Math Problem Statement

In order to determine the number of elements in the union of two sets, use the following formula:

n(AB)= ____ + ____ -n(AB)

n(A), n(B)

A, B

Solution

To determine the number of elements in the union of two sets AA and BB, we use the following formula:

n(AB)=n(A)+n(B)n(AB)n(A \cup B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A \cap B)

Where:

  • n(A)n(A) is the number of elements in set AA,
  • n(B)n(B) is the number of elements in set BB,
  • n(AB)n(A \cap B) is the number of elements in the intersection of AA and BB, i.e., the elements common to both sets.

To complete your formula:

n(AB)=n(A)+n(B)n(AB)n(A \cup B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A \cap B)

If you have any questions or need further details on this formula, feel free to ask!


Next Questions:

  1. How does the formula change if the two sets AA and BB are disjoint?
  2. Can this formula be applied to more than two sets? If so, how?
  3. What is the relationship between the number of elements in the intersection and the union of two sets?
  4. How do you calculate the number of elements in the union if one set is a subset of the other?
  5. What is the significance of subtracting the intersection term in this formula?

Tip: The subtraction of the intersection term n(AB)n(A \cap B) is necessary to avoid counting the common elements twice when finding the union of two sets.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Set Theory
Union of Sets
Set Intersection

Formulas

n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) - n(A ∩ B)

Theorems

Inclusion-Exclusion Principle

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 7-9