If n(A) = 16, n(B) = 13, and n(A ∪ B) = 21, what is n(A ∩ B)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: 8
For two finite sets, the addition rule is n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B). Substituting the given values gives 21 = 16 + 13 − n(A ∩ B). Therefore n(A ∩ B) = 29 − 21 = 8. The subtraction is necessary because elements common to A and B are counted twice when n(A) and n(B) are added.
Frequently asked questions
What is the correct answer to this question?
8
Why is this the correct answer?
For two finite sets, the addition rule is n(A ∪ B) = n(A) + n(B) − n(A ∩ B). Substituting the given values gives 21 = 16 + 13 − n(A ∩ B). Therefore n(A ∩ B) = 29 − 21 = 8. The subtraction is necessary because elements common to A and B are counted twice when n(A) and n(B) are added.
Which subject and chapter does this question cover?
This is a Class 10 Mathematics question. Chapter: Sets. Topic: Operations on Sets (Union, Intersection, Difference).