Is (A Intersect B)' Equal to A' Intersect B'?

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around the set theory statement regarding the relationship between the complement of the intersection of two sets A and B, specifically whether (A ∩ B)' is equal to A' ∩ B'. Participants are exploring this concept within the context of set operations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants are attempting to prove or disprove the statement by analyzing the definitions of set operations. Some are providing specific examples with defined sets to illustrate their reasoning, while others are questioning the logical steps taken in the proof process.

Discussion Status

There is an ongoing exploration of the validity of the statement with various examples being discussed. Some participants have pointed out potential errors in reasoning, particularly regarding the use of logical operators. The discussion is active, with multiple interpretations being considered.

Contextual Notes

Participants are using specific examples and set definitions to test the validity of the statement. There is mention of using Venn diagrams as a visual aid, although the rigor of this method is questioned. The discussion reflects a mix of attempts to clarify definitions and logical steps involved in set theory.

kathrynag
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Homework Statement


I need to prove or disprove:
(AintersectB)'=A'intersectB'



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Let x[tex]\in[/tex](A[tex]\cap[/tex]B)'
Then x[tex]\notin[/tex]A[tex]\cap[/tex]B
x[tex]\notin[/tex]A or x[tex]\notin[/tex]B
Then x[tex]\in[/tex]A' or x[tex]\in[/tex]B'
x[tex]\in[/tex]A'[tex]\cup[/tex]B'
 
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x is not an element of A intersection B means that x is not a common element of A and B. So you want to look at how you went from line 2 to line 3. You might want to try some examples to see what is happening, like A = (0,1), B = [0,1] (as a subset of the reals).
 
VeeEight said:
x is not an element of A intersection B means that x is not a common element of A and B. So you want to look at how you went from line 2 to line 3. You might want to try some examples to see what is happening, like A = (0,1), B = [0,1] (as a subset of the reals).

Ok I typed line 2 and 3 wrong
Then x[tex]\notin[/tex]A[tex]\cup[/tex]B
x[tex]\notin[/tex]A or x[tex]\notin[/tex]B
 
Let A={1,2,3}
B={3,4} universe={1,2,3,4,5,6}
(A intersect B)={3}
(A intersect B)'={1,2,4,5,6}

A'={4,5,6}
B'={1,2,5,6}
A'intersectB'={5,6}
 
You might want to check your 'ors' and 'ands'. If you have the union of (1,2,3) U (4,5,6), then given any x, that would mean that x is in (1,2,3) or (4,5,6), right? What about for intersections? Your proof is almost right..
 
kathrynag said:

Homework Statement


I need to prove or disprove:
(AintersectB)'=A'intersectB'



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Let x[tex]\in[/tex](A[tex]\cap[/tex]B)'
Then x[tex]\notin[/tex]A[tex]\cap[/tex]B
x[tex]\notin[/tex]A or x[tex]\notin[/tex]B
Then x[tex]\in[/tex]A' or x[tex]\in[/tex]B'
x[tex]\in[/tex]A'[tex]\cup[/tex]B'

kathrynag said:
Let A={1,2,3}
B={3,4} universe={1,2,3,4,5,6}
(A intersect B)={3}
(A intersect B)'={1,2,4,5,6}

A'={4,5,6}
B'={1,2,5,6}
A'intersectB'={5,6}
So, x[tex]\notin[/tex]A[tex]\cap[/tex]B.
This implies x[tex]\notin[/tex]{3}
So,x[tex]\in[/tex]{1,2,4,5,6}
Would this mean x[tex]\in[/tex]A' or x[tex]\in[/tex]B'?
 
kathrynag said:

Homework Statement


I need to prove or disprove:
(AintersectB)'=A'intersectB'



Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution


Let x[tex]\in[/tex](A[tex]\cap[/tex]B)'
Then x[tex]\notin[/tex]A[tex]\cap[/tex]B
x[tex]\notin[/tex]A or x[tex]\notin[/tex]B
Then x[tex]\in[/tex]A' or x[tex]\in[/tex]B'
x[tex]\in[/tex]A'[tex]\cup[/tex]B'

Ok so x[tex]\notin[/tex]A and x[tex]\notin[/tex]B.
Then x[tex]\in[/tex]A' and x[tex]\in[/tex]B'.
x[tex]\in[/tex]A'[tex]\cup[/tex]B'
 
well, no, you had it right using the 'or's. I just wasn't sure if moving from line 2 to line 3 you understood what you were doing or if you were formulating it to make your answer right.
 
Ok, then did I go wrong somewhere in my proof? Should I have said x[tex]\notin[/tex]A and x[tex]\notin[/tex]B. Then if I went on from there, I could get a right conclusion?
 
  • #10
If you don't care what method..You can use VENN DIAGRAMS!
 
  • #11
kathrynag said:
Let A = {1,2,3} , B = {3,4} , universe = {1,2,3,4,5,6}

[tex]A \cap B[/tex] = {3}
[tex](A \cap B)'[/tex] = {1,2,4,5,6}

A' = {4,5,6}
B' = {1,2,5,6}
[tex]A' \cap B'[/tex] = {5,6}

This counterexample should tell you that the statement [tex](A \cap B)' = A' \cap B'[/tex] is not true!
 
Last edited:
  • #12
natives said:
If you don't care what method..You can use VENN DIAGRAMS!

A Venn diagram is not a rigorous mathematical proof.
 

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