Union of Sets C and D

Find the union of sets C and D, where set C contains {3, 5, 9, 11, 13} and set D contains {2, 3, 6, 8, 12}.

The problem of finding the union of two sets is a fundamental concept in set theory, which is crucial in the study of discrete mathematics. The union of two sets C and D, denoted as C union D, is the set of elements that are in either set C, set D, or in both.

In essence, when you take the union of two sets, you are combining all unique elements from both sets into a single set without any repetition of elements.

Conceptually, understanding how to find the union touches on the broader topic of set operations, which include union, intersection, difference, and complement. These operations are the building blocks of set theory and are essential for solving various types of problems in computer science, such as database querying, search algorithms, and more.

The ability to manipulate and combine sets efficiently impacts algorithm design and optimization.

In approaching the problem, a useful strategy is to list out all the elements from both sets and then identify any repetitions, as these should only appear once in the final union set.

This problem reinforces the importance of precise counting and organizing of elements, and it is foundational for more complex applications involving sets and other discrete structures.

Through practice, students will develop an intuitive understanding of sets, an understanding which extends to concepts like power sets, Cartesian products, and relations that are built upon these basic operations.