Secondary 4 Mathematics: Sets

1. Definition of a Set
• A set is a collection of distinct objects such as numbers, letters, symbols, etc.
• The objects in a set are called the members or elements of the set.
• Common examples of sets
(a) Set of whole numbers, W = {0, 1, 2, 3, …)
(b) Set of integers, Z = {…, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2, …}
(c) Set of prime numbers, P = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, …}

2. Ways of Defining a Set

(a) A = {a, b, c} à A is the set containing elements a, b and c.
(b) B = {x : x is a prime number} à B is the set containing set of prime numbers
- B can also be expressed as B = {2, 3, 5, 7, 11, …}
(c) C = {x : x is a integer number such that 5 ≤ x <9}
- C can also be expressed as C = {5, 6, 7, 8}

3. Null or Empty Sets

• A null or empty set, denoted by { } or ∅, is a set which contains no elements.

4. Equal Sets
• Two sets are equal if they have the same elements.
Example: Set A = {1, 2, 3} and set B = {3, 1, 2}
Then A = B (Note that the order in which the elements appear in the set is not
important).

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5. Subset and Subset Symbols
Symbol Meaning Example
A⊂B Set A is a proper subset of set B. Set A = {1, 2, 3} and
i.e., every element of A is also an element set B = {3, 1, 2, 4, 5}, then
of B, and A ≠ B. A⊂B
𝐴⊆𝐵 A is subset of B If A ⊆ B and
i.e., every element of A is also an element Set B = {3,1, 2, 4, 5},
of B, and set A can be equal set B. then Set A can be = {1, 2, 3}
or Set A can be = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}
𝐴⊄𝐵 A is not subset of B. If Set A = {1, 2, 5} and
Set B = {1, 3, 6, 8}, then
𝐴 ⊄𝐵
𝐴∩𝐵 The intersection of sets A and B. If Set A = {1, 2, 3} and
It refers to the common elements found in Set B = {1, 3, 6, 8}, then
both sets. 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 = {1, 3}
𝐴∪𝐵 The union of sets A and B. If Set A = {1, 2, 3} and
This refers to the set of elements which Set B = {1, 3, 6, 8}, then
belongs to either set A or set B or both/ 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 = {1, 2, 3, 6, 8}
n(A) Represents the number of elements in set A. If Set A = {1, 2, 3}, then
n(A) = 3

6. Element of a Set
• If a is an element of set A, we write a ∈ 𝐴.
• If b is not an element of set A, we write b ∉ A.

7. Universal Set
• A universal set is a set which contains all the available elements in a particular
discussion.
• It is the largest set in the discussion and is denoted by ξ.

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8. Complement of Set
• The complement of a set A, denoted by 𝐴′, relative to the universal set ξ contains
elements that are not elements of A but are elements of ξ. i.e. it is the set that contains
all elements in 𝛏 except those in A.
Example: If ξ = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, 𝐴 = {1, 2}, then 𝐴′ = {3, 4, 5}

9. Disjoint Sets
• Two sets are said to be disjoint if they do not have any common element.
Example: If A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, 𝐵 = {6, 7}, then 𝐴 and 𝐵 are disjoint.

10. Venn Diagram

• A Venn diagram is pictorial representation of relationships involving sets.

Example: If ξ = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8}, 𝐴 = {1, 2, 3, 4}, 𝐵 = {2, 3, 6, 7}.

Venn diagram of example:

Venn diagram of (1) proper subset, (2) disjoint sets and (3) complement of a set:

(1) Complement of 𝐴
(3) B ⊂ 𝐴 (2) 𝐴 and B are disjoint
(Shaded region)

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Venn diagram representing (4) Intersection of sets and (5) Union of sets.

(4) 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 (5) 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵

Other Examples:
Write down the set notation that represents the shaded region in the Venn diagram
below:

Answer: 𝑃′ ∪ 𝑄
Hint: Dissect the diagram into its individual parts:

Venn diagram of 𝑃′ + Venn diagram of 𝑄

P Q P Q

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 Sets (Worksheet 1)

1. On each of the Venn diagram, shade the region(s) represented by the set notation
(a) 𝐵′ ∩ 𝐴

A
B

(b) 𝐵′ ∩ 𝐴′

A B

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(c) (𝐴′ ∩ 𝐵′)′

A B

(d) 𝑃 ∪ 𝑄′

P Q

(e) (𝑃′ ∪ 𝑄)′

P Q

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2. It is given that ξ = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer such that 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 15}, 𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 integers divisble
by 2} and 𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 integers divisible by 3}.
(a) List all the elements in 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 in set notation.

(b) List all the elements in 𝐴′ ∪ 𝐵 in set notation.

(c) List all the elements in 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 in set notation.

(d) List all the elements in 𝐴′ ∩ 𝐵′ in set notation.

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3. It is given that ξ = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer such that 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 10}, 𝐴 = { 𝑥: 𝑥 is an odd
number} and 𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 integers multiple of 3}.
(a) List all the elements in 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵 in set notation.

(b) List all the elements in 𝐴′ ∩ 𝐵′ in set notation.

(c) Draw a venn diagram showing ξ, 𝐴 and 𝐵 and place each of the members/elements in
appropriate parts of the diagram.

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4. There are 27 children in a class. Out of these children, 19 own a smartphone, 15 own a
computer and 3 neither own a smartphone no a computer. x number of student own both a
smartphone and computer. Using a Venn diagram, find the number of children who own a
smartphone but not a computer.

Answer: ________________

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5. It is given that
ξ = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer such that 10 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 23},
𝐸 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an even number},
𝑃 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a prime number}, and
𝑀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is multiple of 5},

The Venn diagram shows the universal set ξ and the subsets 𝐸 and 𝑀. Two elements of ξ
are shown in their appropriate subsets.

ξ
E M

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20

(a) Complete the Venn diagram shown above and draw subset P.
Write the remaining elements of ξ in the appropriate subsets of your Venn diagram.
(b) Hence, simplify (𝐸′ ∪ 𝑀) ∩ 𝑃′

Answer: (b) (𝐸′ ∪ 𝑀) ∩ 𝑃′ = ________________

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6. ξ = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer and 3 < 𝑥 ≤ 15},
𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a multiple of 5}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a multiple of 3}

(a) List the elements in A.

Answer: (a) ______________________

(b) Fill the members of ξ, 𝐴 and 𝐵 in the spaces in the Venn diagram below.

(c) List all possible subsets of 𝐴.

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7. 𝐴 = {points lying on the line 2𝑥 + 𝑦 = 8}
𝐵 = {points lying on the line 3𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 12}
𝐶 = {points lying on the line m𝑥 − 4𝑦 = 𝑐}

(a) Is (−1, 6) ∈ 𝐴? Explain clearly.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(b) Find the element p such that p ∈ (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵).

Answer: (b) p = ________________

(c) Write down a possible value of m and of c such that 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶 = ∅.

Answer: (c) m = ________________

c = ________________

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8. ξ = {integers 𝑥 ∶ 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 7}
The Venn diagram shows the elements of ξ and three sets, A, B and C.

Use one of the symbols below to complete each statement.

(a) {4, 5} _____________ B

(b) 2 _____________ (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)

(c) 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶 = _____________

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 Sets (Worksheet 2)

1. (a) On the Venn diagram, shade the region which represents 𝐴! ∩ 𝐵.

(b) Given that P is a subset of Q, simplify (𝑃 ∪ 𝑄)′.

You may use the space below to help in your investigation.

Answer: (b) (𝑃 ∪ 𝑄)′ = ________________

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2. ξ = {integers 𝑥 ∶ 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 15},
𝐴 = {integers divisible by 2}
𝐵 = {integers divisible by 3}

(a) Draw a Venn diagram to illustrate this information.

(b) List the elements contained in the set (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′.

Answer: (b) (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′ = ________________

(c) Describe, as simply as possible, in words, the elements contained in the set 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

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3. ξ = {integers 𝑥 ∶ 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 8},
The Venn diagram shows the elements of ξ and three sets, A, B and C.

Use one of the symbols below to complete each statement.

(a) 3 _____________ C

(b) {1} _____________ (𝐴 ∩ 𝐵)

(c) (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 ∪ 𝐶)′ = _____________

4. 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a positive integer and 𝑥 ≤ 12},

𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an odd integer and 3x + 5 > 11}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a factor of 28}
𝐶 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a composite number}

(a) List the elements of

(i) 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵,

Answer: (a)(i) 𝐴 ∪ 𝐵 = ______________________

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 (ii) 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶.

Answer: (a)(ii) 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶 = ______________________

(b) Represent the elements of 𝜀 and sets A, B and C in the Venn Diagram below:

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5. 𝜀 = {students in Class 4B},
𝐻 = {students who study History}
𝐺 = {students who study Geography}

There are 32 students in Class 4B.

13 students study History, 23 students study Geography and only 11 students study both
subjects.

(a) (i) Draw a Venn Diagram to illustrate this information

(ii) Find the total number of students who study only one of these two subjects

Answer: (a)(ii) ______________________

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 (b) 𝐷 = {students who play drums}
𝑃 = {students who play the piano}
(i) Express, in set notation, ‘All students who play the drums also play the piano’.

Answer: (b)(i) ______________________

(ii) Write the set notation 𝐷 ∩ 𝑃 ≠ ∅.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

6. Place each of the five numbers 39, 42, 45, 49 and 51 in the correct position in the Venn
diagram below.

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7. (a) Write down the set notation for the set represented by the shaded region in the Venn
diagram below.

ξ
X

Answer: (a) ______________________

(b) 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer, 1 ≤ 𝑥 ≤ 9},

𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an odd number}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a factor of 6}
(i) Draw a Venn diagram in the box below to illustrate the above information.

(ii) List the elements in the set (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′

Answer: (b)(ii) ______________________

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8. A, B and C are three non-empty sets satisfying the following conditions.
𝐴 ⊂ 𝐵, 𝐴 ∩ 𝐶 ≠ ∅, 𝐴 ⊄ 𝐶 and 𝐶 ⊄ 𝐵
Draw a clearly labelled Venn diagram to illustrate the above information.

9. (a) On the Venn Diagram, shade the set 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵′.

𝜀
A
B

(b) 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 where 0 < 𝑥 ≤ 30},

𝑀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a perfect cube}
𝑁 = {𝑥: 𝑥 = 2k + 1, 𝑘 integer}
Find (𝑀 ∩ 𝑁)

Answer: (b) (𝑀 ∩ 𝑁) = ______________________

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 Sets (Worksheet 3)

1. 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a positive integer and 𝑥 < 25},

𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a perfect square}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an odd number}
(a) Find n (A ∩ 𝐵)

Answer: (a) n (A ∩ 𝐵) = ______________________

(b) On the Venn diagram below, shade the region that represents (A ∩ 𝐵′)′.

A B

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2. (a) Describe the shaded region in set notation.

Answer: (a) ______________________

(b) Given that

𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a positive integer and 0 < 𝑥 < 10},
𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a prime number}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a factor of 12}
"#
𝐶 = {𝑥: < 8}
$

(i) Find 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶.

Answer: (b)(i) 𝐵 ∩ 𝐶 = ______________________

(ii) List the elements of (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)! .

Answer: (b)(ii) (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)! = ______________________

(iii) Draw a Venn diagram to illustrate the given information.

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3. On the Venn diagram, shade the region which represents 𝐴′ ∩ 𝐵.

4. There are 30 students in a class. 14 students are in the NCC and 20 students are in the
Soccer team. 4 students are neither members of the NCC nor the Soccer team.
Let
𝜀 = {Students in the class}
𝐴 = {Students in NCC}
𝐵 = {Students in Soccer Team}

(a) Draw a Venn Diagram to illustrate the above information. Show on the Venn Diagram
the number of elements in each distinct region.

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 (b) It is also given that

𝐶 = {Chinese students in the class}

𝑀 = {Malay students in the class}
𝐼 = {Indian students in the class}

(i) Describe in words the meaning of the set notation 𝑀 ∩ 𝑆 ≠ { }.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(ii) Describe what you can deduce from the set notation 𝐼 ⊂ 𝑁.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(iii) Express in set notation:

{Chinese students who are neither in NCC nor the Soccer team}.

Answer: (b)(iii) ______________________

5. 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer and 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 11},

𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a multiple of 2}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a multiple of 3}
𝐶 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a perfect square}
Draw a Venn diagram to illustrate this information. Hence, or otherwise, find
n(A ∪ 𝐵 ∪ 𝐶)′.

Answer: n(A ∪ 𝐵 ∪ 𝐶)′ = ______________________

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6. 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer and 1 ≤ 𝑥 < 10},
𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a prime number}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a factor of 6}

(a) List the elements in 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵′.

Answer: (a) 𝐴 ∩ 𝐵! = ______________________

(b) List the elements in (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′.

Answer: (b) (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′ = ______________________

(c) Is {2, 3} 𝜖 𝐴. Justify your answer.

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

(d) Draw a Venn diagram to represent the sets 𝜀, 𝐴 and 𝐵.

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7. The Venn diagram shows the sets E and F with their members.

(a) Write down, as simply as possible, the set notation which represents the set that contains
irrational numbers only.

Answer: (a) ______________________

(b) Find the value of n(E ∩ 𝐹′).

Answer: (b) n(E ∩ 𝐹′) = ______________________

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8. 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a positive integer smaller than 10},
𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a prime number}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an even number}

Write down all the numbers in the universal set in the Venn diagram below.

A B

9. 𝜀 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is an integer 10 < 𝑥 ≤ 23},

𝐴 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a prime number}
𝐵 = {𝑥: 𝑥 is a multiple of 3}

(a) Complete the Venn diagram below to illustrate this information.

(b) List the elements of (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′.

Answer: (b) (𝐴 ∪ 𝐵)′ = ______________________

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