Abstract - Prove (A-B)union(B-A)=(AunionB)-(AintersectB)

[kathrynag]

Homework Statement

Prove:
(A-B)\cup(B-A)=(A\cupB)-(A\capB)

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

We need to show (A-B)\cup(B-A)\subseteq(A\cupB)-(A\capB)
and (A\cupB)-(A\capB)\supseteq(A-B)\cup(B-A).

We begin by showing the first:
Let x\in(A-B)\cup(B-A).
By definition of union, x\inA-B or x\inB-A.
If x\inA-B, we know x\inA ...


This is where I've begun to get stuck. Not sure where to go next.

 

[Office_Shredder]

We know x is in A, AND x is NOT in B.

What does it mean for an element to be in A\cup B- A\cap B? Is x inside of it in this case?

 

[kathrynag]

An elelemnt is in A or B and not in A and B.

 

[Office_Shredder]

So does the x that we were looking at satisfy that requirement?

 

[kathrynag]

I'm thinking yes, but I'm having trouble visualizing that just from the x an element of A and not B.

 

[vela]

Just break it down into simple pieces. If x is an element of A and not an element of B:

1. Is x in A or B?
2. Is x in A and B?

Therefore...

 

[kathrynag]

x is in A or B, but not in A and B.
Therefore, we have the right side of the equation.

Ok, but what about if x is an element of B-A?
x is in B, bot not in A.
Then x is in B or A, but not in B and A.
So, therefore, we have the right side of the equation.

Ok, and then I just work the other way to prove equality?

 

[vela]

Yup.

 

[kathrynag]

Thanks a lot. That makes a lot more sense now.