If n(A) = 10, n(B) = 8, n(C) = 6, n(A ∩ B) = 3, n(A ∩ C) = 2, n(B ∩ C) = 1, and n(A ∩ B ∩ C) = 0, what is n(A ∪ B ∪ C)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 18
Use the inclusion–exclusion formula for three finite sets: n(A ∪ B ∪ C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) − n(A ∩ B) − n(A ∩ C) − n(B ∩ C) + n(A ∩ B ∩ C). Substitution gives 10 + 8 + 6 − 3 − 2 − 1 + 0 = 18. Thus, the union contains 18 elements. Pairwise overlaps are subtracted to avoid counting common elements twice.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
18
Why is this the correct answer?
Use the inclusion–exclusion formula for three finite sets: n(A ∪ B ∪ C) = n(A) + n(B) + n(C) − n(A ∩ B) − n(A ∩ C) − n(B ∩ C) + n(A ∩ B ∩ C). Substitution gives 10 + 8 + 6 − 3 − 2 − 1 + 0 = 18. Thus, the union contains 18 elements. Pairwise overlaps are subtracted to avoid counting common elements twice.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Sets. Topic: Operations on Sets (Union, Intersection, Difference).