Elements

Definition

An element is a distinct object or member of a set. Each element in a set is unique and belongs to the set.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Elements are denoted by listing them within curly braces, e.g., {a, b, c}.
2. An element can be anything: a number, letter, symbol, or even another set.
3. The notation 'a ∈ A' means that 'a' is an element of the set A.
4. If an element does not belong to a set, it is denoted as 'a ∉ A'.
5. Sets can have finite or infinite numbers of elements.

Review Questions

• How do you denote that an object is an element of a set?
• What does the notation {1, 2, 3} represent?
• Can a set contain other sets as its elements?

Related terms

Set: A collection of distinct objects considered as an entity.

Subset: A set where all its elements are also contained in another set.

Universal Set: The set containing all possible elements under consideration.