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The set of these subsets is called the '''power set''' of ''A''. This is notated as ''𝒫(A)'' (note the calligraphic P). The set of these subsets is called the '''power set''' of ''A''. This is notated either as ''𝒫(A)'' (note the calligraphic P), as ''2^A^'', or as ''{B | B ⊆ A}''.

If ''|A| = n'', then ''|𝒫(A)| = 2^n^''. (The second notation above emphasizes this fact.) The [[Analysis/BinomialTheorem|binomial theorem]] provides a clever proof of this. Plug ''a = b = 1'' into the general formula:

{{attachment:binom1.svg}}

{{attachment:binom2.svg}}

'''Cantor's theorem''' proves that ''|A| < |𝒫(A)|'' for any set ''A''.

Power Set

A power set is the set of all subsets.


Description

Consider a set A = {x,y,z}. There exist 8 unique subsets of A, including the empty set and A itself.

  1. { } a.k.a. Ø

  2. {x}

  3. {y}

  4. {z}

  5. {x y}

  6. {x z}

  7. {y z}

  8. {x y z}

The set of these subsets is called the power set of A. This is notated either as 𝒫(A) (note the calligraphic P), as 2A, or as {B | B ⊆ A}.

If |A| = n, then |𝒫(A)| = 2n. (The second notation above emphasizes this fact.) The binomial theorem provides a clever proof of this. Plug a = b = 1 into the general formula:

binom1.svg

binom2.svg

Cantor's theorem proves that |A| < |𝒫(A)| for any set A.


CategoryRicottone

Analysis/PowerSet (last edited 2026-09-01 02:14:00 by DominicRicottone)