Math Problem Statement

If n(A union B)'=5,n(A without B)=3 and n(B)=7,then find n(u)

Solution

We are given the following information:

  • n(AB)=5n(A \cup B)' = 5, which means the number of elements in the complement of ABA \cup B is 5.
  • n(AB)=3n(A - B) = 3, which means the number of elements in AA but not in BB is 3.
  • n(B)=7n(B) = 7, which means the number of elements in BB is 7.

We need to find n(U)n(U), the number of elements in the universal set UU.

Step-by-step solution:

  1. From the complement, we know: n(AB)=n(U)n(AB)n(A \cup B)' = n(U) - n(A \cup B) So, 5=n(U)n(AB)5 = n(U) - n(A \cup B) This gives: n(AB)=n(U)5n(A \cup B) = n(U) - 5

  2. Next, use the formula for the union of two sets: n(AB)=n(A)+n(B)n(AB)n(A \cup B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A \cap B)

  3. We know n(AB)=3n(A - B) = 3, which represents the part of AA not in BB. Therefore, the total number of elements in AA can be written as: n(A)=n(AB)+n(AB)n(A) = n(A - B) + n(A \cap B) So, n(A)=3+n(AB)n(A) = 3 + n(A \cap B)

  4. Substitute this into the formula for n(AB)n(A \cup B): n(AB)=(3+n(AB))+7n(AB)n(A \cup B) = (3 + n(A \cap B)) + 7 - n(A \cap B) Simplifying: n(AB)=3+7=10n(A \cup B) = 3 + 7 = 10

  5. Now, we know that n(AB)=n(U)5n(A \cup B) = n(U) - 5, so: 10=n(U)510 = n(U) - 5 Solving for n(U)n(U): n(U)=15n(U) = 15

Thus, the number of elements in the universal set n(U)=15n(U) = 15.


Would you like more details or have any questions about the solution?

Here are 5 related questions to deepen your understanding:

  1. How do you calculate n(AB)n(A \cap B) if more data was provided?
  2. What is the role of complements in set theory problems like this?
  3. How can you extend this problem if n(AB)n(A \cup B) were directly given?
  4. How does n(AB)n(A - B) differ from n(AB)n(A \cup B) in interpretation?
  5. How would the answer change if the value of n(B)n(B) was different?

Tip: When solving set problems, always sketch a Venn diagram—it helps visualize the relationships between the sets.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Set Theory
Union and Intersection of Sets
Complement of a Set

Formulas

n(A ∪ B)' = n(U) - n(A ∪ B)
n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A ∩ B)
n(A) = n(A - B) + n(A ∩ B)

Theorems

Set Union Formula
Set Difference
Complement Theorem

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12