[Math] Any hint in how to simplify a set theory expression: $(A \cap B) \cup (A \cap B \cap C’ \cap D) \cup (A’\cap B)$

elementary-set-theory

I'm having trouble simplifying this set theory expression

$$\begin{align}
(A \cap B) \cup (A \cap B \cap C' \cap D) \cup (A'\cap B)
&
\end{align}
$$

In the books says that absorption law can help, but I do not understand why

$$\begin{align}
(A \cup A') \cap B = U \cap B = B
&
\end{align}
$$

Can someone guide me in how do this please, just a hint please? I am stuck

Best Answer

We have :

$$(A \cap B) \cup (A \cap B \cap C' \cap D) \cup (A'\cap B)=((A \cap B) \cup (A'\cap B))\cup (A \cap B \cap C' \cap D)$$

You just use here the associativity and comutatitivity of $\cup$. Now :

$$(A \cap B) \cup (A'\cap B)=(A\cup A')\cap B=U\cap B=B$$

I used distribution of $\cap$ with respect to $\cup$. Then $A\cup A'=U$ because $A\cup A'$ consists by definition of elements of $U$ which are in $A$ or not in $A$ (clearly, all elements of $U$ verify this). Then $U\cap B=B$ because $B\subseteq U$. Now you have :

$$(A \cap B) \cup (A \cap B \cap C' \cap D) \cup (A'\cap B)=B\cup (A \cap B \cap C' \cap D)$$

And I will let you finish...

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