Understanding the Concept of Union of Sets

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 50 views

Introduction

In mathematics, the union of two sets is a fundamental concept that is used to combine the elements of two sets into a single set. The union of two sets A and B, denoted by A ∪ B, is the set of all elements that are in A, in B, or in both A and B. In this article, we will explore the concept of the union of two sets and provide a step-by-step solution to find the union of the two sets A = {1, 5, 8, 12, 17} and B = {5, 17}.

Understanding the Concept of Union of Sets

The union of two sets is a way to combine the elements of two sets into a single set. It is denoted by the symbol ∪. The union of two sets A and B, denoted by A ∪ B, is the set of all elements that are in A, in B, or in both A and B. In other words, the union of two sets is the set of all elements that are unique to each set or common to both sets.

Finding the Union of Two Sets

To find the union of two sets, we need to identify the elements that are in each set and combine them into a single set. The elements that are in both sets are only included once in the union of the two sets.

Step-by-Step Solution

Let's find the union of the two sets A = {1, 5, 8, 12, 17} and B = {5, 17}.

Step 1: Identify the Elements in Each Set

The elements in set A are: 1, 5, 8, 12, 17 The elements in set B are: 5, 17

Step 2: Identify the Elements that are Common to Both Sets

The elements that are common to both sets A and B are: 5, 17

Step 3: Combine the Elements that are Unique to Each Set

The elements that are unique to set A are: 1, 8, 12 The elements that are unique to set B are: None (since all elements in set B are common to set A)

Step 4: Combine the Elements that are Common to Both Sets and the Elements that are Unique to Each Set

The union of the two sets A and B is the set of all elements that are in A, in B, or in both A and B. Therefore, the union of the two sets A and B is: {1, 5, 8, 12, 17}

Conclusion

In conclusion, the union of the two sets A = 1, 5, 8, 12, 17} and B = {5, 17} is the set of all elements that are in A, in B, or in both A and B. The union of the two sets A and B is {1, 5, 8, 12, 17. This is the correct answer.

Final Answer

The final answer is: C. {1, 5, 8, 12, 17}

Introduction

In the previous article, we discussed the concept of the union of two sets and provided a step-by-step solution to find the union of the two sets A = {1, 5, 8, 12, 17} and B = {5, 17}. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the union of sets.

Q&A

Q1: What is the union of two sets?

A1: The union of two sets is a way to combine the elements of two sets into a single set. It is denoted by the symbol ∪. The union of two sets A and B, denoted by A ∪ B, is the set of all elements that are in A, in B, or in both A and B.

Q2: How do I find the union of two sets?

A2: To find the union of two sets, you need to identify the elements that are in each set and combine them into a single set. The elements that are in both sets are only included once in the union of the two sets.

Q3: What is the difference between the union and intersection of two sets?

A3: The union of two sets is the set of all elements that are in A, in B, or in both A and B. The intersection of two sets is the set of all elements that are common to both sets.

Q4: Can the union of two sets be empty?

A4: Yes, the union of two sets can be empty if there are no elements in either set.

Q5: Can the union of two sets have duplicate elements?

A5: No, the union of two sets cannot have duplicate elements. The elements that are in both sets are only included once in the union of the two sets.

Q6: How do I represent the union of two sets in mathematical notation?

A6: The union of two sets A and B is represented in mathematical notation as A ∪ B.

Q7: Can the union of two sets be a subset of another set?

A7: Yes, the union of two sets can be a subset of another set. For example, if A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {2, 3, 4}, then A ∪ B = {1, 2, 3, 4} is a subset of {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}.

Q8: Can the union of two sets be equal to one of the sets?

A8: Yes, the union of two sets can be equal to one of the sets. For example, if A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {2, 3}, then A ∪ B = {1, 2, 3} is equal to set A.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the union of two sets is a fundamental concept in mathematics that is used to combine the elements of two sets into a single set. We have answered some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the union of sets and provided examples to illustrate the concept.

Final Answer

The final answer is: The union of two sets is a set of all elements that are in A, in B, or in both A and B.