Let A, B, and C be sets. Show that (A-B)-C=(A-C)-(B-C)

Lewis Harvey

Lewis Harvey

Answered question

2021-07-28

Let A, B, and C be sets. Show that (AB)C=(AC)(BC)
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Answer & Explanation

Caren

Caren

Skilled2021-07-29Added 96 answers

If A, B, C is any set, then to prove the equation we need to use the various Seth identity laws

nick1337

nick1337

Expert2023-06-15Added 777 answers

To show that (AB)C=(AC)(BC), we can start by expanding the left side:
(AB)C={xABxC}
Now, let's simplify AB:
AB={xAxB}
Substituting this into our expression:
(AB)C={xAxB}C
Next, let's simplify (AC):
AC={xAxC}
We can also simplify (BC):
BC={xBxC}
Substituting these into the right side of the equation:
(AC)(BC)={xAxC}{xBxC}
Now, let's combine the two expressions:
(AC)(BC)={xAxC}{xBxC}
To simplify this further, note that if xB and xC, then xAC. Thus, we can rewrite the expression as:
(AC)(BC)={xAxC}{xBxC}={xAxC}
Therefore, we have shown that (AB)C=(AC)(BC).
Don Sumner

Don Sumner

Skilled2023-06-15Added 184 answers

Step 1:
Let's consider an arbitrary element x in (AB)C.
x(AB)C
This means that x belongs to the set AB but does not belong to the set C.
By the definition of set difference, we have:
xA and xB
Step 2:
Now, we want to show that x also belongs to (AC)(BC).
x(AC)(BC)
This means that x belongs to the set AC but does not belong to the set BC.
By the definition of set difference, we have:
xA and xC
Also, x does not belong to BC, which means xB or xC.
Combining these conditions, we have:
xA and xB and (xB or xC)
Using logical equivalence, we can simplify the last condition:
xA and xB and xC
Thus, we have shown that an arbitrary element x in (AB)C also belongs to (AC)(BC).
Step 3:
Now, let's consider an arbitrary element y in (AC)(BC).
y(AC)(BC)
This means that y belongs to the set AC but does not belong to the set BC.
By the definition of set difference, we have:
yA and yC
Also, y does not belong to BC, which means yB or yC.
Combining these conditions, we have:
yA and yC and (yB or yC)
Using logical equivalence, we can simplify the last condition:
yA and yB and yC
This implies that y belongs to (AB)C.
Therefore, we have shown that any element y in (AC)(BC) also belongs to (AB)C.
Since we have shown that each set is a subset of the other, we can conclude that (AB)C=(AC)(BC).
RizerMix

RizerMix

Expert2023-06-15Added 656 answers

Starting with the left-hand side of the equation, we have:
(AB)C
Using set difference, we can rewrite this as:
(AB)C
Next, applying set difference again, we get:
(AB)C
Now, let's move to the right-hand side of the equation:
(AC)(BC)
Again, using set difference, we can express this as:
(AC)(BC)
Expanding the complement in the second term, we have:
(AC)(BC)
Now, we can distribute the intersection over the union:
(AC)B(AC)C
Applying the distributive property, we obtain:
(ACB)(ACC)
Finally, simplifying the intersection of a set with its complement, we have:
(ACB)
Simplifying further, we get:
ACB
Hence, we have shown that (AB)C=(AC)(BC).

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