Question:medium

Show that the following four conditions are equivalent: \((i) A ⊂ B (ii) A – B = \phi (iii) A ∪ B = B (iv) A ∩ B = A\)

Updated On: Jan 21, 2026
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Solution and Explanation

We are required to show that the following four conditions are equivalent:

\[ \text{(i) } A \subset B \] \[ \text{(ii) } A - B = \phi \] \[ \text{(iii) } A \cup B = B \] \[ \text{(iv) } A \cap B = A \]

To prove equivalence, it is sufficient to show that

\[ (i) \Rightarrow (ii) \Rightarrow (iii) \Rightarrow (iv) \Rightarrow (i). \]


Proof that (i) ⇒ (ii):

Assume that \[ A \subset B. \]

Then every element of \( A \) is also an element of \( B \).

Hence, there is no element in \( A \) which is not in \( B \).

Therefore,

\[ A - B = \phi. \]


Proof that (ii) ⇒ (iii):

Assume that \[ A - B = \phi. \]

This means that there is no element of \( A \) outside \( B \), so every element of \( A \) belongs to \( B \).

Hence,

\[ A \subset B. \]

Therefore,

\[ A \cup B = B. \]


Proof that (iii) ⇒ (iv):

Assume that \[ A \cup B = B. \]

This implies that every element of \( A \) is already contained in \( B \), i.e.,

\[ A \subset B. \]

Therefore, the common elements of \( A \) and \( B \) are exactly the elements of \( A \).

Hence,

\[ A \cap B = A. \]


Proof that (iv) ⇒ (i):

Assume that \[ A \cap B = A. \]

This means that every element of \( A \) is also an element of \( B \).

Hence,

\[ A \subset B. \]


Since

\[ (i) \Rightarrow (ii) \Rightarrow (iii) \Rightarrow (iv) \Rightarrow (i), \]

all the four conditions are equivalent.

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