Set Theory Basics: Learn It 3

Venn Diagrams

To visualize the interaction of sets, John Venn in 1880 thought to use overlapping circles, building on a similar idea used by Leonhard Euler in the 18th century. These illustrations now called Venn diagrams.

Venn diagram

A Venn diagram represents each set by a circle, usually drawn inside of a containing box representing the universal set. Overlapping areas indicate elements common to both sets. Basic Venn diagrams can illustrate the interaction of two or three sets.

Venn diagrams can be used to illustrate the union, intersection, and complements of sets.

Three Venn diagrams are shown. The first is for the union of set A and set B. The entire outside surface of the Venn diagram is outlined in red since A ⋃ B contains all elements in either set. The second is for the intersection of set A and set B. The overlap of the circles is outlined in red since A ⋂ B contains only those elements in both sets. The third is for the intersection of the compliment of set A and set B. Only the portion of the Venn diagram containing set B is outlined in red since Aᶜ will contain all elements not in the set A. Aᶜ ⋂ B will contain the elements in set B that are not in set A.
Use a Venn diagram to illustrate [latex](H \cap F)^{c} \cap W[/latex].

Create an expression to represent the outlined part of the Venn diagram shown.

A Venn diagram with the elements shared by set H and set F highlighted.