How many subsets does set A have?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around determining the number of subsets and proper subsets of a set A defined as A={1,2,3}. Participants explore the definitions and calculations related to subsets and proper subsets, including the application of formulas related to set cardinality.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Asit asks for the number of subsets and proper subsets of the set A={1,2,3}.
  • One participant suggests that the number of subsets can be determined by listing them and mentions a formula relating the number of subsets to the set's cardinality.
  • Another participant claims that the proper subsets of A are 7, listing them as Null, {1}, {2}, {3}, {1,2}, {2,3}, and {1,3}, while stating that the total number of subsets is 8.
  • A different participant corrects the previous claim, stating that the formula for the powerset indicates there are 8 subsets, not 7.
  • One participant emphasizes that they are discussing proper subsets specifically, not just subsets.
  • Another participant reiterates the calculation of 7 proper subsets and 8 total subsets, expressing uncertainty about their correctness.
  • A later reply confirms the correctness of the claim regarding the number of subsets.
  • Another participant explains the formula for the number of proper subsets, stating that for a set with n members, there are 2^n subsets and 2^n - 1 proper subsets.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is disagreement regarding the count of proper subsets, with some participants asserting there are 7 and others referencing the formula that leads to 8 total subsets. The discussion remains unresolved as participants present competing views on the definitions and calculations.

Contextual Notes

Participants reference definitions of subsets and proper subsets, but there is no consensus on the interpretation of these terms in relation to the calculations presented.

lipun4u
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Let 's Consider a set A where A={1,2,3}

Can anyone tell me
1>no of subsets of A
2>no of proper subsets of A

Regards,
Asit
 
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lipun4u said:
Let 's Consider a set A where A={1,2,3}

Can anyone tell me
1>no of subsets of A
2>no of proper subsets of A

Regards,
Asit

What have you tried already? If you know the definition of subset, it should be easy enough to make a list of all the subsets and then count them. There is also a very simple formula relating the number of subsets of a given set to its cardinality.

After you answer part 1, part 2 is simply the number of subsets of A minus the number of those sets which are not proper subsets. (what is the definition of proper subset?)
 
i know the asnwer

if A has three elements, proper subset of A will be 7
becoz all the subsets will be Null,{1},{2},{3},{1,2},{2,3},{1,3}
subsets of A will be 8 BY INCLUDING {1,2,3}

I asked it, becoz i m not sure ab it.

Am i correct ab it ??
 
the formula for the cardinality of the powerset is 2^(cardinality of the set) hence the number is 8 not 7
 
i m saying ab proper subset not subset...
 
lipun4u said:
i know the asnwer

if A has three elements, proper subset of A will be 7
becoz all the subsets will be Null,{1},{2},{3},{1,2},{2,3},{1,3}
subsets of A will be 8 BY INCLUDING {1,2,3}

I asked it, becoz i m not sure ab it.

Am i correct ab it ??

Yes, that's correct.
 
ice109 said:
the formula for the cardinality of the powerset is 2^(cardinality of the set) hence the number is 8 not 7

If a set, A, contains n members, then it has 2n subsets. Since that includes A itself, which is not a proper subset of itself, A has 2n-1 proper subsets. (And A has 2n-2 proper, nonempty subsets.)
 

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