Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Sets
Notes

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Set

Set is a well-defined collection of objects. Examples od sets

1. Players of a cricket team

2. Students of your School
3. Members of your family
4. Vowels in the English alphabet { a, e, i, o, u}
5. Prime factors of 10, namely {2,5}
6. Odd natural numbers less than 8, i.e., {1, 3, 5, 7}
7. Numbers in a Dice {1,2,3,4,5,6}

Sets in Mathematics

N : the set of all natural numbers

Z : the set of all integers

Q : the set of all rational numbers

R : the set of real numbers

The concept of set serves as a fundamental part of the present day mathematics. Today this
concept is being used in almost every branch of mathematics. Sets are used to define the
concepts of relations and functions. The study of geometry, sequences, probability, etc.
requires the knowledge of sets.

The theory of sets was developed by German mathematician Georg Cantor (1845-1918). He
first encountered sets while working on “problems on trigonometric series”.

Numerical: Let A = Set of all even number. Are 1, 7, 4, 9 member or not of this set.

Solution: Even number set will have numbers 2,4,6,8,10…

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Numbers 1, 7 & 9 are not part of this set, while number 4 is part of this set.

Conventions in Set

• Sets are usually denoted by capital letters A, B, C, X, Y, Z, etc.

• The elements of a set are represented by small letters a, b, c ,d etc.
• If a is an element of a set A, we say that “ a belongs to A” the Greek symbol ∈
(epsilon) is used to denote the phrase ‘belongs to’. Thus, we write a ∈
• If ‘b’ is not an element of a set A, we write b ∉ A and read “b does not belong to A”.
• Objects, elements and members of a set are synonymous terms.

Examples:

If V is set of vowels, a & b are alphabets, then a ∈ V but b ∉ V.

P is set of prime factors of 30, then 3 ∈ P but 15 ∉ P.

There are two Methods of representing Set

• Roster or tabular form.

• Set-builder form.

Roster or Tabular Form

In roster form, all the elements of a set are listed, the elements are being separated by
commas and are enclosed within braces { }

E.g. the set of all number in a dice is described in roster form as {1,2,3,4,5,6}.

Points to be noted in roster form:

• In roster form, the order in which the elements are listed is immaterial. g. The set of
all vowels in the English alphabet can be written as {a, e, i, o, u} or
{a,u,i,o,e} or {u, e, i, o, a} or {o, e, i, a, u}
• The dots at the end tell us that the list of odd numbers continue indefinitely. E.g.: The
set of odd natural numbers is represented by {1, 3, 5, . . .}.
• In roster form, an element is not generally repeated, i.e., all the elements are taken as
distinct.

E.g. The set of letters forming the word ‘SCHOOL’ is { S, C, H, O, L} .

Set Builder Form

In set-builder form, all the elements of a set possess a single common property which is not
possessed by any element outside the set.

• In the set {a, e, i, o, u}, all the elements possess a common property, namely, each of
them is a vowel in the English alphabet, and no other letter possess this property.

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Denoting this set by V, we write V = {x : x is a vowel in English alphabet}.

• Please note that any other symbol like the letters y, z, etc. could be used.
• The symbol should be followed by a colon “ : ”.
• After the sign of colon, we write the characteristic property possessed by the elements
of the set and then enclose the whole description within braces.
• If a set of number doesn’t follow any pattern, it can’t be written in set builder form.

More Example of set builder form

• A = {x : x is a natural number and 3 < x < 10} is read as “the set of all x such that x is
a natural number and x lies between 3 and 10. Hence, the numbers 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9
are the elements of the set A.

Numerical: Write the set {x : x is a positive integer and x < 4} in the roster form.

Solution: Since the set has natural numbers less that 4, Set A ={ 1,2,3}

Numerical: Write the set A = {1, 4, 9, 16, 25, . . . }in set-builder form.

Solution: Number 1, 4, 6, 16, 25.. are squares of natural numbers 1,2, 3,4, 5 etc..

Therefore set ={x : x is a square of N}

Empty or null or void set

Set which does not contain any element is called the empty set or the null set or the void set.
The empty set is denoted by the symbol φ or { }.

Examples of empty sets. Let A = {x : 5 < x < 6, x is a natural number}. Then A is the empty
set, Thus we dente A set by the symbol φ or { }.

Please note that A = {x : 5 < x < 6, x is a real number} is not empty set, as there are many
real number between 5 & 6.

Finite & infinite set

A set which is empty or consists of a definite number of elements is called finite otherwise,
the set is called infinite.

E.g. A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} Finite :n(A)=5.

B = {all natural numbers} In-finite : n(B)=infinite

n (S): number of distinct elements

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Examples of infinite & finite set:

1. Let W be the set of the days of the week. Then W is finite.

2. Let G be the set of points on a line. Then G is infinite.
3. Let A be set of rats in India, then A is infinite.
4. Let B be set of months in a year, then B is finite.
5. Let P be set of all prime numbers, the P is infinite.

Equal sets

Two sets A and B are said to be equal if they have exactly the same elements and we write A
= B.

Otherwise, the sets are said to be unequal and we write A ≠ B.

Examples :

Let A = {1, 2, 3, 4} and B = {3, 1, 4, 2}. Then A = B.

Let C = {1, 2, 3, 4} and D = {1,2,3,5}. Then C ≠ D.

If set A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {2, 2, 1, 3, 3}. Then A=B , since each element of A is in B and
vice-versa. That is why we generally do not repeat any element in describing a set.

A set A is said to be a subset of a set B if every element of A is also an element

of B. i.e., A ⊆ B if a ∈ A ⇒ a ∈ B

Consider set A = set of all students in your class, B = set of all students in your
School.

We note that every element of A is also an element of B; we say that A is a

subset of B.

A is subset of B is expressed in symbols as A ⊆ B. The symbol ⊆ stands for ‘is a

subset of’ or ‘is contained in’.

It follows from the above definition that every set A is a subset of itself,

i.e., A ⊆ A.

Since the empty set φ has no elements, we agree to say that φ is a subset of
every set.

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

When A is a subset of B and A ≠ B, then A is called a proper subset of B. We

write as A ⊂ B A is a proper subset of B.

If A = {1,2,3}, B = {1,2,3,4}, C = {2,3,4,1}, Then A ⊂ B and A ⊂ C but B ⊆ C, as

A B, C but B = C.

If A is a proper subset of B, then B is called as superset of A.

i.e., If A ⊂ B and A ≠ B, B is called superset of A and expressed as B A.

The set Q of rational numbers is a proper subset of the set R of real numbers
and R is a superset of Q. Thus, we write Q ⊂ R, and R Q.

Let A = {1, 3, 5} and B = {x : x is an odd natural number less than 6}. Then A B
and B A and hence A = B.

So, we have a corollary as, A B and B A ⇔ A = B.

Let A = {a, e, i, o, u} and B = {a, b, c, d}. Then A is not a subset of B, also B is also
not a subset of A.

Let A = {1,2,3,4} and B = {1,2,3,4,5,6}, then A is a proper subset of B, and B is a

superset of A.

Some universal sets are well defined sets:

N : the set of all natural numbers ; N :{ 1, 2, 3, 4, 5…}

Z : the set of all integers ; Z = {…,-2,-1,0,1,2,3,…}

Q : the set of all rational numbers ; Q = {…,-1.2,..0,..5/8,.. 1.4…}

R : the set of real numbers ; R = {…,-1.5,..0, ,.., ..4,..6.78,…}

C : the set of all complex numbers

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Z+: the set of positive integers

Q+: the set of positive rational numbers

R+: the set of positive real numbers.

Thus, N ⊂ Z ⊂ Q ⊂ R ⊂ C

Singleton Set

If a set A has only one element, we call it a singleton set. Thus { a } is a singleton set.

E.g. C={x : x ∈ N+ and x2 = 4} , it has only one element C={2}

The collection of all the subsets of any set A is called the power set of A.

E.g., Consider the set A = {1, 2}. Let us write down all the subsets of the set A

Subsets of A = {1,2} are: φ, { 1 }, { 2 } and { 1, 2 }.

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Thus, the set of all these subsets is called the power set of A = { 1, 2 } and we
write it as P( A ) = {φ,{ 1 }, { 2 }, { 1,2 }} n [ P (A) ] = 4 = .

In general, if A is a set with n (A) = m, then the total number of subsets =

and hence, n [ P(A) ] = .

The no. of distinct elements in a finite set is called as cardinal number. It is not
defined for any infinite set as number of elements are infinite.

If A = {1, 2}, then n(A) = 2 is the cardinal number.

Universal Set

Universal Set : A set containing all elements of a problem under consideration is called
universal set. It is denoted by U.

E.g. While studying the system of numbers, we are interested in the set of natural numbers
and its subsets such as the set of all prime numbers, the set of all even numbers, and so forth.
This basic set is called the “Universal Set”. Here universal set is R.

Numerical: Recommend a universal set for A = {1, 3, 5} , B={1,2,7}

Solution: Set B= {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,} can be a universal set in this case

Open & Closed Intervals

Let a, b ∈ R and a < b.

Open interval is denoted by (a, b) = {x : a < y < b}. Endpoints element NOT included.

Closed interval is denoted by [ a, b ] = {x : a ≤ x ≤ b}. Endpoints element included.

We can also have intervals closed at one end and open at the other, i.e.,

• [ a, b ) = {x : a ≤ x < b} is an open interval from a to b, including a but excluding

• ( a, b ] = { x : a < x ≤ b } is an open interval from a to b including b but excluding

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Memory tip:

ONE (Open No endpoint).

Open windows = Light

Closed Window = Dark

() Looks like O , so it is used for Open interval

[] looks like closed box, so it is used for closed interval

Venn Diagrams

Most of the relationships between sets can be represented by means of diagrams known as
Venn diagrams. Venn diagrams are named after the, John Venn. These diagrams consist of
rectangles and closed curves usually circles. The universal set is represented usually by a
rectangle and its subsets by circles.

In the Venn diagram below: U = {1,2,3, ..., 10} is the universal set of which A =
{2,4,6,8,10} is a subset.

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Operation on Sets

1. Union of sets
2. Intersection of sets
3. Difference of sets
4. Complement of a Set

Union on Sets

Let A and B be any two sets. The union of A and B is the set which consists of all the
elements of A and all the elements of B, the common elements being taken only once. The
symbol ‘∪’ is used to denote the union. Symbolically, we write A ∪ B and usually read as ‘A
union B’.

A ∪ B = { x : x ∈A or x ∈B }

Numerical: Let A = { 2, 4, 6, 8} and B = { 6, 8, 10, 12}. Find A ∪ B.

Solution We have A ∪ B = { 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12}

Note: Common elements 6 and 8 have been taken only once while writing A ∪ B. In the
Venn diagram below, area in the green represents A ∪ B

Some Properties of the Operation of Union

(i) A ∪ B = B ∪ A (Commutative law)

(ii) ( A ∪ B ) ∪ C = A ∪ ( B ∪ C) (Associative law )

(iii) A ∪ φ = A (Law of identity element, φ is the identity of ∪)

(iv) A ∪ A = A (Idempotent law)

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

(v) U ∪ A = U (Law of U)

Symbol for Union of a finite no. of sets:

Union of a finite number of sets is written as,

Intersection of Sets

The intersection of sets A and B is the set of all elements which are common to both A and B.
The symbol ‘∩’ is used to denote the intersection.

The intersection of two sets A and B is the set of all those elements which belong to both A
and B. Symbolically, we write A ∩ B = {x : x ∈ A and x ∈ B}.

Numerical: Let A = { 2, 4, 6, 8} and B = { 6, 8, 10, 12}. Find A ∩ B.

Solution We have A ∩B = {6, 8}

In the Venn diagram below, area in the green represents A ∩ B

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Disjoin sets

If A and B are two sets such that A ∩ B = φ, then A and B are called disjoint sets.

For example, let A = { 2, 4, 6, 8 } and B = { 1, 3, 5, 7 }. Then A and B are called disjoint

sets, because there are no elements which are common to A and B

The disjoint sets can be represented by means of Venn diagram below. There is no common
area shared by A & B, thus A & B are disjoin sets.

Some Properties of Operation of Intersection

(i) A ∩ B = B ∩ A (Commutative law).

(ii) ( A ∩ B ) ∩ C = A ∩ ( B ∩ C ) (Associative law).

(iii) φ ∩ A = φ, U ∩ A = A (Law of φ and U).

(iv) A ∩ A = A (Idempotent law)

(v) A ∩ ( B ∪ C ) = ( A ∩ B ) ∪ ( A ∩ C ) (Distributive law ) i. e., ∩ distributes over ∪

Symbol for Intersection of a finite no. of sets:

Intersection of a finite number of sets is written as,

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Difference of Sets

The difference of the sets A and B in this order is the set of elements which belong to A but
not to B. Symbolically, we write A – B and read as “ A minus B”. A – B = { x : x ∈ A and x
∉B}

Example Let A = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}, B = { 2, 4, 6, 8 }. Find A – B and B – A

Solution:

A-B= {1,3,5}

B-A ={ 8}

Note that The sets A – B, A ∩ B and B – A are mutually disjoint sets.

Complement of a Set

Let U be the universal set and A a subset of U. Then the complement of A is the set of all
elements of U which are not the elements of A. Symbolically, we write A′ to denote the
complement of A with respect to U. Thus, A′ = {x : x ∈ U and x ∉ A }. Obviously A′ = U –
A

We note that the complement of a set A can be looked upon, alternatively, as the difference
between a universal set U and the set A.

E.g. U = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10} and A = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}. Then A′ = {2,4,6,8,10}

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Properties of Complement of Set

1. Complement laws: (i) A ∪ A′ = U (ii) A ∩ A′ = φ

2. De Morgan’s law: (i) (A ∪ B)´ = A′ ∩ B′ (ii) (A ∩ B )′ = A′ ∪ B′
3. Law of double complementation : (A′ )′ = A
4. Laws of empty set and universal set φ′ = U and U′ = φ.

Number of Elements in a set

If A, B and C are finite sets, then

• n(A∪B)=n(A)+n(B)–n(A∩B)

Explanation for n ( A ∪ B ) = n ( A ) + n ( B ) – n ( A ∩ B ): Since the common elements

A ∩ B is counted twice with both n ( A ) & n ( B ) , we subtract it.

• n ( A ∪ B ∪ C ) = n ( A ) + n ( B ) + n ( C ) – n ( A ∩ B ) – n ( B ∩ C) – n ( A ∩ C ) +
n(A∩B∩C)

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Refer ExamFear Video Lessons for explanation.

Numerical: In a school there are 20 teachers who teach mathematics or physics. Of these, 12
teach mathematics and 4 teach both physics and mathematics. How many teach physics ?

Solution: Let P denote Physics teachers & M denote Maths Teacher.

n(M) = 12

n(M ∪ P) = 20

n(M ∩ P) = 4

Applying formula n ( M ∪ P ) = n ( M ) + n (P ) – n ( M ∩ P )

Or 20 = 12 + n(P) – 4

Or n(P) = 12

We can also solve this with Venn diagram

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Class 11 Mathematics | Sets | Notes

Numerical: A college awarded 38 medals in football, 15 in basketball and 20 in cricket. If

these medals went to a total of 58 men and only three men got medals in all the three sports,
how many received medals in exactly two of the three sports ?

We can represent the data using Venn diagram.

Steps

• 3 men got all 3 medals, so n ( A ∩ B ∩ C ) will be 3. Thus put 3 in the region n ( A ∩

B∩C)
• Lets count of orange, blue & pink region be a, b & c. These people received exactly 2
medals.
• The Purple region will be 35-a-b, since 38 people got medals in football. Total count
for football circle is 38. Similarly grey region will be 12-a-c & Green will be 17-b-c
• Now it is total that total 58 men received these medals. That is n ( A ∪ B ∪ C ) = 58

Or 58 =(35-a-b) + a + (12-a-c) + 3 + b + (17-b-c) + c

Or a+b+c =9

Thus 9 people received 2 medals.

Thus we can say that 3 men received 3 medals, 9 men received 2 medals & 26 men received
1 medal.

For good explanation of these concepts, refer Learnohub video lessons.

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