Proving Set Relationships: A-B ⊂ A & (A∩B)c = A∪Bc

In summary, the conversation discusses how to solve two questions involving sets A, B, and C and proving that (a) A-B is a subset of A and (b) the complement of the intersection of A and B is equal to the union of the complements of A and B. The conversation also touches on the need for definitions and further clarifies the definition of subset.
  • #1
Chis96
5
0
Can some please explain to me how to solve these two questions?
Let A, B and C be any sets, prove that:
(a) A-B ⊂ A
(b) (A∩B) complement = A complement ∪ B and (A∪B) complement = A complement∩ B complement.
 
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  • #2
We usually write out A\B instead of A -B

Anyway, start to write down the definitions and see where you get.

A\B = {x|x ∈ A and x ∉ B}
 
  • #3
Thank you very much for the correction.
Well... there are no definitions, it just says let A, B and C be any set, prove that A\B⊂A.
 
  • #4
Well, look up the definitions! How can you prove something without knowing what the definitions are?
 
  • #5
No definitions bro, just have to use x to prove it... That's why I'm confused.
 
  • #6
Chis96 said:
No definitions bro, just have to use x to prove it... That's why I'm confused.

He's talking about the definition of "subset"! As in, what does ##A-B \subset A## actually mean? You can't prove it unless you know what it means.
 
  • #7
oh... okay basically what it means is that all elements of A\B are contained inside A.
 
  • #8
Chis96 said:
oh... okay basically what it means is that all elements of A\B are contained inside A.

Yes, although more simply and consistently you could say it means:

Each element of A\B is an element of A.
 
  • #9
Yes, thank you very much sir.
 

1. What does the notation A-B ⊂ A mean?

The notation A-B ⊂ A means that the set A is a subset of itself with the elements of set B removed. This means that all the elements in B are not included in A.

2. How can you prove the relationship A-B ⊂ A?

To prove the relationship A-B ⊂ A, we can use the method of contradiction. Assume that there exists an element in A-B that is not in A. This would mean that A-B is not a subset of A, contradicting our initial assumption.

3. What is the meaning of (A∩B)c = A∪Bc?

This notation means that the complement of the intersection of sets A and B is equal to the union of the complements of A and B.

4. How can you prove the relationship (A∩B)c = A∪Bc?

To prove this relationship, we can use the De Morgan's laws, which state that the complement of a union is equal to the intersection of the complements. By applying this law, we can show that (A∩B)c = A∪Bc is true.

5. What is the significance of proving set relationships?

Proving set relationships is important in mathematics and science as it allows us to understand the connections and patterns between different sets. By proving these relationships, we can make predictions and draw conclusions about the elements in these sets, which can have practical applications in various fields such as data analysis, statistics, and computer science.

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