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Learn/sets functions/Proving Set Equalities

Lesson subsection

Proving Set Equalities

Read the explanation, try the on-paper prompts, then explain the idea in your own words. Use AI feedback as a mentor, not a shortcut.

10–20 min focusProof-first mindset

Best flow: read → think on paper → write a short explanation → refine with feedback.

Reading

Core explanation

To prove two sets A and B are equal, the standard method is:

  1. Show A ⊆ B.
  2. Show B ⊆ A.

Together, these give A = B.

To show A ⊆ B:

  • Assume x ∈ A.
  • Use definitions and logic to deduce x ∈ B.
  • This proves every element of A is in B.

Example:

Prove: A ∩ (B ∪ C) = (A ∩ B) ∪ (A ∩ C).

You would prove:

  • If x ∈ A ∩ (B ∪ C), then x ∈ (A ∩ B) ∪ (A ∩ C).
  • If x ∈ (A ∩ B) ∪ (A ∩ C), then x ∈ A ∩ (B ∪ C).

Most set equalities are really just structured logical equivalences.

TL;DR — key idea

To prove A = B, show A ⊆ B and B ⊆ A by starting with an arbitrary element and chasing membership through definitions.

Try these in your notebook

Don’t skip this – writing proofs or explanations on paper is where most of the learning actually happens.

  • 1

    Outline a proof (you don’t have to fill every detail) that: A ∪ (B ∩ C) = (A ∪ B) ∩ (A ∪ C). Write the two directions: 1. Assume x ∈ A ∪ (B ∩ C) and show x ∈ (A ∪ B) ∩ (A ∪ C). 2. Assume x ∈ (A ∪ B) ∩ (A ∪ C) and show x ∈ A ∪ (B ∩ C).

Once you’ve sketched some ideas, summarize the main insight in the reflection box on the right.

Check your understanding

In 3–6 sentences, explain the core idea of this subsection as if you were teaching a friend who hasn’t seen it. Focus on the logic, not just the final statements.

AI is optional. Use it to spot gaps and sharpen your wording, not to replace your own thinking.