Recovering |B| from |A|, |A ∪ B|, and |A ∩ B|: If set A has 40 elements, |A ∪ B| = 60 elements, and |A ∩ B| = 10 elements, how many elements does set B have?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: 30

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This uses inclusion-exclusion solved for |B|. The original stem had a symbol typo; we apply the standard interpretation |A ∩ B| = 10 via Recovery-First to make it solvable.



Given Data / Assumptions:

  • |A| = 40
  • |A ∪ B| = 60
  • |A ∩ B| = 10 (repaired)


Concept / Approach:
|A ∪ B| = |A| + |B| − |A ∩ B| → solve for |B|.



Step-by-Step Solution:
60 = 40 + |B| − 10|B| = 60 − 30 = 30



Verification / Alternative check:
Check: 40 + 30 − 10 = 60 (consistent).



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
40, 45, 50 contradict the union size when back-substituted.



Common Pitfalls:
Reading the misprinted symbol literally without applying standard set identity.



Final Answer:
30

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