What Are the Results of Adding and Multiplying Sets A and B?

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Homework Help Overview

The problem involves the operations of addition and multiplication on sets A and B, where A = {-1,2,4,7} and B = {-2,-1,1}. The original poster seeks to find the results of these operations.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to calculate A+B and A*B directly, while some participants question the validity of these operations on sets. Others suggest clarifying the definitions of addition and multiplication for sets, noting that different interpretations exist.

Discussion Status

The discussion is exploring various definitions of set operations. Some participants have provided guidance on how addition and multiplication might be defined in this context, while others express confusion about the naturalness of these definitions.

Contextual Notes

There is an indication that the original poster's definitions of addition and multiplication for sets may differ from conventional interpretations, leading to a need for clarification. The discussion also highlights the potential for multiple interpretations of these operations.

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Homework Statement



Let A = {-1,2,4,7}
Let B = {-2,-1,1}

Find A+B and A*B. (multiply)


Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



Am I right here?

A+B = {-3,-2,0,1,2,3,5,6,8}

A*B = {-14,-8,-7,-4,-2,-1,1,2,4,7}
 
Last edited:
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Sorry this is a bit confusing. I don't think you can add/multiply sets like that. For multiplication you need the cartesian product which is just [tex](a,b) \quad a\in A, b\in B[/tex]. If you can expand and say what you mean by multiplying and adding sets then I can help a bit more.
 
There are a number of different ways to define A+ B or A*B for sets. For example, those are often used to mean union and intersection of sets. I think what you are talking about is "z is in A+ B if and only if z= x+ y for some x in A and some y in B" and "z is in A*B if and only if z= xy for some x in A and some y in B." Assuming those are the definitions you are using, yes, what you have is correct.
 
Ahh, so if I defined it as multiplication or addition, then that would be valid.

Define A + B = [ a + b : a in A, b in B }

Likewise for A*B. I was confused because it didn't seem natural.
 

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