Math Problem Statement
Which of the following is an example of a set? * Lucky numbers that are less than 30. The group of all natural numbers divisible by 3 and less than 30 The generous faculties of the Math Department The collection of tall people in the world.
Solution
In mathematics, a set is a well-defined collection of distinct objects, considered as an object in its own right. The key characteristic of a set is that its elements must be clearly defined, meaning it should be possible to determine whether an object belongs to the set or not.
Let's evaluate each option:
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Lucky numbers that are less than 30: "Lucky numbers" is a subjective term that isn't precisely defined in mathematics. Since "lucky" can vary from person to person, this collection is not well-defined and thus not a proper set.
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The group of all natural numbers divisible by 3 and less than 30: This is a well-defined set because it specifies clear criteria (natural numbers divisible by 3 and less than 30). The elements of this set can be explicitly listed as {3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27}.
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The generous faculties of the Math Department: "Generous" is a subjective term that can vary in interpretation, so this collection is not well-defined. Therefore, it is not considered a set.
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The collection of tall people in the world: "Tall" is a relative term without a precise definition, which makes it subjective. As a result, this collection is not well-defined and is not considered a set.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is "The group of all natural numbers divisible by 3 and less than 30". This is an example of a well-defined set.
Would you like more details or have any questions?
Here are some follow-up questions:
- What are some other examples of well-defined sets?
- How do you represent a set using set-builder notation?
- What is the difference between a finite and an infinite set?
- How do you determine the cardinality of a set?
- What operations can you perform on sets, such as unions and intersections?
Tip: Always ensure that the criteria defining a set are clear and unambiguous, so that every object can be easily classified as either a member of the set or not.
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Math Problem Analysis
Mathematical Concepts
Set theory
Formulas
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Theorems
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Suitable Grade Level
Grades 7-9