Sets & Venn Diagram problems

Muhammad Jawad
Abid
 Sets
Sets are represented as a collection of well-defined objects or
elements and it does not change from person to person. A set is
represented by a capital letter. The number of elements in the
finite set is known as the cardinal number of a set.
The purpose of using sets is to represent the collection of relevant
objects in a group. In math, we usually represent a group of
numbers like a group of natural numbers, collection of rational
numbers, etc.
Let us take an example:
A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }
Since a set is usually represented by the capital letter. Thus, A is
the set and 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 are the elements of the set or members of
the set. The elements that are written in the set can be in any
order but cannot be repeated. All the set elements are

write it as 1 ∈(belongs) A, 2 ∈(belongs) A etc. The cardinal

represented in small letter in case of alphabets. Also, we can

number of the set is 5. Some commonly used sets are as follows:

 N: Set of all natural numbers
 Z: Set of all integers
 Q: Set of all rational numbers
 R: Set of all real numbers
 Z+: Set of all positive integers
The order of a set defines the number of elements a set is having.
It describes the size of a set. The order of set is also known as
the cardinality.
The size of set whether it is a finite set or an infinite set, said to
be set of finite order or infinite order, respectively.

1|Page
The sets are represented in curly braces, {}. For example,
{2,3,4} or {a,b,c} or {Bat, Ball, Wickets}.
REPRESENTATION OF ELEMENTS
The elements in the sets are depicted in either the
Statement form,
Roster Form
or Set Builder Form.
Statement Form
In statement form, the well-defined descriptions of a member of a
set are written and enclosed in the curly brackets. For example,
the set of even numbers less than 15.In statement form, it can be
written as {even numbers less than 15}.
Roster Form
In Roster form, all the elements of a set are listed. For example,
the set of natural numbers less than 5.
Natural Number = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,……….
Natural Number less than 5 = 1, 2, 3, 4
Therefore, the set is N = { 1, 2, 3, 4 }
Set Builder Form
The general form is, A = { x : property }
Example: Write the following sets in set builder form: A={2, 4, 6,
8}
Solution:
2=2x1
4=2x2
6=2x3

So, the set builder form is A = {x: x=2n, n ∈ N and 1 ≤ n ≤ 4}

8=2x4

Also, Venn Diagrams are the simple and best way for visualized
representation of sets.
Write the given statement in three methods of
representation of a set:
The set of all integers that lies between -1 and 5
Solution:

2|Page
The methods of representations of sets are:
Statement Form: { I is the set of integers that lies between -1 and
5}

Set-builder Form: I = { x: x ∈ I, -1 < x < 5 }

Roster Form: I = { 0,1, 2, 3,4 }

TYPES OF SETS
We have several types of sets in Math. They are empty set, finite
and infinite sets, proper set, equal sets, etc. Let us go through the
classification of sets here.
Empty Set
A set which does not contain any element is called an empty set
or void set or null set. It is denoted by { } or Ø.
A set of apples in the basket of grapes is an example of an empty
set because in a grapes basket there are no apples present.
Singleton Set
A set which contains a single element is called a singleton set.
Example: There is only one apple in a basket of grapes.
Finite set
A set which consists of a definite number of elements is called a
finite set.
Example: A set of natural numbers up to 10.
A = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10}
Infinite set
A set which is not finite is called an infinite set.
Example: A set of all natural numbers.
A = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9……}
Equivalent set
If the number of elements is the same for two different sets, then
they are called equivalent sets. The order of sets does not matter
here. It is represented as:
n(A) = n(B)
where A and B are two different sets with the same number of
elements.
Example: If A = {1,2,3,4} and B = {Red, Blue, Green, Black}

3|Page
In set A, there are four elements and in set B also there are four
elements. Therefore, set A and set B are equivalent.
Equal sets
The two sets A and B are said to be equal if they have exactly the
same elements, the order of elements do not matter.
Example: A = {1,2,3,4} and B = {4,3,2,1}
A=B
Disjoint Sets
The two sets A and B are said to be disjoint if the set does not
contain any common element.
Example: Set A = {1,2,3,4} and set B = {5,6,7,8} are disjoint
sets, because there is no common element between them.
Subsets

element of B, denoted as A ⊆ B. Even the null set is considered to

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

be the subset of another set. In general, a subset is a part of

another set.

Then {1,2} ⊆ A.
Example: A = {1,2,3}

Similarly, other subsets of set A are: {1}, {2},{3},{1,2},{2,3},

{1,3},{1,2,3},{}.
Suppose C = {Al, Bob, Chris, David, Ed} and A = {Bob, David}.
Then A is a subset of C, written as. A ⸦ C.
List all the subsets of the set of primary colors {red,

The subsets are ∅, {red}, {yellow}, {blue}, {red, yellow}, {red,

yellow, blue}.

blue}, {yellow, blue}, {red, yellow, blue}

Every set is a subset of itself, and the empty set is a subset of
every set. If A is not a subset of B, then it is denoted as A⊄B.

If A ⊆ B and A ≠ B, then A is called the proper subset of B and it

Proper Subset

can be written as A⊂B.

Example: If A = {2,5,7} is a subset of B = {2,5,7} then it is not
a proper subset of B = {2,5,7}

4|Page
But, A = {2,5} is a subset of B = {2,5,7} and is a proper subset
also.
Superset

the elements of set A. It is represented as A ⊃ B.

Set A is said to be the superset of B if all the elements of set B are

For example, if set A = {1, 2, 3, 4} and set B = {1, 3, 4}, then set
A is the superset of B.
Universal Set
A set which contains all the sets relevant to a certain condition is
called the universal set. It is the set of all possible values.
Example
If A = {1,2,3} and B {2,3,4,5}, then universal set here will be:
U = {1,2,3,4,5}
OPERATIONS ON SETS
In set theory, the operations of the sets are carried when two or
more sets combine to form a single set under some of the given
conditions. The basic operations on sets are:
 Union of sets
 Intersection of sets
 A complement of a set
 Cartesian product of sets.
 Set difference
Union of Sets

contains all the elements of set A and set B. It is denoted as A ∪

If set A and set B are two sets, then A Union B is the set that

B.
Example

A ∪ B = {1,2,3,4,5,6}
Set A = {1,2,3} and B = {4,5,6}, then A union B is:

Find A U B and A ⋂ B and A – B.

Example

If A = {a, b, c, d} and B = {c, d}.

Solution:
A = {a, b, c, d} and B = {c, d}

5|Page
A ⋂ B = {c, d} and
A U B = {a, b, c, d}

A – B = {a, b}
Example
Find the union of the sets F and B given as follows.
F = {Aikman, Jackson, Rice, Sanders, Young}
B = {Griffey, Jackson, Sanders, Thomas}
Solution
The union of two sets is the set whose elements are either in A or
in B or in both A and B. Therefore
FUB = {Aikman, Griffey, Jackson, Rice, Sanders, Thomas, Young}
Observe that when writing the union of two sets, the repetitions
are avoided.
Intersection of Sets
If set A and set B are two sets, then A intersection B is the set
that contains only the common elements between set A and set
B. It is denoted as A ∩ B.
Example Set A = {1,2,3} and B = {4,5,6}, then A Intersection B
is:
A ∩ B = { } or Ø
Since A and B do not have any elements in common, so their
intersection will give null set.
Example
Let F = {Aikman, Jackson, Rice, Sanders, Young}, and B =
{Griffey, Jackson, Sanders, Thomas}. Find the intersection of the
sets F and B.
Solution
The intersection of the two sets is the set whose elements belong
to both sets. Therefore,
F∩B = {Jackson, Sanders}
Example

B = { x : x is a multiple of 3, x ∈ N and x≤12} be two sets. Find

Let A = {x : x is an even natural number and 1< x ≤ 12} and

A∩B.

6|Page
Solution
Here A = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12} and B = {3, 6, 9, 12}
A∩B = {6, 12}
Example 1.13
If A = {2, 3} and C = { }, find A∩C.
Solution
There is no common element and hence A∩C ={ }
Complement of Sets
The complement of any set, say P, is the set of all elements in the
universal set that are not in set P. It is denoted by P’.
Example
Let the universal set U = {red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
indigo, violet}, and P = {red, yellow, blue}. Find the complement
of P.
Solution
The complement of a set P is the set consisting of elements in the
universal set U that are not in P. Therefore:
Pc= {orange, green, indigo, violet}
Let the universal set U = {red, orange, yellow, green, blue,
indigo, violet}, and P = {red, yellow, blue}. Find the complement
of P.

P ∪ P′ = U
Properties of Complement sets
1.
2. P ∩ P′ = Φ
3. Law of double complement: (P′) ′ = P
4. Laws of empty/null set(Φ) and universal set(U), Φ′ = U and U′
= Φ.

7|Page
Cartesian Product of sets
If set A and set B are two sets then the Cartesian product of set A
and set B is a set of all ordered pairs (a,b), such that a is an
element of A and b is an element of B. It is denoted by A × B.

A × B = {(a, b) : a ∈ A and b ∈ B}
We can represent it in set-builder form, such as:

Example
set A = {1,2,3} and set B = {Bat, Ball}, then;
A × B = {(1,Bat),(1,Ball),(2,Bat),(2,Ball),(3,Bat),(3,Ball)}
Difference of Sets
If set A and set B are two sets, then set A difference set B is a set
which has elements of A but no elements of B. It is denoted as A –
B for example if A = {1,2,3} and B = {2,3,4}
A – B = {1}
Example If A={–3, –2, 1, 4} and B= {0, 1, 2, 4}, find (i) A–B (ii)
B–A.
Solution
A–B ={–3, -2, 1, 4} – {0, 1, 2, 4} = { -3, -2}
B–A = {0, 1, 2, 4} –{–3, -2, 1, 4} = { 0, 2}
Example
let us suppose that the universal set U represents the colors of
the spectrum, and P the primary colors, then represents those
colors of the spectrum that are not primary colors.
Let U = {red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet},
P = {red, yellow, blue},

8|Page
Q = {red, green}, and
R ={orange, green, indigo}.
Find .
 PUQ
 (P U Q)c
 Rc
 (P U Q)c ∩ Rc
Solution
We do the problems in steps.
P U Q = {red, yellow, blue, green}
(P U Q)c = {orange, indigo, violet}
Rc = {red, yellow, blue, violet}
(P U Q)c ∩ Rc = {violet}

COMMON SYMBOLS USED IN SET THEORY

Symbols save time and space when writing. Here are the most
common set symbols
Let C = {1, 2, 3, 4} and D = {3, 4, 5}

9|Page
 SYMBO
Meaning Example
L

10 | P a g e
 {} Set: a collection of elements {1, 2, 3, 4}

C ∪ D = {1, 2, 3, 4,
A∪B Union: in A or B (or both)
5}

A∩B Intersection: in both A and B C ∩ D = {3, 4}

A⊆B {3, 4, 5} ⊆ D
Subset: every element of A is in
B.

A⊂B {3, 5} ⊂ D
Proper Subset: every element
of A is in B,
but B has more elements.

A⊄B {1, 6} ⊄ C
Not a Subset: A is not a subset
of B

A⊇B {1, 2, 3} ⊇ {1, 2, 3}

Superset: A has same elements
as B, or more

{1, 2, 3, 4} ⊃ {1, 2,
A⊃B
Proper Superset: A has B's
elements and more 3}

A⊅B {1, 2, 6} ⊅ {1, 9}

Not a Superset: A is not a
superset of B

Dc = {1, 2, 6, 7}
AC Complement: elements not in A When = {1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6, 7}

{1, 2, 3, 4} − {3, 4}
A−B Difference: in A but not in B
= {1, 2}

A∈A Element of: a is in A 3 ∈ {1, 2, 3, 4}

11 | P a g e
 B∉A Not element of: b is not in A 6 ∉ {1, 2, 3, 4}

Ø Empty set = {} {1, 2} ∩ {3, 4} = Ø

Universal Set: set of all possible

values
(in the area of interest)

P({1, 2}) = { {},

P(A) Power Set: all subsets of A
{1}, {2}, {1, 2} }

Equality: both sets have the

A=B {3, 4, 5} = {5, 3, 4}
same members

Cartesian Product {1, 2} × {3, 4}

A×B (set of ordered pairs from A = {(1, 3), (1, 4), (2,
and B) 3), (2, 4)}

Cardinality: the number of

|A| |{3, 4}| = 2
elements of set A

{ n | n > 0 } = {1, 2,
| Such that
3,...}

{ n : n > 0 } = {1, 2,
: Such that
3,...}

∀x>1, x2>x

∀
For all x greater than
For All 1
x-squared is greater
than x

∃ There Exists ∃ x | x2>x

There exists x such

12 | P a g e
 that
x-squared is greater
than x

∴ Therefore a=b ∴ b=a

{1, 2, 3,...} or {0, 1,

N Natural Numbers
2, 3,...}

{..., −3, −2, −1, 0, 1,

Z Integers
2, 3, ...}

Q Rational Numbers

A Algebraic Numbers

R Real Numbers

I Imaginary Numbers 3i

C Complex Numbers 2 + 5i

SETS FORMULAS

13 | P a g e
Some of the most important set formulas are:

For any three sets A, B and C

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

If A ∩ B = ∅, then n ( A ∪ B ) = n(A) + n(B)

n( A – B) + n( A ∩ B ) = n(A)

n( B – A) + n( A ∩ B ) = n(B)

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

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

( B ∩ C) – n ( C ∩ A) + n ( A ∩ B ∩ C)

PROPERTIES OF SETS

14 | P a g e
 Commutative Property:
 A∪B = B∪A
 A∩B = B∩A

A ∪ ( B ∪ C) = ( A ∪ B) ∪ C
Associative Property:

 A ∩ ( B ∩ C) = ( A ∩ B) ∩ C

A ∪ ( B ∩ C) = ( A ∪ B) ∩ (A ∪ C)
Distributive Property:

A ∩ ( B ∪ C) = ( A ∩ B) ∪ ( A ∩ C)



: ( A ∪ B )’ = A’ ∩ B’
De morgan’s Law :

Law of intersection : ( A ∩ B )’ = A’ ∪ B’
 Law of union


A ∪ A’ = A’ ∪ A =U
Complement Law :

A ∩ A’ = ∅



Idempotent Law And Law of a null and universal set

:

A∪A=A
For any finite set A


∅’ = U
 A∩A=A

∅ = U’



QUESTIONS
15 | P a g e
Consider the following sets: A = {SARS, H1N1, H5N1, MERS-CoV,
COVID-19, Influenza, Norovirus}, B = {Listeria, Campylobacter,
Salmonella, E. coli O157, Norovirus, Shigella}, and C = {SARS,
Listeria, Tuberculosis, H5N1, Salmonella, HIV, COVID-19}. List the
members of the following sets:
a. A ∩ C
b. (A U B)c ∩ C
Question
Let the Universal set U = {a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j},V = {a, e, i, f,
h}, and W = {a, c, e, g, i}. List the members of the following sets:
a. V U W
b. Vc U W

∪ is Union: is in either set or both sets

SUMMARY

 ∩ is Intersection: only in both sets
 − is Difference: in one set but not the other
 Ac is the Complement of A: everything that is not in A
 Empty Set: the set with no elements. Shown by {}
 Universal Set: all things we are interested in

16 | P a g e
 Venn Diagram
We now use Venn diagrams to illustrate the relationships between
sets. In the late 1800’s, an English logician named John Venn
developed a method to represent relationship between sets. He
represented these relationships using diagrams, which are now
known as Venn diagrams. A Venn diagram represents a set as the
interior of a circle. Often two or more circles are enclosed in a
rectangle where the rectangle represents the universal set. To
visualize an intersection or union of a set is easy. In this section,
we will mainly use Venn diagrams to sort various populations and
count objects.

A diagram used to represent all possible relations of different

sets. A Venn diagram can be represented by any closed figure,
whether it be a Circle or a Polygon (square, hexagon, etc.). But
usually, we use circles to represent each set.

In the above figure, we can see a Venn diagram, represented by

a rectangular shape about the universal set, which has two
independent sets, X and Y. Therefore, X and Y are disjoint sets.
The two sets, X and Y, are represented in a circular shape. This
diagram shows that set X and set Y have no relation between
each other, but they are a part of a universal set.
For example, set X = {Set of even numbers} and set Y = {Set of
odd numbers} and Universal set, U = {set of natural numbers}
We can use the below formula to solve the problems based on

n(X ⋃ Y) = n(X) + n(Y) – n(X ⋂ Y)

two sets.

17 | P a g e
The universal set (U) is usually represented by a closed rectangle,
consisting of all the sets. The sets and subsets are shown by using
circles or oval shapes.
For example, a set of natural numbers is a subset of whole
numbers, which is a subset of integers. The relation between the
sets of natural numbers, whole numbers and integers can be
shown by the Venn diagram, where the set of integers is
the universal set. See the figure below.

Here, W represents whole numbers and N represents natural

numbers
VENN DIAGRAM SYMBOLS

Union of sets symbol: ∪

The symbols used while representing the operations of sets are:

 Intersection of sets symbol: ∩
 Complement of set: A’ or Ac
How to draw a Venn diagram?
To draw a Venn diagram, first, the universal set should be known.
Now, every set is the subset of the universal set (U). This means
that every other set will be inside the rectangle which represents
the universal set. So, any set A (shaded region) will be
represented as follows:

18 | P a g e
Where U is a universal set.

A∪U=U
We can say from fig that

All the elements of set A are inside the circle. Also, they are part
of the big rectangle which makes them the elements of set U.
Venn Diagram Example
Let us observe a Venn diagram example. Here is the Venn
diagram that shows the correlation between the following set of
numbers.
 One set contains even numbers from 1 to 25 and the other
set contains the numbers in the 5x table from 1 to 25.
 The intersecting part shows that 10 and 20 are both even
numbers and also multiples of 5 between 1 to 25.

Universal Set
Whenever we use a set, it is easier to first consider a larger set
called a universal set that contains all of the elements in all of the
sets that are being considered. Whenever we draw a Venn
diagram:
 A large rectangle is used to represent the universal set and it
is usually denoted by the symbol E or sometimes U.
19 | P a g e
  All the other sets are represented by circles or closed figures
within this larger rectangle.
 Every set is the subset of the universal set U.

Consider the above-given image:

 U is the universal set with all the numbers 1-10, enclosed
within the rectangle.
 A is the set of even numbers 1-10, which is the subset of the
universal set U and it is placed inside the rectangle.
 All the numbers between 1-10, that are not even, will be
placed outside the circle and within the rectangle as shown
above.
Let us understand the concept and the usage of the three basic
Venn diagram symbols using the image given below.

Symbo Total Elements (No.

It refers to
l of students)

A∪C The number of students 1 + 10 + 2 + 2 + 6 + 9

20 | P a g e
 Symbo Total Elements (No.
It refers to
l of students)

that prefer either

= 30
burger or pizza or both.

The number of students

A∩C that prefer both burger 2+2=4
and pizza.

The number of students

A∩B∩
that prefer a burger, 2
C
pizza as well as hotdog.

The number of students

Ac or A' that do not prefer a 10 + 6 + 9 = 25
burger.

Venn Diagram for Three Sets

Three sets Venn diagram is made up of three overlapping circles
and these three circles show how the elements of the three sets
are related. When a Venn diagram is made of three sets, it is also
called a 3-circle Venn diagram. In a Venn diagram, when all these
three circles overlap, the overlapping parts contain elements that
are either common to any two circles or they are common to all
the three circles. Let us consider the below given example:

21 | P a g e
Here are some important observations from the above image:
 Elements in P and Q = elements in P and Q only plus
elements in P, Q, and R.
 Elements in Q and R = elements in Q and R only plus
elements in P, Q, and R.
 Elements in P and R = elements in P and R only plus
elements in P, Q, and R.
Example: Let us draw a Venn diagram to show categories of
outdoor and indoor for the following pets: Parrots, Hamsters, Cats,
Rabbits, Fish, Goats, Tortoises, Horses.
 Step 1: Categorize all the items into sets (Here, its pets):
Indoor pets: Cats, Hamsters, and, Parrots. Outdoor pets:
Horses, Tortoises, and Goats. Both categories (outdoor and
indoor): Rabbits and Fish.
 Step 2: Draw a rectangle and label it as per the correlation
between the two sets. Here, let's label the rectangle as Pets.
 Step 3: Draw the circles according to the number of
categories you have. There are two categories in the sample
question: outdoor pets and indoor pets. So, let us draw two
circles and make sure the circles overlap.

22 | P a g e
  Step 4: Place all the pets in the relevant circles. If there are
certain pets that fit both the categories, then place them at
the intersection of sets, where the circles overlap. Rabbits
and fish can be kept as indoor and outdoor pets, and hence
they are placed at the intersection of both circles.

 Step 5: If there is a pet that doesn't fit either the indoor or

outdoor sets, then place it within the rectangle but outside
the circles.
VENN DIAGRAM FORMULA
For any two given sets A and B, the Venn diagram formula is used

B, or A ⋂ B when the other 3 are given. The formula says:

to find one of the following: the number of elements of A, B, A U

 n(A U B) = n(A) + n(B) – n (A ⋂ B)

respectively. n(A U B) and n(A ⋂ B) represent the number of

Here, n(A) and n(B) represent the number of elements in A and B

elements in A U B and A ⋂ B respectively. This formula is further

extended to 3 sets as well and it says:

23 | P a g e
 n (A U B U C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) - n(A ⋂ B) - n(B ⋂ C) -
n(C ⋂ A) + n(A ⋂ B ⋂ C)


Here is an example of Venn diagram formula.

Example: In a cricket school, 12 players like bowling, 15 like
batting, and 5 like both. Then how many players like either
bowling or batting.
Solution:
Let A and B be the sets of players who like bowling and batting
respectively. Then
n(A) = 12

n(A ⋂ B) = 5
n(B) = 15

n(A U B) = n(A) + n(B) – n (A ⋂ B)

We have to find n(A U B). Using the Venn diagram formula,

n(A U B) = 12 + 15 - 5 = 22.

Subset venn diagram

Disjoint Sets
Two sets A and B are said to be disjoint if they do not have
common elements.
In other words, if A∩B=∅, then A and B are said to be disjoint sets.

24 | P a g e
Example
Verify whether A={20, 22, 23, 24} and B={25, 30, 40, 45} are
disjoint sets.
Solution
A = {20,22, 23, 24} , B={25, 30, 40, 45}
A∩B = {20,22, 23, 24} ∩ {25, 30, 40, 45}

Since A∩B = ∅, A and B are disjoint sets.

={}

Venn Diagrams of Set operations

In set theory, there are many operations performed on sets, such
as:
 Union of Set
 Intersection of set
 Complement of set
 Difference of set
etc. The representations of different operations on a set are as
follows:

25 | P a g e
Complement of a set in Venn Diagram
A’ is the complement of set A (represented by the shaded
region in fig). This set contains all the elements which are not
there in set A.

It is clear that from the above figure,

A + A’ = U
It means that the set formed with elements of set A and set A’
combined is equal to U.
(A’)’= A
The complement of a complement set is a set itself.

26 | P a g e
 A ∪ A′ = U
Properties of Complement of set:


(A ∪ B)′ = A′ ∩ B′
 A ∩ A′ = φ

(A ∩ B)′ = A′ ∪ B′


 U′ = φ
 φ′ = U

A intersection B is given by: A ∩ B = {x : x ∈ A and x ∈ B}.

Intersection of two sets in Venn Diagram

This represents the common elements between set A and B

(represented by the shaded region in fig).

Intersection of two Sets

For example,
If A = {1, 2, 6}; B = {2, 3, 4}, then A∩B = {2} because 2 is
common element of the sets A and B.

27 | P a g e
Properties of the intersection of sets operation:
 A∩B=B∩A
 (A ∩ B) ∩ C = A ∩ (B ∩ C)
 φ∩A=φ;U∩A=A

A ∩ (B ∪ C) = (A ∩ B) ∪ (A ∩ C)
 A∩A=A

A ∪ (B ∩ C) = (A ∪ B) ∩ (A ∪ C)



A union B is given by: A ∪ B = {x | x ∈A or x ∈B}.

Union of Two Sets in Venn Diagram

This represents the combined elements of set A and B

(represented by the shaded region in fig).

Example
If A={1, 2, 6} and B={2, 3, 4} , find A∪B.
Solution
Given A={1, 2, 6}, B={2, 3, 4}
A∪B={1, 2, 3, 4,6}.
Example
If P={m, n} and Q= {m, i, j}, represent P and Q in Venn diagram
and find P∪Q.

28 | P a g e
Solution
Given P={m, n} and Q= {m, i, j}
From the diagram,
P∪Q={n, m, i, j}.

Union of two sets

 A ∪ B = B ∪ A
Some properties of Union operation:

 (A ∪ B) ∪ C = A ∪ (B ∪ C)
 A ∪ φ = A
 A ∪ A = A
 U ∪ A = U

29 | P a g e
 (A ∪ B)’
Complement of Union of Sets in Venn Diagram

This is read as complement of A union B. This represents

elements which are neither in set A nor in set B (represented by
the shaded region in fig).

Complement of A U B
Complement of Intersection of Sets in Venn Diagram
(A ∩ B)’
This is read as complement of A Intersection B. This
represents elements of the universal set which are not common
between set A and B (represented by the shaded region in fig).

30 | P a g e
 Complement of A ∩ B
Difference between Two Sets in Venn Diagram
A–B
This is read as A Difference B. Sometimes, it is also referred to
as ‘relative complement’. This represents elements of set A
which are not there in set B(represented by the shaded region in
fig).

Difference between Two Sets

Let A and B be two sets, the difference of sets A and B is the set
of all elements which are in A, but not in B. It is denoted by A–B or

In symbol, A–B = { x : x ∈ A and x ∉ B}

A\B and read as A Difference B.

B–A = { y : y ∈ B and y ∉ A}.

Venn diagram for set difference

31 | P a g e
 A⊝B
Symmetric difference between two sets in Venn Diagram

This is read as a symmetric difference of set A and B. This is a

set which contains the elements which are either in set A or in set
B but not in both (represented by the shaded region in fig).

Symmetric difference between two sets

Venn Diagram Example

Example: In a class of 50 students, 10 take Guitar lessons and 20
take singing classes, and 4 take both. Find the number of
students who don’t take either Guitar or singing lessons.

Solution:

32 | P a g e
Let A = no. of students who take guitar lessons = 10.
Let B = no. of students who take singing lessons = 20.
Let C = no. of students who take both = 4.
Now we subtract the value of C from both A and B. Let the new
values be stored in D and E.
Therefore,
D = 10 – 4 = 6
E = 20 – 4 = 16
Now logic dictates that if we add the values of C, D, E and the
unknown quantity “X”, we should get a total of 50 right? That’s
correct.
So the final answer is X = 50 – C – D – E
X = 50 – 4 – 6 – 16
X = 24 [ Answer]
Example
Suppose a survey of car enthusiasts showed that over a certain
time period, 30 drove cars with automatic transmissions, 20 drove
cars with standard transmissions, and 12 drove cars of both
types. If everyone in the survey drove cars with one of these
transmissions, how many people participated in the survey?
Solution
We will use Venn diagrams to solve this problem.
Let the set A represent those car enthusiasts who drove cars with
automatic transmissions, and set S represent the car enthusiasts
who drove the cars with standard transmissions. Now we use
Venn diagrams to sort out the information given in this problem.
Since 12 people drove both cars, we place the number 12 in the
region common to both sets.

33 | P a g e
Because 30 people drove cars with automatic transmissions, the
circle A must contain 30 elements. This means x + 12 = 30,
or x = 18. Similarly, since 20 people drove cars with standard
transmissions, the circle B must contain 20 elements, or y +12 =
20 which in turn makes y = 8.
Now that all the information is sorted out, it is easy to read from
the diagram that 18 people drove cars with automatic
transmissions only, 12 people drove both types of cars, and 8
drove cars with standard transmissions only. Therefore, 18 + 12
+ 8 = 38 people took part in the survey.
Example
A survey of 100 people in California indicates that 60 people have
visited Disneyland, 15 have visited Knott’s Berry Farm, and 6
have visited both. How many people have visited neither place?
Solution
Let the set D represent the people who have visited Disneyland,
and K the set of people who have visited Knott’s Berry Farm.

34 | P a g e
We fill the three regions associated with the sets D and K in the
same manner as before. Since 100 people participated in the
survey, the rectangle representing the universal set U must
contain 100 objects. Let x represent those people in the universal
set that are neither in the set D nor in K. This means 54 + 6 + 9
+ x = 100, or x = 31.
Therefore, there are 31 people in the survey who have visited
neither place.
Example
A survey of 100 exercise conscious people resulted in the
following information:
 50 jog, 30 swim, and 35 cycle
 14 jog and swim
 7 swim and cycle
 9 jog and cycle
 3 people take part in all three activities
a. How many jog but do not swim or cycle?
b. How many take part in only one of the activities?
c. How many do not take part in any of these activities?
Solution
Let J represent the set of people who jog, S the set of people who
swim, and C who cycle. In using Venn diagrams, our ultimate aim
is to assign a number to each region. We always begin by first
assigning the number to the innermost region and then working
our way out.

35 | P a g e
We place a 3 in the innermost region of Figure (a) because it
represents the number of people who participate in all three
activities. Next we compute x, y and z.
 Since 14 people jog and swim, x +3 = 14, or x = 11.
 The fact that 9 people jog and cycle results in y + 3 = 9,
or y = 6.
 Since 7 people swim and cycle, z + 3 = 7, or z = 4.
 This information is depicted in Figure (b).
Now we proceed to find the unknowns m, n and p:
 Since 50 people jog, m + 11 + 6 + 3 = 50, or m = 30.
 30 people swim, therefore, n + 11 + 4 + 3 = 30, or n = 12.
 35 people cycle, therefore, p + 6 + 4 + 3 = 35, or p = 22.
 By adding all the entries in all three sets, we get a sum of
88. Since 100 people were surveyed, the number inside the
universal set but outside of all three sets is 100 – 88, or 12.
a. The number of people who jog but do not swim or cycle is 30.
b. The number who take part in only one of these activities is 30
+ 12 + 22 = 64.
c. The number of people who do not take part in any of these
activities is
Example
From the given Venn diagram, write the elements of
(i) A (ii) B (iii) A–B (iv) B–A (v) A′ (vi) B′ (vii) U

Solution
(i) A = {a, e, i, o, u}
(ii) B = {b, c, e, o}
(iii) A–B = {a, i, u}
(iv) B–A = {b, c}
36 | P a g e
(v) A′ = {b, c, d, g}
(vi) B′ = {a, d, g, i, u}
(vii) U = {a, b, c, d, e, g, i, o, u}

Draw a Venn diagram similar to one at the side and shade

the region representing the following sets

(i) A′ (ii) (A–B)′ (iii)(A U B) ′

37 | P a g e
Draw a Venn diagram similar to one at the side and shade
the region representing the following sets
(i) A′ (ii) (A–B)′

Four benefits of Venn diagrams

The four benefits of using Venn diagrams include the following:
These are used for the classification and comparison of two
things. Different parameters can be obtained without much
calculation, such as intersection, union, difference, etc.Due to its
pictorial representation, one can understand the given situation
quickly.These will make the complex calculation much simpler
that involves sets.

Venn Diagram Questions

 Out of 120 students in a school, 5% can play Cricket, Chess
and Carroms. If so happens that the number of players who can
play any and only two games are 30. The number of students who
can play Cricket alone is 40. What is the total number of those
who can play Chess alone or Carroms alone?

38 | P a g e
 Draw the diagram that best represents the relationship
among the given classes:
Animal, Tiger, Vehicle, Car

 At an overpriced department store, there are 112 customers.

If 43 have purchased shirts, 57 have purchased pants, and 38
have purchased neither, how many purchased both shirts and
pants?

 In a group, 25 people like tea or coffee; of these, 15 like tea

and 6 like coffee and tea. How many like coffee?

 A survey of athletes revealed that for their minor aches and

pains, 30 used aspirin, 50 used ibuprofen, and 15 used both. All
surveyed athletes used at least one of the two painkillers. How
many athletes were surveyed?

 A study of 150 high school students found that 25 reported

having a previous concussion or head injury, 52 reported
experiencing mental illness, and 15 reported both outcomes. How
many students did not report either outcome?

 A survey of 100 students at Punjab University finds that 50

subscribe to Netflix, 40 subscribe to Amazon Prime, and 30
subscribe to Disney+. Of these, 15 subscribe to both Netflix and
Amazon Prime, 10 to both Amazon Prime and Disney+, 10 to both
Netflix and Disney+, and 5 have all three subscription services.
Draw a Venn diagram and determine the following:
a. The number of students subscribing to Amazon Prime but not
the other two streaming services.
b. The number of students subscribing to Netflix or Amazon Prime
but not Disney+.
c. The number of students not subscribing to any of these
services.

39 | P a g e
40 | P a g e