Math Symbols
The Most Valuable and Important
Symbols For Set Notation In Use:
"Subset (left) of Set (right)"
Background - why math symbols are used. . .
Symbols are a concise way of giving lengthy instructions related to
numbers and logic.
Symbols are an invention, not a discovery. They are a
communication tool. Symbols are used to eliminate
the need to write long, plain language instructions to describe
calculations and other processes.
The most valuable, most frequently used "Math" Symbols . . .
The most important, most frequently used Symbols for Set Notation
are listed below.
Symbols for Set Notation - click symbol
Symbol for "Subset (left) to Set (right)" -
D  A means Set "D" is a Subset of Set "A":
(1)
Every element (without exception) contained in Set "D" is also present in Set "A".
And . . .
(2)
Set "D" CAN be equal to Set "A". (It is not necessary for Set "D" to have a smaller number of elements than Set "A")
Example 1:
, Set A: A = {a, b, c, d}
Set D: D = {a, c}
. . .
Both Set "D" and Set "A" contain the following elements: a, c
Set D is a "Subset" of Set A
D A
Example 2:
, Set B: B = {1, 3, 9, 11}
Set E: E = {1, 3, 9, 11}
. . .
Both Set "E" and Set "B" contain the following elements: 1, 3, 9, 11
Set E is a "Subset" of Set B
E B
Note: When the symbol is used, both the SET and SUBSET can be equal to one another.
Example 3:
, Set C: C = {dog, horse, bird,
rabbit, cat}
Set F: F = {cat, rabbit}
. . .
Both Set "F" and Set "C" contain the following elements: rabbit, cat
Set F is a "Subset" of Set C
F C
Note: the elements within a SET/SUBSET can be listed in any order.
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(Notice the equal sign at the bottom edge of the symbol is missing. This indicates the subset cannot be equal to the set). Both symbols do not mean exactly the same thing.