Product distributes over intersection: If A = {a, d}, B = {b, c, e} and C = {b, c, f}, determine A × (B ∩ C).

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: (A × B) ∩ (A × C)

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Cartesian product respects intersections: A × (B ∩ C) = (A × B) ∩ (A × C). We confirm this using elementwise reasoning.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • B ∩ C = {b, c}
  • A = {a, d}


Concept / Approach:
Any pair (x, y) is in A × (B ∩ C) iff x ∈ A and y ∈ B and y ∈ C. This is exactly the definition of being simultaneously in A × B and A × C.



Step-by-Step Solution:
A × (B ∩ C) = {(a,b),(a,c),(d,b),(d,c)}(A × B) ∩ (A × C) = same four pairs



Verification / Alternative check:
Subset checks both ways show equality straightforwardly.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Union would include pairs with y in B or C (too many); ϕ is false; “None” contradicts the law above.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing distribution over union versus intersection; note that A × (B ∪ C) = (A × B) ∪ (A × C) (different identity).



Final Answer:
(A × B) ∩ (A × C)

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