If a set has 4 elements, how many subsets does it have?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 16
For a set containing n distinct elements, each element has exactly two independent choices when forming a subset: it is either included or excluded. Therefore, the total number of subsets is 2ⁿ. With n = 4, the number is 2⁴ = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16. This count includes both the empty set and the original set itself, so the correct answer is 16.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
16
Why is this the correct answer?
For a set containing n distinct elements, each element has exactly two independent choices when forming a subset: it is either included or excluded. Therefore, the total number of subsets is 2ⁿ. With n = 4, the number is 2⁴ = 2 × 2 × 2 × 2 = 16. This count includes both the empty set and the original set itself, so the correct answer is 16.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Sets. Topic: Power Set and Subsets.