Steply

ξ = {1, 2, ..., 10}, A = {2, 4, 6, 8}, B = {1, 2, 3, 4}, find A′ ∩ B

Step by step, with the reason for every step · Sets · Foundations

Step by step

The question

Question: find A′ ∩ B, when ξ is the numbers 1 to 10, A is {2, 4, 6, 8} and B is {1, 2, 3, 4}.

ξ = {1, 2, …, 10}
A = {2, 4, 6, 8}
B = {1, 2, 3, 4}

1 Read the sets

A set is a list of numbers in curly brackets.

Each number is an element.

ξ is the set of everything we look at.

ξ = everything we look at
∩ = in both
A′ = not in A

A′ ∩ B means: the elements not in A, and in B.

A′ ∩ B = = not in A, and in B

2 Draw the Venn diagram

3 Shade the part

A′ ∩ B is not in A, and in B.

On the diagram: B only.

4 Read the answer

Careful!

The complement is not the other set.

It is everything in ξ that is not in the set.

Careful: ′ = everything in ξ that is NOT in the set

The shaded part holds 1, 3.

We list them in order, each once.

A′ ∩ B = {1, 3}

5 Check

Let's check some elements against the rule: not in A, and in B.

They fit.

So it is right!

1: not in A, in B; 3: not in A, in B

Let's look back.

First: read the sets.

Then: draw the Venn diagram.

Then: shade the part.

Then: read the answer.

Last: check.

Answer
A′ ∩ B = {1, 3}

Your turn

Try this one yourself, then check:

Find ξ = {1, 2, …, 10}
Show the answer
A′ ∩ B = {10}

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