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The truth about Venn diagrams

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 September 2016

Ian Stewart
Ian Stewart*
Affiliation:
Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL
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Extract

Venn diagrams are usually considered to be a method for visualising set-theoretic identities and suggesting true theorems. It is frowned upon to prove a set-theoretic identity using them, such proofs being considered non-rigorous. One of the better kept secrets of the trade is that they can be made rigorous by proving the right kind of ‘metatheorem’. A proof is quite instructive, and might be of interest to set-theoretically minded sixth formers.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Mathematical Gazette , Volume 60 , Issue 411 , March 1976 , pp. 47 - 54
Copyright
Copyright © Mathematical Association 1976

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