intersection
Quick Summary
In mathematics and logic, a set is a collection of distinct objects, called elements. These elements can be numbers, functions, or even abstract concepts. Sets are typically represented by enclosing their members in braces, like {1, 2, 3}.12
The intersection of two sets, denoted by the symbol \u2229, is a new set containing only the elements that are common to both original sets. For example, if Set A is {1, 2, 3, 4, 5} and Set B is {1, 3, 5, 7, 9}, their intersection (A \u2229 B) is {1, 3, 5} because these are the elements present in both sets. Set theory is the branch of mathematics that studies these sets and their operations.123
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
formal logicSet theoryThe intersection of x and y, symbolized as x ∩ y, is the class the members of which are the objects common to x and y—in this case the dots within the area where the arms cross—i.e., {z : z ∊ x · z ∊ y}.…
Read MoreThe intersection of x and y, symbolized as x ∩ y, is the class the members of which are the objects common to x and y—in this case the dots within the area where the arms cross—i.e., {z : z ∊ x · z ∊ y}.…
Read More- set theoryOperations on sets
The intersection operation is denoted by the symbol ∩. The set A ∩ B—read “A intersection B” or “the intersection of A and B”—is defined as the set composed of all elements that belong to both A and B. Thus, the intersection of the two committees…
Read MoreThe intersection operation is denoted by the symbol ∩. The set A ∩ B—read “A intersection B” or “the intersection of A and B”—is defined as the set composed of all elements that belong to both A and B. Thus, the intersection of the two committees…
Read More