Relative complement meaning

Relative complement is the set of elements in one set that are not present in another set.


Relative complement definitions

Word backwards evitaler tnemelpmoc
Part of speech The part of speech of the word "relative complement" is noun.
Syllabic division rel-a-tive com-ple-ment
Plural The plural of "relative complement" is "relative complements".
Total letters 18
Vogais (4) e,a,i,o
Consonants (8) r,l,t,v,c,m,p,n

When working with sets in mathematics, the relative complement is a fundamental concept that helps in distinguishing between two sets and finding elements that are unique to one set. The relative complement of set A in relation to set B, denoted as B - A, is the set of elements that are in set B but not in set A.

Understanding Relative Complement

To better understand relative complement, let's consider two sets: A = {1, 2, 3} and B = {2, 3, 4}. The relative complement of A in B (B - A) would be the elements that are in B but not in A, which in this case is {4}. Similarly, the relative complement of B in A (A - B) would be {1}.

Notation and Representation

The relative complement of set A in relation to set B can also be represented as B \ A. This notation signifies the elements in set B that do not belong to set A. It is important to note that the relative complement is not a commutative operation, meaning B - A is not the same as A - B.

Use Cases and Applications

Relative complement is commonly used in set theory, database operations, and programming. In databases, for example, the relative complement can be used to retrieve records from one table that do not appear in another table. Understanding relative complement is essential for performing various operations involving sets and identifying unique elements.

In conclusion, the relative complement of two sets helps in determining the differences and unique elements between them. By subtracting one set from another, we can isolate the elements that exist exclusively in one set, providing valuable insights into set relationships and characteristics.


Relative complement Examples

  1. I will attend the party, but my sister will not be there, so I will see my friends without her.
  2. The library carries books on a wide range of topics, but it does not have any books specifically on astronomy.
  3. The store sells various types of fruits, but it does not offer any organic produce.
  4. He enjoys watching action movies, but he is not a fan of romantic comedies.
  5. The museum showcases art from different periods, but it does not include any sculptures.
  6. She likes dogs, but she is allergic to cats, so she cannot have a feline pet.
  7. The restaurant serves a variety of dishes, but it does not have any vegan options on the menu.
  8. I have a collection of stamps, but I do not have any rare or valuable ones.
  9. He is a fan of rock music, but he does not listen to hip-hop or rap.
  10. The travel agency offers tours to exotic destinations, but it does not organize trips to Antarctica.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 17/04/2024 - 13:29:50