01 If (A\times B=\varnothing), which statement is always true?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. (A=\varnothing) or (B=\varnothing)
Explanation: The direct answer is option B: \(A=\varnothing\) or \(B=\varnothing\). A Cartesian product \(A\times B\) contains ordered pairs \((a,b)\), where \(a\in A\) and \(b\in B\). If both sets are nonempty, at least one such pair can be formed, so the product cannot be empty. Therefore an empty product means at least one set must be empty. Both sets do not have to be empty. Option A is too strong because, for example, if \(A=\varnothing\) and \(B=\{1,2\}\), then the product is empty although B is not empty. Option B is exactly the required condition. Option C, \(A=B\), says the sets are equal, which has no connection with emptiness. Option D, \(A\cap B=\varnothing\), only says they are disjoint; two nonempty disjoint sets can still have a nonempty Cartesian product. Exam cue: an empty Cartesian product means at least one factor is empty.