How many elements are in the set B = {x : x² = 4, x ∈ N}?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: One element
Solving x² = 4 gives x = 2 or x = −2. However, the set specifically restricts x to natural numbers. Under the usual convention that natural numbers are positive counting numbers, 2 is natural but −2 is not. Consequently B = {2}, which has exactly one element and is a singleton set.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
One element
Why is this the correct answer?
Solving x² = 4 gives x = 2 or x = −2. However, the set specifically restricts x to natural numbers. Under the usual convention that natural numbers are positive counting numbers, 2 is natural but −2 is not. Consequently B = {2}, which has exactly one element and is a singleton set.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Sets. Topic: The Empty Set, Finite and Infinite Sets, Equal Sets.