Sets – Complement of a union in a fixed universe: Given the universe U = {a, b, c, d, e, f} and A = {a, b, c}. Compute the complement (U ∪ A)′ with respect to U.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Φ

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
In elementary set theory, complements are taken with respect to a fixed universe U. The complement S′ means all elements of U that are not in S. Here, U and subset A are given; we must find (U ∪ A)′.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • Universe U = {a, b, c, d, e, f}
  • Set A = {a, b, c}
  • Notation X′ denotes complement with respect to U


Concept / Approach:
The union U ∪ A contains every element that is in U or in A (or both). Because A ⊆ U, their union equals U itself. The complement of U inside U is the empty set Φ, since there is no element in U that is outside U.



Step-by-Step Solution:
Observe A ⊆ U ⇒ U ∪ A = UComplement: (U ∪ A)′ = U′ = Φ



Verification / Alternative check:
List-wise: U has 6 elements. U ∪ A also has exactly these 6. Nothing remains in U to complement, so the complement is empty.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
U is not a complement; A is not a complement of U; “None of these” is unnecessary because Φ is the exact result.



Common Pitfalls:
Confusing universal complement (relative to an absolute “universe of discourse”) with complement inside a larger, unspecified universe. Always confirm the reference universe.



Final Answer:
Φ

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