PASSI CITY COLLEGE

CITY OF PASSI, ILOILO

SCHOOL OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

MODULE 3
SETS AND SUBSETS

Course No.: GE 3
Course Title: Mathematics in the Modern World

MODULE OVERVIEW

In the previous module you have learned about the concept of mathematical language.
In this module, it will be discussed the concept of sets and its basic operations.

OBJECTIVES

At the end of the lesson, the student should be able to:

Define what a set and its basic terminologies,

Differentiate two ways in describing sets; and
Perform basic operations on set

1 JOHN MICHAEL P. PACLIBAR

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World Instructor
 INTRODUCTION

Sets become a powerful building block of mathematics when applied to different

situations. Some of the higher mathematics disciplines whose common denominator is set are the
following: Graph Theory, Abstract Algebra, Real Analysis, Complex Analysis, Linear Algebra, and
Number Theory.

The Language of Sets

Set Theory is the branch of mathematics that studies sets or the mathematical science of
the infinite. The study of sets has become a fundamental theory in mathematics in 1870’s which
was introduced by Georg Cantor (1845 – 1918), a German mathematician. For most mathematical
purposes we can think of a set intuitively, as Cantor did, simply as a collection of elements.

Set and Set Notations

The idea of a set in Mathematics is not different from how we think of it in everyday
living. Words such as collection, group, batch, class, and bundle all convey the idea of a set.

However, mathematically speaking, a set is a collection of distinct objects. The objects

must be well-defined, which means that we can tell whether any given object is or is not in the
set. Distinct means no duplication of the object in the set (it is listed only once).

Consider these examples to distinguish well-defined sets.

Well-defined Sets Not Well-defined Sets

1. The set of female presidents of the
Philippines.
2. The set of quadrilaterals.
3. The set of colors in the rainbow.
4. The set of even numbers less than
80.
5. The set of ASEAN member
countries.
1. The set of good Filipino writers.
2. The set of best books in the library.
3. The set of difficult subjects in in
SHS.
4. The set of delicious smoothies.
5. The set of smart people in the
meeting.

2 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
In writing sets, you need to follow these rules:

1. Name the set using a capital letter of the English alphabet (A, B, C, …, X, Y, Z).
2. The objects in the set are known as elements. We write them in small letters (a, b, c, …, x,
y, z).
3. The elements are separated by commas and are written inside the braces { }.

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}.

Note: The letter e must be written only once.

Another thing, if an object is an element of the set, use the symbol ∈.

In the above example, f is an element of set A or f is a member of set A or f is in A, or f
belongs to A. We write f ∈ A.
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.

3 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 Before moving further, to help you understand some concepts/examples in this lesson, a
review of the set of real numbers is given in the table that follows.

Symbol Name Description Examples

Natural Counting numbers (also called positive

ℕ 1, 2, 3, . . .
Numbers integers)

…, -4, -3, -2, -1, 0, 1,

ℤ Integers Naturals numbers, their negatives and 0
2,3, 4, ...

Numbers that can be represented as a/b, -15, -2, 0, 23, -1/4, 3/7,
Rational where a and b are integers and b≠0.The 15/2, -2.75, 1.625, -
ℚ
Numbers decimal representations are terminating or 0.333…, 5.272727…
repeating.
Numbers that cannot be expressed as the √2 = 1.414213562…,
Irrational
ℚ’ ratio of two integers. They are the non- ℼ = 3.141592654…
Numbers
repeating and non-terminating decimals.
All the Natural Numbers,
Real Integers, Rational
ℝ Rational and Irrational numbers.
Numbers Numbers, Irrational
Numbers

Methods of Writing a Set

Enumeration or Roster Method Set-Builder Notation or Rule Method

• The elements of set are listed or
enumerated in any order but no
repetition and are enclosed by curly
braces.
• The members of the set are defined
by stating their common properties.
Example of a set-builder notation:
{x | x > -2} or {x : x > -2}

This is read as “the set of all x, such

that x is greater than - 2”

The “|” is read as “such that”. The “:”

can also be used instead of “|”.

4 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
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 (|).
3. Tell the condition or properties of the elements of the set.
4. Enclose the complete description inside curly braces.

Here are some examples for you.

Enumeration or Roster Statement Rule Method

Method
1. D = {e, i} D is the set of vowels in
the word little.
2. E = {c, d, n, y} E is the set of consonants
in the word decency.
D = {x | x is a vowel in the
word little}
E = {x | x is a consonant in the
word decency}

3. N = {1, 2, 3, . . .} N is the set of Natural N = {x | x is a natural number}

numbers. or
N = {x | x ∈ ℕ}

4. S = {2, 1, 0, -1, -2, …} S is the set of integers less S = {x | x is an integer less than
than 3. 3}
or
S = {x ∈ ℤ | x < 3}

5. B = {11, 13, 17, 19, 23, B is the set of all prime
29} numbers between 10 and
30.
B = {x | x is a prime number
between 10 and 30}
or
B = {x | x is a prime number, 11
≤ x ≤ 29}

6. T = {-15, -10, -5, 0, T is the set of multiples of T = {x | x is a multiple of 5

5,10} 5 greater than -20 but less greater than -20 but less than
than positive 15. positive 15}
or
T = {x | x is a multiple of 5, −15
≤ x ≤ 10}
or
T = {x | x is a multiple of 5, −16
< x < 11}

T = {5x | x ∈ ℤ, −4 < x < 3} or

T = {5x | x ∈ ℤ, −3 ≤ x ≤ 2} or
T = {5x | x ∈ ℤ, −3 ≤ x < 3} or
T = {5x | x ∈ ℤ, −4 < x ≤ 2}

5 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 G = {22,24, 26, 28, 30,32,
34, 36, 38}
M = {13, 15, 17, 19, 21}
G is the set of positive
even numbers greater
than 20 but less than 40.
M is the set of odd
numbers between12 and
22.
G = {x | x is a positive even
number greater than 20but less
than 40} or
G = {x | x is a positive even
number, 20 < x < 40}
or
G = {2x | x ∈ ℕ, 10 < x < 20} or
G = {2x | x ∈ ℕ,11 ≤ x < 20} or
G = {2x | x ∈ ℕ,11 ≤ x ≤ 19} or
G = {2x | x ∈ ℕ,10 < x ≤ 19}
M = {x | x is an odd number
between 12 and 22} or
M = {2x + 1 | x ∈ ℕ, 5 < x < 11}
or
M = {2x + 1 | x ∈ ℕ, 6 ≤ x ≤ 10}
or
M = {2x + 1 | x ∈ ℕ, 6 ≤ x < 11}
or
M = {2x + 1 | x ∈ ℕ, 5 < x ≤ 10}

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 are limited A = {x | x is a positive integer
or countable. less than17}
A = {1, 2, 3, …, 16}
• The cardinality of a set is the n(A) = 16
number of its elements. The
cardinality of set A is denoted by B = {x | x is an odd integer
n(A) or lAl. between 50 and 60}
B = {51,53,55,57,59}
n(B) = 5
2. Infinite Set • A set whose elements are unlimited W = {0, 1, 2, 3, ...}
or cannot be counted. n(W) =∞

Note: the infinity of the set is denoted D = {x | x is a negative odd

by three dots (...)called an ellipsis and integer}
is read "and so forth." D = { -1, -3, -5, …}

E = {x | x is a proper fraction}
E = {1/2, 3/4, 5/7, …}

6 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 3. Unit Set or • A set with only one element. F = {x | x is an integer greater
Singleton than 10 but less than 12}
Set F = {11}
n(F) = 1

G = {x | x is the vowel in the

word day}
G = {a}
n(G) = 1
4. Empty or • A set with no object or element. H = {x | x is an integer greater
Null Set than -1 but less than 0}
• The symbols " { } " and " Ø " are H = { } or H = Ø
used to denote an empty set. n(H) = 0

B = {x | x is a counting number
between 45 and 46}
B = { } or B = Ø
n(B) = 0
5. Equal Sets • Two sets containing the same Let
elements are equal. A = {13, 14, 15, 16}
• Symbolically, A = B. B = {14, 15}
D = {x | x is a natural
• The symbol “≠” is used to denote number greater than 12
that two sets are not equal. but less than 17}
E = {15, 16, 14, 13}

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 same
Sets number of elements or the same Let
cardinality, then they are A = {11,12, 13}
equivalent sets. B = {x, y, z}
C = {α, β, λ}
• They may have different 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.
7. Joint Sets • Two sets, say A and B, are said to Let
be joint sets if and only if they A = {1, 2, 3}
have common element/s. B = {2, 4, 6}

Then, A and B are joint since they

have a common element 2.

7 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 8. Disjoint • Two sets with no common Let R = {2, 4, 6}
Sets or elements are disjoint. S = {11, 13, 15}
non- Then, R and S are disjoint.
intersection
The set of whole numbers and
the set of negative numbers are
disjoint.

Subsets, Supersets, and Power Sets

Definition/Notation Examples

A is a subset of B if every element of Consider the sets:

A is in B. The phrases "A is contained J = {5, 6, 7}
in B" and "B contains A" are other K = [8,7, 6, 5}
ways of saying that A is a subset of B. L = {5, 6, 7, 8, 9}

Symbolically, A ⊆ B. then, we can say that J ⊆ K, J ⊆ L,

and K ⊆ L.

Subsets
The number of subsets of a given set Given: M = {7, 8, 9}
with "n" elements can be computed n(M) = 3
using the formula 2n.
2n=23 = 8 subsets
Note:
• Every set is a subset of itself. The subsets of M are:{7}, {8}, {9},
• The empty set is a subset of {7, 8}, {7, 9}, {8, 9}, {7, 8, 9}, Ø
every set.

If every element of A is in B, but Consider the sets:

there is at least one element in B that J = {7, 6, 5}
is not in A, then A is a proper subset K = {8,7, 6, 5}
Proper Subset of B. L = {9, 8, 7, 6, 5}

In symbols, we have A ⸦ B. We can say that J ⸦ K, J ⸦ L, and

K ⸦ L.

8 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 If a set has "n" elements, the number Given: J = {5, 6, 7}
of proper subsets can be verified
using 2n – 1. For the number of proper subsets
of J:
Note: 2n – 1 = 23 – 1
• Every set is not a proper subset of =8–1
itself. =7
• A null set is a proper subset of The proper subsets of J are:{5},
every set. {6}, {7}, {5, 6}, {5, 7}, {6, 7}, Ø

If A is a subset of B, then we can say Consider the sets:

that B is a superset of A, denoted by J = {2, 4, 6}
B ⊇ A. K = {2, 4, 6, 8}
Superset L = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}
Note:
• Every set is the superset of the Then, we can say that K ⊇ J, L ⊇ J,
empty set. and L ⊇ K.

The set of all subsets of a set A is Let

called the power set of A, denoted as N = {q, r, s}
P(A). n(N) = 3
Power Set
The cardinality (or the number of |P(N)| = 23
elements) of the power set of A is =8
given by |P(A)| = 2n P(N) = {∅, {q}, {r}, {s}, {q, r}, {q,
s}, {r, s}, {q, r, s}}.

Universal Set and Complementary Sets

Definition/Notation Examples

The universal set is the set Let

containing all the possible A = {a, c, e, g}
elements under consideration or B = {b, d, f}
the set containing all the elements C = {a, d, g, h}
Universal Set of its subsets, without repetition.
Then, U = {a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h}
The universal set, denoted by the
symbol “U” is the set of all
elements under discussion.

9 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 Sets A and B are complementary if
they have no common elements,
and their union is the universal
set.
Complementary
Sets
In symbol, the complement of A is
Ac or A’.
Let U = {10, 11, 12, 13,14, 15, 16, 17}
A = {10, 12, 14}
B = {11, 13, 15, 17}
C = {10, 12, 13,14,16}
Then,
Ac = {11, 13, 15,16, 17}
Bc = {10, 12, 14, 16}
Cc = {11, 15, 17}

Operations on Sets

Definition/Notation Examples

The union of two sets A and B is Let A = {1, 3, 5}

the set containing all the B = {1, 5, 8, 10}
elements of both sets. C = (3, 6, 12, 14}
D={}
Union of Sets
In symbols, we write A ∪ B.
A U B = {1, 3, 5, 8, 10}
B U C = {1,3,5,6,8,10,12,14}
C U D = {3, 6, 12, 14}

The intersection of two sets A and Let A = {1, 3, 5}

B is the set containing the B = {1, 5, 8, 10}
common elements of both sets. C = (3, 6, 12, 14}
Intersection of D={}
Sets In symbols, we write A ∩ B.
A ∩ B = {1, 5}
B ∩ C = { } or Ø
C ∩ D = { } or Ø

The difference of two sets A and B If A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {1, 2, 4, 5}

is the set containing all the
elements of A which are not in B. then A - B = {3}.
Difference of
Sets In symbols, we write A – B.
If C = {a, b, c, d} and D = {a, c, e},
Note that in general A – B  B – A.
then C - D = {b, d}.

10 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 Combinations Let U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14}
A = {1, 3, 5},
B = {1, 5, 8, 10},
C = {3, 6, 12, 14},
D={}

Examples:
1. (A U B) ∩ C = {1, 3, 5, 8, 10} ∩ (3, 6, 12, 14}
= {3}

2. (A ∩ C) U B = {3} U {1, 5, 8, 10}

= {1, 3, 5, 8, 10}

3. A U B U C = {1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14}

4. (A ∩ B) ∩ C = {1, 5} ∩ {3, 6, 12, 14}

={}

5. (A U B) ∩ (C U D) = {1, 3, 5, 8, 10} ∩ {3, 6, 12, 14}

= {3}

6. (A ∩ B) U (C ∩ D) = {1, 5} U { }
= {1, 5}

7. (A U D) ∩ (B∩C) = {1, 3, 5} ∩ { }
={}

8. Ac ∩ Bc = {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}

9. Bc ∩ Cc = {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}

10. A – B = {1, 3, 5} - {1, 5, 8, 10}

= {3}

11 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
Venn Diagram

Set relationships and operations may be expressed more clearly by using Venn diagrams.
This method is named after the English mathematician and logician John Venn (1834 - 1923).
Venn diagrams are helpful in showing the ideas and relationships of sets. They are also a useful
aid in visualizing set operations. In the Venn diagram, a rectangle is used to represent the
universal while circles are used to represent subsets.

12 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR
 “Success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to

continue that counts”.

-Winston S. Churchill

Congratulations you are done with Module 3!

References:

Arellano, E.L. 2010, Fundamentals of Mathematics, Lorimar Publishing Inc

https://www.mathsisfun.com/sets/sets-introduction.html

https://www.scribd.com/document/600142835/Final-Module-4-the-Language-of-Sets

13 John Michael P. Paclibar

GE 3 – Mathematics in the Modern World INSTRUCTOR