Discrete Mathematics – Is an Empty Set an Element of {Empty Set}?

discrete mathematicselementary-set-theory

I am on set section right now and I have questions about empty set

is an empty set an element of {empty set}?
is an empty set a subset of {empty set}?
is an empty set a proper subset of {empty set}?

I am just wondering because on the textbook didn't mention about these three? please bear with me I am really doubt a lot of things.

I got the questions online and I am practicing it right now so please

correct me if I am wrong.
a) {empty set} is an element of {empty set} = false
b) {empty set} is a subset of {empty set} = false
c) empty set is an element of {empty set,{empty set}}= true
d) {empty set} is an element of {{empty set}} = true
e) {{empty set}}is a proper subset of {empty set,{empty set}} = false

I hope I get em all right after you explained to me.

thank you 🙂

Best Answer

"is an empty set an element of {empty set}?"

Yes, the set {empty set} is a set with a single element. The single element is the empty set. {empty set} is NOT the same thing as the empty set.

" is an empty set a subset of..." STOP!!! The empty set is a subset of EVERY set. (Because the empty set has no elements so all zero of its elements are in every other set. Or if you take A and B, A $\subset$ B means A doesn't have any elements not in B. The element doesn't have any elements not in B so empty set $\subset B and it doesn't matter what B is.

"is an empty set a proper subset of ..." Yes. A proper subset is a subset that isn't the same set. empty set is not {empty set} so it is a proper subset.

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