SET THEORY

• Introduction, Representations of sets

• Types of sets
• Venn Diagram, Subsets
• Operations on sets

Students will be able to

• Perform the operations of union, intersection, and complement, on sets using proper
notation.
• Draw and interpret Venn diagrams of set relations and operations and use Venn diagrams
to solve problems.

Introduction
In our mathematical language, everything in this universe, whether living or non-living is called an ‘object’.
Well defined collection of objects: A collection of objects is said to be well defined if it is possible to tell beyond doubt
as to which object of the universe is in our collection and which is not in our collection.
Some examples of well defined objects are:
(i) Bunch of keys, Pack of Cards, Cricket - team, etc.
(ii) The set of multiples of 4 i.e., { 4, 8, 12....}.
(iii) The set of integers less than zero i.e., { –1, –2, –3.....}.
Definition: A well defined collection of objects is called a set.
The objects in a set are called its members or elements.
For Example: Let ‘A’ be the set of all odd numbers less than 10. Then A = {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}
Here 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 are called elements of the set A.
Some sets of numbers and their notations
N = Set of all natural numbers = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …… }.
W = Set of all whole numbers = { 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, …… }.
Z = Set of all integers = { 0, ±1, ±2, ±3, …… }.
Representation of Sets
There are two methods to represent a set:
1. List Method (Roster form)
2. Rule Method (Set-Builder form)

1. List Method (Roster form)

In this method, we just make a list of the members of the set and put them in braces.
For example: If B is the set of all prime numbers less than 20, then we write it in Roster form as
B = { 2, 3, 5, 7, 11, 13, 17, 19 }

Cardinal Number of Set

The number of distinct elements in a set ‘A’ is called the cardinal number of A, denoted
by n(A).
For Example: B = Set of letters in the word ‘mathematics’.
Then, B = { m, a, t, h, e, i, c, s }. So, n(B) = 8.

2. Rule Method (Set - builder form)

In this method, we list the property (or) properties satisfied by the elements of a set.
For example: If A = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }, then the set builder form of ‘A’ is
A = { x / x is a natural number, x < 6 } or { x : x is a natural number x < 6 }
Here, the symbol ‘/’ stands for such that. Sometimes, we use the symbol : for “such that”.

Types of Sets
Finite set
A set having a definite or finite number of elements is called a finite set.
For Example: (i) The set of vowels in the english alphabet = { a, e, i, o, u } is a finite set.
(ii) Set of all persons living on the earth is a finite set.

Infinite set
A set having infinite number of elements is called an infinite set.
For Example: (i) The set of all natural numbers is an infinite set.
(ii) The set of all integers is an infinite set.

Empty set or Null set or Void set

A set having no element at all is called an empty set or null set or void set. It is denoted by ϕ.
For Example: A = { x : x is a natural number, 1 < x < 2 }
Here, there are no natural numbers which are greater than ‘1’ but smaller than ‘2’.
∴ There is no such element which satisfies the given condition.
∴A=ϕ
Note: The empty set is also a finite set.

Non - Empty set

A set containing atleast one element is called a non-empty set.
For Example: A = { x : x is a composite number, less than 10 } i.e., A = { 4, 6, 8, 9 }
i.e., A ≠ ϕ
∴ ‘A’ is a non-empty set.

Singleton set
A set containing exactly one element is called a singleton set. Thus ‘A’ is a singleton
set, if n(A) = 1.
For Example: The set of even prime numbers i.e., {2}, is a singleton set.

Equivalent sets
Two sets A and B are said to be equivalent if n(A) = n(B) and we write A = B.
For Example: Let A = set of all odd numbers less than 10 and B = { 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 }
i.e., A = { 1, 3, 5, 7, 9 } = i.e., n(A) = 5 and B = { 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 } i.e., n(B) = 5
∴ n(A) = n(B) = 5
∴A⇔B
Equal Sets
Two sets A and B are said to be equal, if every element of A is in B and every element of B is in A and we write A = B.
For Example: Let A = set of letters in the word wolf and B = set of letters in the word follow.
i.e., A = { w, o, l, f } and B = { f, o, l, l, o, w } = { f, o, l, w } (In the set B, the elements l, o are
repeated elements. We do not consider repetition of elements while writing the elements
of a set.) Clearly, A = B, since every element of ‘A’ is in B and every element of ‘B’ is in A.

Universal Set
A set which consists of all the sets under consideration or discussion is called the universal set. It is usually denoted
by ' U ' or ' μ '.
Example: (i) Let A = {1, 2, 5, 7}, B = {2, 4, 6, 8} and C = {3, 4, 9, 10}.
Here μ can be {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10}.

Disjoint sets
Two sets ‘A’ and ‘B’ are said to be disjoint sets, if A ∩ B = ϕ i.e., there is no element common in ‘A’ and ‘B’.
Example:
Are the sets given below equal?
𝐀 = { 𝐱: 𝐱 is an even prime, 𝐱 > 𝟐 }
𝐁 = {}
Solution: There is no even prime greater than 2 .
∴ A = {} and B = {}
Hence, A and B are equal sets.

Example:
Are the sets given below equal?
𝐂 = { 𝐱 ∶ 𝐱 ∈ 𝐑, 𝟐 < 𝐱 < 𝟓 }
𝐁 = { 𝐱 ∶ 𝐱 ∈ 𝐍, 𝟐 < 𝐱 < 𝟓 }
Solution: C is an infinite set, since there are infinite real numbers between 2 and 5.
D = { 3, 4 }
∴ C and D are not equal sets.

Venn Diagrams
Venn diagrams were introduced by John Venn in 1880, but he himself did not use the term Venn. The first person to
use the term 'Venn diagram' was Clarence Lewis in 1918.
We also represent sets pictorially by means of diagrams called 'Venn' diagrams. In Venn diagrams, the universal set is
usually represented by a rectangular region and its subsets by closed regions inside the rectangular region. The
elements of the set are written in the closed regions.
For Examples:
(i) Let μ = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 }, A = { 1, 2, 4, 6 } and B = { 2, 3, 4, 5 }.
We represent these sets in the form of Venn diagram as follows:

We can also represent the sets in Venn diagrams by shaded regions.

(ii) Venn diagram of A ∪ B, where A and B are two overlapping sets, is
(iii) Let A and B be two overlapping sets. Then, the Venn diagram of A ∩ B is

(iv) For a non-empty set A, the Venn diagram of A′ is

(v) Let A and B be two overlapping sets. The Venn diagram of A – B is

Subsets
The symbol ‘ ⊂ ’ denotes the relation between two sets.
Subset: A set ‘A’ is a subset of B if and only if every element of A is also an element of B.
For Example: A = { p, q, r }, B = { p, q, r, s }
(i) You can observe from the above example, that A ⊂ B.
(ii) You can observe from the above example, that A ⊂ A.
∴ Every set is a subset of itself.
Let A and B be two sets such that A ⊂ B. We can represent this relation using Venn diagram as follows.1

Properties of Subsets
Property – 1: If A ≠ B and A ⊂ B, then A is called the proper subset of B.
For Example: A = { 1, 2, 3, 4 }, B = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 } Here you can observe that, A ⊂ B and A ≠ B.
So, we can conclude that A is a proper subset of B.
Property – 2: The empty set is a subset of every set.
For Example: x = { }, y = { a }
Here, ‘x’ is a nullset. There are no elements in x. This implies, that there could not be an element
in x, which is not in y. ∴ x ⊂ y.
Property – 3: If p is subset of the empty set ϕ , then p = ϕ.
Property – 4: If A ⊂ B, then B is called a superset of A.
For Example: A = { 1, 2, 3 }, B = { 1, 2, 3, 4 }
∴ You can observe in the above example that B is a superset of A.
Property – 5:
If A = { 1, 2, 3 }, B { 1, 2, 3, 4 }, C = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 }
If A ⊂ B, B ⊂ C, then A ⊂ C
This property is known as Transitive property.
Property – 6:
Number of subsets of a given set:
(i) If A = { 2 }, Number of subsets of A is 2.
(ii) If B = { 1, 2 }, Number of subsets of B is 22.
(iii) If there are n elements in a set, then the number of subsets of the set = 2 n.
(iv) If there are n elements in a given set Number of proper subsets of the set = 2 n – 1.
For Example: If n(B) = 3. Number of proper subsets of B = 23 – 1 = 7.

Operation on Sets
(1) Union of sets
The union of two sets A and B, denoted by A ∪ B (i.e., A cup B) is the set of all those elements, which are either in A
or in B or in both ‘A’ and ‘B’.
Thus A ∪ B = { x/x ∈ A or x ∈ B }
∴ x ∈ A ∪ B ⇒ x ∈ A or x ∈ B.
Venn diagrams for union of sets

U U

A B A B

For Example: (i) Let A = { 2, 4, 6, 8 } and B = { 5, 7, 9, 10 } then A ∪ B = { 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 }.

(ii) If A = set of odd natural numbers between 2 and 10. B = set of even natural numbers
between 1 and 9, then A ∪ B = { 3, 5, 7, 9 } ∪ { 2, 4, 6, 8 } = { 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 }.
Example:
To verify: n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) – n(A ∩ B) for overlapping sets
Solution: A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5}, B = {3,4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
n(A) = 5, n(B) = 7, n(A ∩ B) = 3, n(A ∪ B) = 9
n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) – n(A ∩ B)
9 = 5 + 7 – 3 ⇒ 9 = 9 (verified)

Example:
To verify: n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) for disjoint sets
Solution: A = { 1, 2, 3 }, B = { 4, 5, 6 }
n(A) = 3 = n(B), n(A ∩ B) = 0, n(A ∪ B) = 6
n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) – n(A ∩ B) = 3 + 3 – 0
n(A ∪ B) = 6
Example:
Given 𝐀 = { 𝟏, 𝟐, 𝟑, 𝟒, 𝟓, 𝟖 } and 𝐁 = { 𝟐, 𝟒, 𝟔, 𝟖, 𝟗, 𝟏𝟏 }. Find 𝐀 ∪ 𝐁.
Solution: A ∪ B = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8 } ∪ { 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11 } = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 }

(2) Intersection of sets

The intersection of two sets A and B, denoted by A ∩ B (i.e., A cap B) is the set of all
those elements which are common to both ‘A’ and ‘B’. Thus, A ∩ B = {x/x ∈ A and x ∈ B}
∴ x ∈ A ∩ B ⇒ x ∈ A and x ∈ B.
Venn diagrams for intersection of sets

For Example: (i) If A = { 1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18 } and B = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 }, then A ∩ B = { 1, 2, 3, 6 }.

 (ii) If A = { x: 1 < x < 6, x ∈ N } = { 2, 3, 4, 5 }
B = { y: 2 < y < 9, y ∈ N } = { 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 } then A ∩ B = { 3, 4, 5 }.

Example:
Given 𝐀 = { 𝟐, 𝟑, 𝟓, 𝟗 } and 𝐁 = { 𝟑, 𝟒, 𝟗, 𝟏𝟐 }. Find 𝐀 ∩ 𝐁.
Solution: A ∩ B = { 2, 3, 5, 9 } ∩ { 3, 4, 9, 12 } = { 3, 9 }

Disjoint sets
Two sets ‘A’ and ‘B’ are said to be disjoint sets, if A ∩ B = ϕ i.e., there is no element common in ‘A’ and ‘B’.
Venn diagrams for Disjoint sets

For Example: Let A = { 2, 4, 6, 8 } and B = { 1, 3, 5, 7 }, then ‘A’ and ‘B’ are disjoint sets, because there
is no element common to both A and B.

Complement of a set
If ξ = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 }, A = { 1, 2, 3 }
then the elements of complement of A, i.e. AC are those elements of universal set which are not in A.
∴ AC = ξ – A = { 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 } – { 1, 2, 3 } = { 4, 5, 6 }
The set of elements in universal set, which are not in A is called the complement of A.
Venn diagrams for AC

Venn diagrams for (𝐀 ∪ 𝐁)𝐜 and (𝐀 ∩ 𝐁)𝐜

Example:
If 𝐧(𝐀) = 𝟒, 𝐧(𝐁) = 𝟔 and 𝐧(𝐀 ∪ 𝐁) = 𝟖, then find 𝐧(𝐀 ∩ 𝐁)
Solution: Given, n(A) = 4, n(B) = 6 and n(A ∪ B) = 8
We know that, n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B). So, 8 = 4 + 6 − n(A ∩ B)
⇒ n(A ∩ B) = 10 − 8 = 2.
Example:
If 𝐧(𝐀) = 𝟖, 𝐧(𝐁) = 𝟔 and the sets 𝐀 and 𝐁 are disjoint, then find 𝐧(𝐀 ∪ 𝐁).
Solution: Given, n(A) = 8 and n(B) = 6. A and B are disjoint ⇒ A ∩ B = ϕ
⇒ n(A ∩ B) = 0
∴ n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B) = 8 + 6 − 0 = 14.

Check Your Concept - 1

1 1 1 1
(i) The set builder form of the set A = {1, , , , } is
2 3 4 5
n
(ii) The roster form of the set B = {x/x = , n ∈ N} is
n+1

(iii) Let set A = {1, {2,3}} then find the subsets of a set A.
(iv) Find the power sets of a set A = {ϕ, {ϕ}}.
(v) If n(P(A)) = n(P(B)) + 4, then find the elements of sets A and B.

Summary Mind Map

z Solved Example
(1) If 𝐏 is the set of all parallelograms, and 𝐓 is the set of all trapeziums, then 𝐏 ∩ 𝐓 is
Solution: Clearly, P ⊂ T
∴ 𝐏∩𝐓 = 𝐏
(2) Let 𝐙 denote the set of all integers and 𝐀 = {(𝐚, 𝐛): 𝐚𝟐 + 𝟑𝐛𝟐 = 𝟐𝟖, 𝐚, 𝐛 ∈ 𝐙} and 𝐁 = {(𝐚, 𝐛): 𝐚 >
𝐛, 𝐚, 𝐛 ∈ 𝐙}. Then, the number of elements in 𝐀 ∩ 𝐁 is
Solution: ∵ A = {(a, b): a2 + 3b2 = 28, a, b ∈ Z}
= {(5, 1), (-5, -1), (5, -1), (-5, 1), (1, 3), (-1, -3), (-1, 3), (1, -3), (4, 2), (-4, -2), (4, -2), (-4, 2)}
and B = {(a, b): a > b, a, b ∈ Z}
∴ A ∩ B = {(−1, −5), (1, −5), (−1, −3), (1, −3), (4, 2), (4, −2)}
∴ Number of elements in A ∩ B is 6.
(3) Let 𝐀 and 𝐁 be two non-empty subsets of a set 𝐗 such that 𝐀 is not a subset of 𝐁. Then,
(A) 𝐀 is a subset of complement of 𝐁
(B) 𝐁 is a subset of 𝐀
(C) 𝐀 and 𝐁 are disjoint
(D) 𝐀 and the complement of 𝐁 are non-disjoint
Solution: (D) Given, A is not a subset of B, so ,complement of B contains A. Hence A and complement of B are
not disjoint.
(4) Let 𝐀 = {𝐱: 𝐱 is a multiple of 3} and 𝐁 = {𝐱: 𝐱 is a multiple of 5}. Then, 𝐀 ∩ 𝐁 is given by
Solution: We have,
A = Set of all multiples of 3 = {3,6,9, … … }
and, B = Set of all multiples of 5 = {5,10,15,20, … … }
∴ A ∩ B = {15,30,45, … … } (multiple of 5 whoose sum is divisible by 3)
(5) In a class of 45 students, 22 can speak Hindi and 12 can speak English only. The number of
students, who can speak both Hindi and English, is
Solution: Let number of people speaking Hindi and English be x.
Number of people speaking Hindi = n(H) = 22 + x
Number of people speaking English = n(E) = 12 + x
Now, n(H ∪ E) = n(H) + n(E) – n(H ∩E)
45 = 22 + x + 12 + x – x
x = 45 – 34 = 11
(6) If 𝐀 = {(𝐱, 𝐲): 𝐲 𝟐 = 𝐱; 𝐱, 𝐲 ∈ 𝐑} and 𝐁 = {(𝐱, 𝐲): 𝐲 = |𝐱|; 𝐱, 𝐲 ∈ 𝐑}, then
(A) 𝐀 ∩ 𝐁 = 𝛟
(B) 𝐀 ∩ 𝐁 Is A Singleton Set
(C) 𝐀 ∩ 𝐁 Contains Two Elements Only
(D) 𝐀 ∩ 𝐁 Contains Three Elements Only
Solution: (C) A = {(0,0) ,(1,1) ,(4,2),(9,3)…………..}
B = {………..(-2,2),(-1,1),(0,0),(1,1),(2,2) ,(3,3)……..}
So, A ∩ B contains two elements (0,0) ,(1,1)
(7) Let 𝐧(𝐔) = 𝟕𝟎𝟎, 𝐧(𝐀) = 𝟐𝟎𝟎, 𝐧(𝐁) = 𝟑𝟎𝟎 and 𝐧(𝐀 ∩ 𝐁) = 𝟏𝟎𝟎. Then, 𝐧(𝐀𝐜 ∩ 𝐁𝐜 ) =
Solution: We have,
n(Ac ∩ Bc )
= n{(A ∪ B)c }
= n(U) − n(A ∪ B)
= n(U) − {n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B)}
= 700 − (200 + 300 − 100) = 𝟑𝟎𝟎
(8) Three sets 𝐀, 𝐁, 𝐂 are such that 𝐀 = 𝐁 ∩ 𝐂 and 𝐁 = 𝐂 ∩ 𝐀, then
(A) 𝐀 ⊂ 𝐁 (B) 𝐀 ⊃ 𝐁
(C) 𝐀 ≡ 𝐁 (D) 𝐀 ⊂ 𝐁′
Solution: (C) Since, A = B ∩ C and B = C ∩ A,
Then 𝐀 ≡ 𝐁
Given 𝐧(𝐔) = 𝟐𝟎, 𝐧(𝐀) = 𝟏𝟐, 𝐧(𝐁) = 𝟗, 𝐧(𝐀 ∩ 𝐁) = 𝟒, where 𝐔 is the universal set, 𝐀 and 𝐁 are
(9)
subsets of 𝐔, then 𝐧[(𝐀 ∪ 𝐁)𝐜 ] equals to
Solution: n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B)
= 12 + 9 − 4 = 17
Hence, n[(AUB)c ] = n(U) − n(A ∪ B)
= 20 − 17 = 3
(10) If 𝐧(𝐔) = 𝟏𝟎𝟎, 𝐧(𝐀) = 𝟓𝟎, 𝐧(𝐁) = 𝟐𝟎 and 𝐧(𝐀 ∩ 𝐁) = 𝟏𝟎, then 𝐧{(𝐀 ∪ 𝐁)𝐜 }
Solution: n((A ∪ B)c } = n(U) − n(A ∪ B)
= n(U) − {n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B)}
= 100 − (50 + 20 − 10) = 𝟒𝟎
(11) Given that 𝐔 = { Whole numbers up to 36}, 𝐀 = {𝟑, 𝟔, 𝟗, … , 𝟑𝟔}, and 𝐁 = {𝟒, 𝟖, 𝟏𝟐, … , 𝟑𝟔}.
Find 𝐧(𝐀 ∩ 𝐁)′ .
Solution: U = {0,1,2,3,…..,36}
A = {Multiples of 3 from 3 to 36}
B = {Multiples of 4 from 4 to 36}
A∩B = {common multiples of 3 and 4} = {12,24,36}
∴ n(A∩B)' = n(U) - n(A∩B) = 37-3 = 34
(12) If 𝐧(𝐀) = 𝟒, 𝐧(𝐁) = 𝟔, and 𝐧(𝐀 ∪ 𝐁) = 𝟖, then find 𝐧(𝐀 ∩ 𝐁).
Solution: Given, n(A) = 4, n(B) = 6, and n(A ∪ B) = 8.
We know that n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B).
Hence, 8 = 4 + 6 − n(A ∩ B) ⇒ n(A ∩ B) = 10 − 8 = 𝟐
(13) If 𝐧(𝐀) = 𝟖, 𝐧(𝐁) = 𝟔, and the sets 𝐀 and 𝐁 are disjoint, then find 𝐧(𝐀 ∪ 𝐁).
Solution: Given, n(A) = 8 and n(B) = 6.
A and B are disjoint ⇒ A ∩ B = ϕ ⇒ n(A ∩ B) = 0.
∴ n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B) = 8 + 6 − 0 = 𝟏𝟒
(14) There are 100 children in a colony. Of them, 70 watch Disney channel, 50 watch both Cartoon
network and Disney channel, and 20 watch neither of them. Find the number of children who
watch only cartoon network.
Solution: Given n(D) = 70
n(D ∪ C) = 100 − 20 = 80
n(D ∩ C) = 50
n(D ∪ C) = n(D) + n(C) − n(D ∩ C)
80 = 70 + n(C) − 50
⇒ n(C) = 60
∴ The number of children who watch only cartoon network = 60 − 50 = 𝟏𝟎.
 Exercise

FILL IN THE BLANKS

(1) A well-defined collection of objects is called a ______.
(2) The objects in a set are called _______.
(3) If A ⊂ B and A ⊃ C, then A ∩ B ∩ C = _____.
(4) If A and B are two sets, every element of A is in B then A is a ________ of B.
(5) If A and B are two non-empty sets and A - B is a null set, then ________.
(6) If A = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} and B = {6, 5, 4, 1}, then (A ∪ B) − (A ∩ B) = ______.
(7) If P ⊆ Q and Q ⊆ P, then _____.
(8) If A and B are non-empty sets, A ∩ B = B, and A ∪ B = B, then A and B are ____ sets.
(9) The set of all subsets of a set A is called its ______.
(10) A set which consists of all the sets under consideration or discussion is called the _______.

TRUE OR FALSE
(1) If A = {a, b, {c, d}, e, {f}}, then {a, b, e} ∈ A.
(2) The set of even natural numbers less than 21 and the set of odd natural numbers less than 21
are equivalent sets.
(3) If E = {factors of 16} and F = {factors of 20}, then E = F.
(4) The set A = { integers less than 20} is a finite set.
(5) If A = {x: x is an even prime number }, then set A is empty.
(6) The set of odd prime numbers is the empty set.
(7) The set of squares of integers and the set of whole numbers are equal sets.
(8) ln n(P) = n(M), then P → M.
(9) If set P = set M, then n(P) = n(M).
(10) n(A) = n(B) => A = B.
OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
(1) A well-defined set in the following is
(A) All good books in your library (B) Three good persons in India
(C) All planets in the solar system (D) All beautiful flowers in your garden
(2) If set A contains vowels in the word “ECONOMICS”, then the set A is
(A) {E, O, O, I} (B) {E, O, I, S}
(C) {E, O, S, C} (D) {E, O, I }
(3) The set of cubes of the first 4 natural numbers is
(A) {1, 4, 27, 64} (B) {1, 8, 36, 64}
(C) {1, 8, 27, 64} (D) {1, 16, 27, 64}
(4) The set of all proper fractions each having 7 as the sum of the numerator and denominator is?
1 4 5 1 4 5
(A) { , , }
6 3 2
(B) { , , }
6 3 2
1 4 6 2 3 4
(C) { , , } (D) { , , }
6 3 1 5 4 3
(5) The set of all prime numbers is denoted by
(A) N (B) Z
(C) W (D) P
(6) The set in the following that represents set B = {x / x is an even prime} is
(A) {4} (B) {6}
(C) {2} (D) {8}
(7) The set that contains prime numbers between 12 and 32 is
(A) {13, 15, 17, 18, 23, 29, 31} (B) {13, 17, 19, 23, 25, 29, 31}
(C) {13, 17, 19, 23, 29, 31} (D) {13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31}
(8) The set of all prime factors of 72 is
(A) {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 18, 36, 72} (B) {2, 3, 4, 6, 12, 18}
(C) {3, 4} (D) {2, 3}
(9) The set of common factors of 24 and 40 is
(A) {1, 2, 4, 8, 10, 20, 40} (B) {1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 20, 40}
(C) {1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 10, 20, 40} (D) {1, 2, 4, 8}
(10) If the set of 2 digit numbers having 9 as the sum of the digits is
(A) {18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81} (B) {18, 27, 36, 45, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90}
(C) {18, 27, 36, 54, 63, 72, 81, 90} (D) {18, 27, 54, 45, 63, 72, 81, 90}
(11) If A = {x : x is an integer and – 2 < X ≤ 3}, then set A is
(A) {–2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3} (B) {–1, –1, 0, 1, 2}
(C) {–1, 0, 1, 2, 3} (D) {0, 1, 2, 3}
(12) A = {x/x is a prime number greater than 5}. Recognize the false one among the following:
(A) 7 ∈ A (B) 37 ∈ A
(C) 5 ∉ A (D) None
(13) If 6 ∉ B, then the possible equal set of B among the following is
(A) {x / x is a multiple of 2} (B) {x / x is an odd integer}
(C) {x / x is a multiple of 3} (D) {x / x is an even integer}
(14) Which of the following is not a well-defined collection?
(A) Collection of languages spoken in India
(B) Collection of colours in rainbow
(C) Collection of all difficult problems in your Mathematics book
(D) Collection of states in India
(15) Which of the following is not a well-defined collection?
(A) Collection of all musical instruments.
(B) Collection of all yellow flowers in your garden.
(C) Collection of all tasty fruits.
(D) Collection of all closed figures bounded by four line segments.
(16) The representation of set A = {4, 8, 12, 16} in set builder form is
(A) A = {x : x ∈ N and first four multiples of 2}
(B) A = {x : x ∈ N and first four multiples of 4}
(C) A = {x : x ∈ N and first four multiples of 8}
(D) A = {x : x ∈ N and first four even numbers}
(17) If n(A) = n(B), then the two sets are called
(A) Null sets (B) Equivalent sets
(C) Proper sets (D) Subsets
(18) All equal sets are
(A) Null sets (B) Proper subsets
(C) Equivalent sets (D) None
(19) If A = {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}, then its set builder form is
(A) {x : x ∈ N, x is a number < 10} (B) {x : x ∈ N, x is an even number < 10}
(C) {x : x ∈ N, x is an even number < 11} (D) {x : x ∈ N, x is an even number < 13}
(20) If C and D are equal sets and C contains first 5 multiples of 3, then the set D is
(A) {6, 9, 12, 15, 18} (B) {3, 9, 18, 24, 30}
(C) {3, 6, 9, 12, 15} (D) {3, 6, 9, 18, 21}
(21) If A = {4, 8, 12, 16, 20}, then
(A) 4 ∉ A (B) 16 ∈ A
(C) 24 ∈ A (D) 2 ∈ A
(22) If C = {0}, then its cardinal number is
(A) 0 (B) –1
(C) 2 (D) 1
(23)

are _____ sets.

(A) Null (B) Equal
(C) Equivalent (D) None
(24) The cardinal number of the set of letters of the word “DISCRIMINANT” is
(A) 8 (B) 7
(C) 9 (D) 6
(25) If n(A) = 6 and A contains integers between –3 and 4, then the set A is
(A) {–3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 2} (B) {–3, –2, –1, 0, 1, 4}
(C) {–2, –1, 0, 1, 2, 3} (D) {–1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4}
(26) A and B are equal sets. If A = {5, 6, 7, 8}, then set B is
(A) {1, 2, 3, 4} (B) {5, 7, 8, 6}
(C) {5, 6, 7, 9} (D) {2, 4, 6, 8}
(27) If A = {x / x is a letter of English alphabet}, then set A is
(A) Infinite (B) Null
(C) Singleton (D) Finite
(28) If A = {x / x is a whole number, –2 < x < 0}, then set A is a/an
(A) Null set (B) Equal set
(C) Equivalent set (D) Singleton
(29) If A = {x : x∈N, x < 2}, then A is a/an ________ set.
(A) Null (B) Equal
(C) Equivalent (D) Singleton
(30) If A = {1, 3, 5}; B = {2, 4, 6}, then A ∪ B is
(A) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} (B) {1, 3, 5, 4, 6}
(C) {1, 2, 4, 5, 6} (D) {1, 3, 4, 5, 6}
(31) If n(A) = 75 ; n(B) = 55 ; n(A ∪ B) = 110, then n(A ∩ B) is equal to
(A) 30 (B) 40
(C) 20 (D) 10
(32) If A = {1, 2, 3} ; B = {1, 2, 3, 4}, then A∩ B =
(A) B (B) Null set
(C) Singleton set (D)
(33) If A is any set and B is a null set, then A∩ B =
(A) ∅ (B) μ
(C) A (D) P
(34) If A = {1, 2, 3, 4 }; B = { 1, 5, 6, 4, 7}, then A and B are ______ sets.
(A) Overlapping (B) Disjoint
(C) Equal (D) Equivalent
(35) If A = {x : x ∈ Z ; x + 2 < 4}, then A represents
(A) A finite set (B) An infinite set
(C) A singleton set (D) A null set
(36) For any set A, A ∪ ϕ is equal to
(A) ϕ (B) A
(C) Singleton set (D) None
(37) If x ∈ A ∪ B , then
(A) {x / x ∈ A or x ∈ B} (B) {x / x ∈ A and x ∈ B}
(C) {x / x ∈ A but x ∈ B} (D) {x / x ∈ A if x ∈ B}
(38) If F(18) represents the set of factors of 18 and F(24) represents the set of factors
of 24, then the F(18) ∩ F(24) is
(A) {1, 2, 3, 4} (B) {1, 2, 3, 8}
(C) {1, 2, 3, 12} (D) {1, 2, 3, 6}
(39) In the adjoining Venn diagram, A ∩ B is represented as.
(A) {2, 6, 7} (B) {4, 8, 9}
(C) {1, 3, 5} (D) {2, 4, 8, 9, 6, 7}

(40) In the Venn diagram n(A ∪ B) is

(A) 10 (B) 2
(C) 6 (D) 8

(41) P = {x : x is a factor of 12}; Q = {x : x is a factor of 16}, then n(P ∪ Q) is

(A) 9 (B) 10
(C) 8 (D) 7
(42) A = { 1, 2, 3 }; B = { 1, 2, 3, 4 }, the Venn diagram representation for the given sets is

(A) (B)

(C) (D)
(43) In the adjoining figure, sets A and B are ______ sets.
(A) Overlapping (B) Equal
(C) Disjoint (D) Null

(44) If n(A ∩ B) = ϕ ; n(A) = 50 ; n (A ∪ B) = 74, then n(B) is

(A) 26 (B) 28
(C) 24 (D) 22
(45) If A = {1, 2, 3, 4}, A ∪ B = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6}, A ∩ B = {3, 4}, then set B is
(A) {3, 4} (B) {1, 2, 3, 4}
(C) {2, 3, 4, 5} (D) {3, 4, 5, 6}
(46) From the given Venn diagram the sets A and B are
(A) A = {1, 2, 5} ; B = {3, 4, 6, 7}
(B) A = {1, 2, 4, 5} ; B = {3, 4, 6, 7}
(C) A = {1, 4, 5} ; B = {4, 3, 6, 7}
(D) A = {1, 5, 4} ; B = {3, 7, 4}
(47) In the Venn diagram the shaded region represents.
(A) A (B) B
(C) A ∪ B (D) A ∩ B

(48) A = { 1, 3, 5, 6 }; B = { 5, 6, 8, 9 }; A ∪ B in the form of Venn diagram representation Is

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

(49) If C = { 1, 2, 3, 4,...... }; D = { 2, 4, 6, 8, ....... } , then C ∪ D represents

(A) W (B) Z
(C) N (D) P
(50) If n(A) = p + q, n(B) = p – q and n(A ∩ B) = p, then n(A ∪ B) is
(A) p (B) q
(C) p + q (D) p – q
(51) The superset of the set A = { 1, 2, 3 } is
(A) { 1, 3 } (B) { 1, 2 }
(C) { 1, 2, 3, 4 } (D) { }
(52) The proper subset of A = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} is
(A) {2, 3, 4, 6, 8} (B) {2, 3, 5, 6, 8}
(C) {2, 3, 4, 9} (D) {2, 3, 4, 7}
(53) The set D = {x / x is a perfect cube, 50 < x < 60} is a / an
(A) Superset (B) Null set
(C) Infinite set (D) None
(54) If the number of proper subsets is 255. Then the number of elements in the set is____
(A) 7 (B) 6
(C) 9 (D) 8
(55) If A = {x / x is a whole number, x < 8} ; B = {x / x is a prime number, x < 8}, then BC is
(A) {0, 1, 3, 6} (B) {0, 1, 4, 6}
(C) {0, 1, 5, 6} (D) {0, 1, 4, 7}
(56) ξ = {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} ; A = { 1, 2, 3 } ; (Ac)c is
(A) Ac (B) A
(C) ϕ (D) ξ
(57) If A = { x / x is an integer, – 4 ≤ x < 0 } ; B = {x / x is a whole number, 1 ≤ x ≤ 4}, then A and B are
________ sets.
(A) Subsets (B) Supersets
(C) Disjoint sets (D) Overlapping sets
(58) The roster form representation of set A = {x : x = n + 2, n ∈ N and n ≤ 3} is
(A) {4, 5, 6} (B) {2, 4, 5}
(C) {3, 4, 5} (D) {2, 5, 6}
(59) A = {x / x ∈ Z ; x + 3 = 7} ; C = {x / x ∈ N, x ≤ 4}. The given pair of sets are ______sets.
(A) Equal (B) Equivalent
(C) Disjoint (D) Overlapping
(60) The set of all concentric circles in a plane is ________ set.
(A) A finite (B) A subset
(C) An infinite (D) An empty
(61) The number of subsets of B = {x / x ∈ N, x < 1} is
(A) 0 (B) 2
(C) 1 (D) 3
(62) The universal set of A = {2, 4, 6, 8} and B = {1, 3, 5, 7} is
(A) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7} (B) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9}
(C) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8} (D) {1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
(63) If A ∪ B = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10}, then the possible sets A and B respectively are
(A) {2, 3, 4, 5, 6} and {4, 6, 8, 10} (B) {1, 2, 3, 4} and {5, 6, 7, 8, 9}
(C) {1, 2, 4, 5, 7} and {3, 6, 8, 10} (D) {2, 3, 5, 7} and {6, 8, 9, 10}

(64) Given P ∩ Q = {6, 12}, the possible sets P and Q respectively are
(A) {2, 4, 5, 10} and {3, 6, 11, 12}
(B) {1, 3, 6, 12, 15} and {2, 4, 6, 8, 10}
(C) {2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12} and {3, 6, 9, 12, 15}
(D) {2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12} and {3, 4, 5, 6}
(65) The set builder form of representation of the union of the sets M and N is
(A) M ∪ N = {x / x ∈ M and x ∈ N} (B) M ∩ N = {x / x ∈ M or x ∈ N}
(C) M ∩ N = {x / x ∈ M and x ∈ N} (D) M ∪ N = {x / x ∈ M or x ∈ N}
(66) The set C, defined as C = {x / x is a multiple of 3, x < 20}. The alternative representation
of set C is
(A) {3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 21} (B) {3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18}
(C) {3, 9, 18, 21} (D) {9, 12, 18}
(67) The statement that is not false among the following is
(A) A' ∩ B' = A ∩ B (B) A' ∪ B' = A ∩ B
(C) A'∩ B' = A ∪ B (D) (A')' = A
(68) The only false statement among the following is
(A) A – B ≠ B – A (B) A ∪ B = B ∪ A
(C) A – B = B – A (D) A ∩ B = B ∩ A
(69) The statement that is not false among the following is
(A) A ∪ (B ∩ C) = (A ∪ B) ∪ (A ∪ C) (B) A ∪ (B ∪ C) = (A ∪ B) ∪ C
(C) A ∩ (B ∪ C) = (A ∩ B) ∪ C (D) A ∩ (B ∪ C) = (A ∩ B) ∩ C
(70) The roster form of P = {x/x is a factor of 18} is
(A) P = {18, 36, 54} (B) P = {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 9}
(C) P = {x / x < 18} (D) P = {1, 2, 3, 6, 9, 18}
(71) Given A = {2, 3, 4, 5, 6}, B = {3, 5, 7, 8} and P = {2, 4, 6}, then the only true statement
among the following is
(A) A = B – P (B) P = A – B
(C) B = A + P (D) None
(72) The elements of A ∩ B from the given Venn diagram are
(A) No common elements (B) {a, b}
(C) {p, q, r} (D) {a, b, p, q, r}

(73) The elements of A ∪ B from the given Venn diagram are

(A) {1, 2, 3, 8, 9} (B) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9}
(C) {1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6} (D) {2, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9}
(74) The set represented by the shaded portion in the given Venn diagram is
(A) A ∩ B (B) (A ∪ B)
(C) A ∪ B (D) (A ∩ B)'

(75) Representation of A – B through Venn diagram is

(A) (B)

(C) (D)

(76) Let S = {1,2,3, … ,100}. The number of non-empty subsets A of S such that the product of elements in A
is even is: [JEE 2019(I)]
(A) 2100 − 1 (B) 250 (250 − 1)
(C) 250 − 1 (D) 250 + 1
(77) A survey shows that 73% of the persons working in an office like coffee, whereas 65% like tea. If x
denotes the percentage of them, who like both coffee and tea, then x cannot be: [JEE 2020(I)]
(A) 63 (B) 36
(C) 54 (D) 38
(78) A survey shows that 63% of the people in a city read newspaper A whereas 76% read
newspaper B. If x% of the people read both the newspapers, then a possible value of x can be:
(A) 29 (B) 37 [JEE 2020(T)]
(C) 65 (D) 55
(79) If A, B and C are three sets such that A ∩ B = A ∩ C and A ∪ B = A ∪ C, then [JEE 2009]
(A) A = C (B) B = C
(C) A ∩ B = Φ (D) A = B
2 −5x+6)
(80) Let Z betheset of integers. If A = {x ∈ Z: 2(x+2)(x = 1} and B = {x ∈ Z: −3 < 2x − 1 < 9}, then the
number of subsets of the set A × B, is: [JEE 2019 (II)]
(A) 215 (B) 218
(C) 212 (D) 210

SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTION

(1) Write the set builder form of { January, June, July} .
(2) Write the Roster form of { x ∶ x ∈ Z, −3 ≤ x ≤ 3 }.
(3) Let A = { x ∶ x is a factor of 24 excluding 1 and itself, x ∈ N }. Write A is in Roster form. Find n(A).
(4) Let A = { x: x is a prime factor of 2016 } and B = { x: x is a prime factor of 2025 }.
Find: (i) A ∪ B (ii) A ∩ B
(5) Let A = { x 2 : x 2 < 50, x ∈ N } and B = { x: x is a 2-digit number in which the sum of the digits is 7, x ∈ N }. (i)
Draw Venn diagram to represent these sets.(ii) Find: (a) A ∪ B (b) A ∩ B
(6) Represent { 11, 22, 33, 44, 55, 66, 77, 88, 99 } in Descriptive and Set-builder forms.
(7) Make a set of all the consonants in the following words: MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, ENGLISH
(8) Which of the following are sets?
(i) A collection of odd numbers.
(ii) A collection of small flowers in a garden.
(iii) All four-legged animals at Delhi Zoo.
(9) If A = {4,8,12,16,20}, B = {8,16,24,32,40}, then write the correct symbols (ϵ, ∉) in the following blanks.
(i) 40___ A
(ii) 8___B
 (iii) 44___A
(10) Can the following be called sets?
(i) Consonants in the word SETS
(ii) Names of days of the week that have at least 4 hours of sunshine.
(11) Let A = {x: x is an even natural number, x < 10} and B = {x: x is a factor of 24}
(i) Draw Venn diagrams to represent these sets.
(ii) Find: (a) A ∪ B (b) A ∩ B
(12) If n(A) = 20 and n(A ∩ B) = 5, then find the value of n(A − B)
(13) If n(A) = x, n(B) = 2[n(A)], n(A ∪ B) = 2017 and n(A ∩ B) = 1007. Find the value of x.
(14) If F(n) is the set of all the factors of ' n ' excluding 1 and F(16) ∩ F(24) = F(x). Find the value of x.
(15) In a class of 25 students, 18 of them passed in Maths, 14 of them passed in Science and 3 of them failed in
both the exams. How many students passed in both the exams?
(16) Let A = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7} and B = {3,6,7,9}. Then the number of elements in the set {C ⊆ A: C ∩ B ≠ ϕ} is
[JEE 2022]
(17) Let A = {1,2,3,4,5,6,7}. Define B = {T ⊆ A : either 1 ∉ T or 2 ∈ T} and C = {T ⊆ A: T the sum of all the elements
of T is a prime number }. Then the number of elements in the set B ∪ C is [JEE 2022]
(18) Set A has m elements and set B has n elements. If the total number of subsets of A is 112 more than the total
number of subsets of B, then the value of m ⋅ n is [JEE 2020 (I)]
(19) Let X = {n ∈ N: 1 ≤ n ≤ 50}. If A = {n ∈ X: n is a multiple of 2} and B = {n ∈ X: n is a multiple of 7}, then the
number of elements in the smallest subset of X containing both A and B is. [JEE 2020 (II)]
(20) In a class of 140 students numbered 1 to 140, all even numbered students opted Mathematics course, those
whose number is divisible by 3 opted Physics course and those whose number is divisible by 5 opted
Chemistry course. Then find the number of students who did not opt for any of the three courses.
[JEE 2019 (II)]
 Answer Key

CHECK YOUR CONCEPT

(1) 1
(i) A = {x/x = , n < 6; n ∈ N}
n
1 2 3 5
(ii) B = { , , , , … }
2 3 4 6
(iii) {1}, {{2,3}}, {1, {2,3}} and ϕ
(iv) P(A) = {{ϕ}, {{ϕ}}, {ϕ, {ϕ}}, ϕ}
(v) n(A) = 3, n(B) = 2

FILL IN THE BLANKS

(1) Set (6) {2, 3, 6}
(2) Element (7) P=Q
(3) C (8) Equal Set
(4) Subset (9) Power Set
(5) A ⊂ B or A = B (10) Universal Set

TRUE OR FALSE
(1) False (6) False
(2) True (7) False
(3) False (8) True
(4) False (9) True
(5) False (10) False

OBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) (9) (10) (11) (12) (13) (14) (15)
(C) (D) (C) (A) (D) (C) (C) (D) (D) (B) (C) (D) (B) (C) (C)
(16) (17) (18) (19) (20) (21) (22) (23) (24) (25) (26) (27) (28) (29) (30)
(B) (B) (C) (C) (C) (B) (D) (B) (C) (C) (B) (D) (A) (D) (A)
(31) (32) (33) (34) (35) (36) (37) (38) (39) (40) (41) (42) (43) (44) (45)
(C) (D) (A) (A) (B) (B) (A) (D) (C) (D) (C) (D) (C) (C) (D)
(46) (47) (48) (49) (50) (51) (52) (53) (54) (55) (56) (57) (58) (59) (60)
(B) (D) (D) (C) (A) (C) (D) (B) (D) (B) (B) (C) (C) (D) (C)
(61) (62) (63) (64) (65) (66) (67) (68) (69) (70) (71) (72) (73) (74) (75)
(C) (C) (A) (C) (D) (B) (D) (C) (B) (D) (B) (A) (C) (A) (C)
(76) (77) (78) (79) (80)
(B) (B) (D) (B) (A) Nnnknxnnnxnx
SUBJECTIVE TYPE QUESTIONS
(1) {x: x is the name of a month of a year starts with letter ‘J’}. (12) 15
(2) {−3, −2, −1,0,1,2,3} (13) 1008
(3) 6 (14) 8
(4) (i) {2,3,5,7} (ii) {3} (15) 10
(5) 25 (16) 112
(6) Descriptive: {Two-digit multiples of 11}, Set builder: {x : x is a two-digit (17) 107
multiple of 11}
(7) {M, T, H, C, S}, {S, C, N}, {N, G, L, S, H} (18) 28
(8) Collection of small flowers is not a set as there is no reference to (19) 29
measure the size of flowers. Hence, no specific flowers can be grouped
to make a set.
(9) (i) 40 ∉ A (ii) 8 ∈ B (iii) 44 ∉ A (20) 38
(11) (ii) (a) {1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24} (b) {2, 4, 6, 8}