Question:medium

Show that \(A ∩ B = A ∩ C\) need not imply B = C.

Updated On: Jan 21, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

To show that \[ A \cap B = A \cap C \] need not imply \[ B = C, \] we give a counterexample.

Let

\[ A = \{1\}, \quad B = \{1, 2\}, \quad C = \{1, 3\}. \]

Now, find the intersection of \( A \) with \( B \):

\[ A \cap B = \{1\} \cap \{1, 2\} = \{1\}. \]

Next, find the intersection of \( A \) with \( C \):

\[ A \cap C = \{1\} \cap \{1, 3\} = \{1\}. \]

Hence,

\[ A \cap B = A \cap C. \]

But clearly,

\[ B = \{1, 2\} \neq \{1, 3\} = C. \]

Therefore,

\[ A \cap B = A \cap C \;\text{need not imply}\; B = C. \]

Hence, the statement is proved by counterexample.

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