Overlapping Sets

Question 1

What are overlapping sets problems ?

Answer 1

Problems that involve the intersection of two or more groups of people or objects

Question 2

How should you go about solving an overlapping sets problem?

Answer 2

Divide the information into 4 categories

Those who are in the first group
Those who are not in the first group
Those who are in the second group
Those who are not in the second group

Then set up an overlapping sets matrix

Question 3

If everyone belongs to at least one group then…

Answer 3

No one belongs to neither group

Question 4

Whats an example of an overlapping set that cant intersect ?

Answer 4

Grade levels

Full time positions

Question 5

What is the overlapping sets formula ?

When can you use it?

Answer 5

Group X + Group Y + Neither - Both = total

You have to have a neither group. A group that is not in either group

Question 6

If you have a multiple variable overlapping set problem what should you do?

Answer 6

Look at both total columns to try to solve the variables.

Once you simplify the long equation it might equal the small equation

Question 7

What do you do when you have a minimum/maximum overlapping sets problem?

Answer 7

Create two matrices
One with the minimum number of possibilities

Another with the maximum number of possibilities

The answer will be the range of options from the matrices

Question 8

What should you watch for when doing minimization / maximization overlapping sets?

Answer 8

Unstated restrictions. Make sure chosen numbers respect what the problem states