How Do You Enumerate All Subsets of a Given Set?

AI Thread Summary
To enumerate all subsets of the set B = {4, 8, 12}, the formula 2^n is used, where n is the number of elements in the set. For set B, n equals 3, resulting in 2^3 = 8 total subsets. The subsets include the empty set, individual elements, pairs of elements, and the full set itself. Understanding the structure of subsets involves recognizing that they can be categorized by the number of elements they contain. This method provides a systematic way to list all possible subsets.
Craß
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Homework Statement


List all the subsets of set B.
B = {4,8,12}


Homework Equations


A={5,10,15,20} C={4,8,12,16} D={2,4,6,8,10} E={4,12}


The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the equation for finding the number of subsets is 2n, but I don't exactly understand how I'm supposed to list them.
 
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Craß said:

Homework Statement


List all the subsets of set B.
B = {4,8,12}


Homework Equations


A={5,10,15,20} C={4,8,12,16} D={2,4,6,8,10} E={4,12}
How are these relevant to your problem?
Craß said:

The Attempt at a Solution


I know that the equation for finding the number of subsets is 2n, but I don't exactly understand how I'm supposed to list them.
First off, 2n is not an equation. To use this expression you need to know what n is in your problem, which is the number of elements in the set.
 
Could you please at least answer my question instead of pointing out the flaws in my post? I think that it's pretty straight forward even though I don't know what the hell I'm talking about. But hey, that's why I'm asking for help.
 
What is n in your problem? When you answer that, you'll have a start on figuring things out.
 
In general, a set with n elements has the following subsets:
The empty set.
The one-element subsets.
The two-element subsets.
...
The subset with n elements (the set itself).
 
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