INTRODUCTION TO SETS

Set
 There is no precise definition for the term “set” but roughly speaking a set is a
collection of objects, things or symbols which are clearly defined.

 A set is a collection of well-defined elements (objects)

 For example,
a) M denotes the set of months
M = (January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October,
November, December)
b) V denotes the set of English vowels
Set of English vowels, V = (a, e, i, o, u)
c) F denotes five positive odd numbers less than 10
F = (1, 3, 5, 7, 9)
 Finite & Infinite Sets

 A set which contains a definite number of elements is called a finite set.

example, the set of football players in your university team.
The set of English letters used in your name.

 On the other hand, the set of all positive even integers consists of an infinite number
of elements and is called an infinite set.
Example, the set of positive odd numbers E = (1,3,5,7,9,----------). It is obvious that
we can continue writing down the elements of E indefinitely.
 Null Set & Universal Set
 All the sets that we have discussed earlier contain at least one element in each of
them, There are however, some sets that do not contain any element. These are null
or empty set. This is represented by the symbol Ø.
The set Ø = { } is the empty set containing no elements.
Example, {pupils in your class who are over 25 years old}

 A universal set is a set which consists of all elements under consideration. It is

denoted by U or ∈.
P= {x; x is a positive integer and 5x ≤ 16}
q= {x; x is a positive integer and x2 < 20}
R= {x; x is a positive integer and 𝑋 ≤ 2}
Hence, U = {x; x is a positive integer} and P, Q, and R are sub sets.
 Set Equality, Disjoint Sets and Complement of a Set
 Consider the sets:
A = {Ahmed, Rahim, Karim, Jony}
B = {Jony, Karim, Rahim, Ahmed}
Since A and B both contain exactly the same number of members and since the members are
identical. Hence A = B
 Suppose that
U = (teachers at AIUB)
A = ( male teachers) & B = ( female teachers). Then A & B are disjoint sets.

 If ∈ = {2,3,5,7,11,13} and A = {3, 7, 13} Then the set of elements which are not
members of A, but are members of the universal set ∈, is called the compliment of A,
and is denoted by A’. A’ = {2, 5, 11}.
 Subsets
 If each member of a set B is also a member of a set A, then the set B is called a
subset of the set A.
 Consider the sets:
A = {a,b,c,d,e}
B = {a,c,d}
C = {d, a,c}
Since B ⊆ A and C ⊆ A
B ⊆ C and C ⊆ B
 Example
 Given that,
∈ = {x: x is a positive integer and 0 < x ≤ 10}
A = {x: 2x > 7} and B = {x: 3x < 20}
List the elements of
a) The sets of A and A’
b) The sets of B and B’
c) State whether each of the following is true or false.
 A’ ⊆ B, B’ ⊄ A, A ⊄ B

Solution
∈ = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10}
a) A = {4,5,6,7,8,9,10}; A’ = {1,2,3}
b) b. B= {1,2,3,4,5,6}; B’ = {7,8,9,10}
c) A’ ⊆ B is true
B’ ⊄ A is false
A ⊄ B is true
 Example
 List the elements of the following set:
a) P= {x: x is a positive integer and 5x ≤ 16}
b) Q = {x: x is a positive integer and X2 <20}
c) R = {x: x is a positive integer and √x ≤ 2}
Show that P ≠ Q and Q = R
Solution
a) P= P= {1,2,3}
b) Q= {1,2,3,4}
c) R= {1,2,3,4}
d) Hence P ≠ Q and Q = R
 Venn Diagrams

 A Venn diagram is an illustration that uses circles to show the relationships among things or
finite groups of things. Circles that overlap have a commonality while circles that do not
overlap do not share those traits.

 Venn diagrams help to visually represent the similarities and differences between two
concepts. They have long been recognized for their usefulness as educational tools. Since
the mid-20th century, Venn diagrams have been used as part of the introductory logic
curriculum and in elementary-level educational plans around the world.
 Venn Diagrams

 The intersection of sets A and B is the set of elements which are common to both A and B. it
is denoted by A ∩ B and is read as “ a intersection B”

If ∈ = {1,2,3,4,5,6}
A = {1,2,3,5}; B = {2,3, 4,6}
then A ∩ B = {2,3} since 2,3 belong to both A and B