2 is the only even prime. In addition, the universal set is infinite, since the set of whole numbers goes on forever. Accordingly, we did not include any remaining whole numbers outside the circles and within the rectangle.

Example 5:

Given = {animals}, X = {dogs} and Y = {cats}, draw a Venn diagram to represent these sets.

Answer:

In example 5, subsets X and Y do not overlap. Below is a word problem that you may find interesting.

Example 6:

In a class of 10 students, some students were selected for the school band, some were selected for the school chorus, some were selected for both, and the rest were selected for neither. Given = {Sam, Kyesha, Derek, Lorrie, Robin, Ral, Shirley, Nathan, Chris, Dana}, Band = {Sam, Lorrie, Ral, Derek} and Chorus = {Robin, Derek, Kyesha}, draw a Venn diagram to represent these sets.

Answer:

In example 6, Band and Chorus are overlapping sets. In addition, Band and Chorus are each a subset of the universal set, which is all the students in the class. In this lesson, we examined several examples of universal sets with Venn diagrams. In some examples, the sets overlapped and in some they did not. Also included were examples in which one set was contained within the other.

Summary: A universal set is a set containing all elements of a problem under consideration, denoted by capital . A universal set includes everything under consideration, or everything that is relevant to the problem you have. If the universal set contains sets A and B, then and .

Exercises
Directions: Read each question below. Select your answer by clicking on its button. Feedback to your answer is provided in the RESULTS BOX. If you make a mistake, rethink your answer,

then choose a different button. 1. If G = {-9, -8, -7, -6} and H = {+8, +2, +7, +4}, then which of the following is the universal set? = {fractions} = {integers} = {irrationals} All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

2. If X = {Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia}, and Y = {Atlantic, Pacific, Arctic, Indian, Antarctic}, then which of the following could be the universal set? = {oceans} = {countries} = {world} All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

3. If = {whole numbers}, M = {even numbers} and N = {odd numbers}, then which of the following statements is true?

MN= All of the above. RESULTS BOX:

4. If = {polygons} and A = {quadrilaterals), then which of the following sets does not overlap with A, and is also is a part of ? B = {rectangles} C = {triangles} D = {parallelograms} None of the above. RESULTS BOX:

5. If = {whole numbers less than 40} and P = {1, 4, 9, 16, 25, 36}, then which of the following sets overlaps with P, and is also a part of ? Q = {factors of 36} R = {multiples of 4} S = {even primes} None of the above. RESULTS BOX: