Do any 3D Venn diagrams exist that have no 2D analogues?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on the feasibility of constructing a 3D Venn diagram using spheres that cannot be represented in 2D without altering the relationships between sets. Participants explore the definition of relationships between sets, questioning whether unique intersections qualify as such. A notable example provided is the set structure A = {1, 2}, B = {1, 3}, C = {1, 4}, which can be represented in 2D but poses challenges in a 3D context. The conversation also touches on the flexibility of shapes used in Venn diagrams, suggesting that the dimensionality may not be strictly tied to specific geometric forms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of set theory and relationships between sets
  • Familiarity with Venn diagram concepts and their applications
  • Basic knowledge of geometric representations in different dimensions
  • Awareness of mathematical notation and terminology
NEXT STEPS
  • Research advanced set theory concepts, focusing on multi-dimensional relationships
  • Explore the mathematical properties of Venn diagrams in higher dimensions
  • Investigate alternative geometric shapes for representing sets beyond circles and spheres
  • Learn about the implications of dimensionality in mathematical visualizations
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Mathematicians, educators, and students interested in advanced set theory, as well as anyone exploring the visualization of complex relationships in multi-dimensional spaces.

SamRoss
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TL;DR
Can any relationships between sets be dreamed up in a 3D Venn diagram that could not be done in a 2D Venn diagram?
If we were to use three-dimensional spheres to represent sets, could a 3D Venn diagram be constructed that could not be drawn as a normal 2D Venn diagram without changing the relationships between the sets?
 
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SamRoss said:
Summary:: Can any relationships between sets be dreamed up in a 3D Venn diagram that could not be done in a 2D Venn diagram?

What's your definition for a "relationship between sets"? If two sets have a unique single element in common, is that considered a relationship?
 
SamRoss said:
Summary:: Can any relationships between sets be dreamed up in a 3D Venn diagram that could not be done in a 2D Venn diagram?

If we were to use three-dimensional spheres to represent sets, could a 3D Venn diagram be constructed that could not be drawn as a normal 2D Venn diagram without changing the relationships between the sets?
You should be able to work this out for yourself. I can think of a structure that can be represented in a 2D Venn diagram that cannot be properly represented using 3-spheres: A = {1, 2}, B = {1, 3}, C = {1, 4}.
The three spheres must all intersect because ## 1 \in A \cap B \cap C ## but if this is the case then the volume ## A \cap B \cap C' ## will not be empty.

Edit: why did you decide to restrict your 3D Venn diagram to 3-spheres: 2D Venn diagrams are not restricted to circles - actually shape doesn't really mean anything in the spaces in which we 'draw' Venn diagrams?
 
Venn diagrams only require closed spaces so 2D does not have to be just circles and 3D does not have to be just spheres. Without the circle/sphere restrictions, it might always be possible to do a 3D that equates to a 2D, but I don't know that for sure.
 

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