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COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
MMW 101
MATHEMATICS IN THE MODERN WORLD
Module 4
The Language of Sets
“Achieving Universal Understanding and
Peace Through the Language of
Mathematics”
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For example, Set A has as its elements the letters in the word freshmen. Writing
the set, we have A = {𝑓, 𝑟, 𝑒, 𝑠, ℎ, 𝑚, 𝑛}.
On the other hand, if an object is not an element of the set, we use the symbol
∉ as in 𝑎 is not an element of set A, 𝑎 ∉ 𝐴.
Real
R Rational and Irrational
Numbers
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These are the steps on how to write sets using the set builder notation:
1. Use a lowercase letter, x or any other letter, to describe the elements of the set.
2. Use a separator, either a colon ( : ) or a vertical bar ( l ).
3. Tell the condition or properties of the elements of the set.
4. Enclose the complete description inside curly braces.
Enumeration or
Statement Rule Method
Roster Method
D = {e, i} D is the set of vowels D = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a vowel in the
in the word little. word little}
E = {c, d, n, y} E is the set of E = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a consonant in the
consonants in the word decency}
word decency.
N = {1, 2, 3, . . .} N is the set of N = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a natural number}
Natural numbers. or
N = { 𝑥I𝑥 ∈ 𝑁}
B = {11, 13, 17, 19, 23, B is the set of all B = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a prime number
29} prime numbers between 10 and 30} or
between 10 and 30. B = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a prime number,
11 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 29}
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M = {13, 15, 17, 19, 21} M is the set of odd M = { 𝑥I𝑥 is an odd number
numbers between between 12 and 22} or
12 and 22.
M = {2𝑥 + 1I𝑥 ∈ 𝑁, 5 < 𝑥 < 11}
or
M = {2𝑥 + 1I𝑥 ∈ 𝑁, 6 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10}
or
M = {2𝑥 + 1I𝑥 ∈ 𝑁, 6 ≤ 𝑥 < 11}
or
M = {2𝑥 + 1I𝑥 ∈ 𝑁, 5 < 𝑥 ≤ 10}
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Kinds of Sets
These are simple descriptions and examples to help you distinguish one kind
of set from another.
Kind of Set Definition / Notation Examples
1. Finite Set • A set whose elements A = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a positive
are limited or countable integer less than17}
A = {1,2,3, …,16}
• The cardinality of a set is
the number of its n(A) = 16
elements. The cardinality
of set A is denoted by B = { 𝑥I𝑥 is an odd integer
n(A) or IAl. between 50 and 60}
B = {51,53,55,57,59}
n(B) = 5
2. Infinite Set • A set whose elements W = {0, 1, 2, 3, ...}
are unlimited or cannot n(W) = ∞
be counted
D = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a negative odd
Note: the infinity of the set integer}
is denoted by three dots (...) D = { -1, -3, -5, . . .}
called an ellipsis and is read
"and so forth." E = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a proper
fraction}
E = {1/2, 3/4, 5/7, . . .}
3. Unit Set • A set with only one F = { 𝑥I𝑥 is an integer
or element greater than 10 but
Singleton Set less than 12}
F = {11}
n(F) = 1
5. Equal Sets • Two sets containing the Let A = {l3, 14, 15, 16}
same elements are B = {14, 15}
equal.
• Symbolically, A = B. D = { 𝑥I𝑥 is a natural
number greater
than 12 but less
than 17}.
• The symbol "≠" is used
to denote that two sets E = {l5, 16, 14, 13}
are not equal.
From the given sets, A = D
and that both A and D are
equal to E, A = D = E.
Also,
A ≠ B, D ≠ B, and E≠ B.
6. Equivalent • If Sets A and B have the
Sets same number of
elements or the same
cardinality, then they are
equivalent sets. Let A = {11,12, 13}
B = {x, y, z}
• They may have different C = {𝜆, 𝛽, 𝛼}.
elements or some
common elements only.
From the given sets,
A~B, A~C, and B~C.
We use the symbols “~”
or “≡” to denote that sets
are equivalent.
Operations on Sets
Examples:
(A ∩ B) U (C ∩ D) = {1, 5} U { }
= {1, 5}
(A U D) ∩ (B ∩C) = {1, 3, 5} ∩ { }
= { } or ∅
Ac ∩ B c = {2,4,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14} ∩
{2,3,4,6,7,9,11,12,13,14}
= {2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14}
B c ∩ C c = {2,3,4,6,7,9,11,12,13,14} ∩ {1,2,4,5,7,8,9,10,11,13}
= {2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 13}
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Find: A x B
• The cross product of two non-
empty sets A and B is the set
of all ordered pairs (a, b), Solution:
where the first element a is
from set A, and the second A x B = {(5, r), (5, s),
element b is from set B. (5, t), (7, r),
Cross Product (7, s), (7, t),
of Sets (9, r), (9, s),
Note: The symbol "x" is used for (9, t)}
the operation.
Find: B x A
Read A x B as A cross B.
Solution:
AxB≠BxA B x A = {(r, 5), (r, 7),
(r, 9), (s, 5),
(s, 7), (s, 9),
(t, 5), (t, 7),
(t, 9)}
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References
Cha, Jhon Harley Niño, Miro, Eden, and Quiming, Romel (2016). General
Mathematics. Quezon City : Vibal Group.
Alejan, Ronnie O., Veloria, Elisa V., et al. (2018) Mathematics in the Modern World.
Malabon, Metro Manila : Mutya Publishing House, Inc.
Malang, Paulino, Malang, B.,& Tiongson, I. (2011). Discrete Structure. San Rafael :
HFM Publishing.
Online References
Hoyland, S. (2021, November 8). Take online courses. earn college credit. Research
Schools, Degrees & Careers. Study.com | Take Online Courses. Earn College Credit.
Research Schools, Degrees & Careers. Retrieved July 14, 2022, from
https://study.com/academy/lesson/universal-set-in-math-definition-example-
symbol.html