Introduction to College Algebra
Introduction to College Algebra
November 9, 2009
2
Chapter 1 Sets
Definition 1.1. A set is a well-defined collection of distinct objects. Each object in a set is called an element of the set. By “well-defined”, we mean that the rule of membership to the set is clear. Example 1.2. The following are examples of sets. 1. The set of counting number less than 5. 2. The set of vowels in the word “mathematics”. 3. The set of cities in the Philippines. 4. The set of positive integers from −2 to 6, inclusive. 5. The set of days of the week. 6. The set of monkeys enrolled in Math 1.
Objectives: 1. To define sets 2. To specify/ describe sets using the roster methods 3. To present the different types of sets and the relationship between and among sets 4. To perform the basic operations on sets
Some Basic Notations
Capital letters such as A, B, C, are usually used to denote sets. Small letters such as a, b, c, are used to denote elements. If x is an element of set S, we write x ∈ S. If x is not an element of S, we write x ∈ S. /
Specifying Sets
The two basic methods of specifying a set are roster method and rule method. Definition 1.3. In the roster method, the elements of the set are listed, separated by commas, and enclosed in braces, { }. Example 1.4. Let A be the set of colors in the Philippine flag. A roster form of A is A = {red, blue, yellow, white}. 3
Roster Method
4
Rule Method
CHAPTER 1. SETS
Definition 1.5. In the rule method, a phrase describing precisely the elements is enclosed in braces. Example 1.6. Let A be the set of colors in the Philippine flag. A rule form of A is A = {colors in the Philippine flag}. An object x is an element of A provided x is a color in the Philippine flag. Thus, another rule form of A is A = {x : x is a color in the Philippine flag}. The symbol | or : means “such that”. More Example Write the given set using the roster and rule method. 1. A = The set of counting numbers less than 5. Roster Method: A = {1, 2, 3, 4}
November 9, 2009
2
Chapter 1 Sets
Definition 1.1. A set is a well-defined collection of distinct objects. Each object in a set is called an element of the set. By “well-defined”, we mean that the rule of membership to the set is clear. Example 1.2. The following are examples of sets. 1. The set of counting number less than 5. 2. The set of vowels in the word “mathematics”. 3. The set of cities in the Philippines. 4. The set of positive integers from −2 to 6, inclusive. 5. The set of days of the week. 6. The set of monkeys enrolled in Math 1.
Objectives: 1. To define sets 2. To specify/ describe sets using the roster methods 3. To present the different types of sets and the relationship between and among sets 4. To perform the basic operations on sets
Some Basic Notations
Capital letters such as A, B, C, are usually used to denote sets. Small letters such as a, b, c, are used to denote elements. If x is an element of set S, we write x ∈ S. If x is not an element of S, we write x ∈ S. /
Specifying Sets
The two basic methods of specifying a set are roster method and rule method. Definition 1.3. In the roster method, the elements of the set are listed, separated by commas, and enclosed in braces, { }. Example 1.4. Let A be the set of colors in the Philippine flag. A roster form of A is A = {red, blue, yellow, white}. 3
Roster Method
4
Rule Method
CHAPTER 1. SETS
Definition 1.5. In the rule method, a phrase describing precisely the elements is enclosed in braces. Example 1.6. Let A be the set of colors in the Philippine flag. A rule form of A is A = {colors in the Philippine flag}. An object x is an element of A provided x is a color in the Philippine flag. Thus, another rule form of A is A = {x : x is a color in the Philippine flag}. The symbol | or : means “such that”. More Example Write the given set using the roster and rule method. 1. A = The set of counting numbers less than 5. Roster Method: A = {1, 2, 3, 4}