Set Difference

🅟 Feb 17, 2026

  🅤 Feb 24, 2026

Set Theory > Sets

DEF-SDIF. Set Difference ($\mathsf{ZF}$).

The set difference $X\smallsetminus Y$ is the set

\[\{x\in X:x\notin Y\}.\]

PROP-SDIF-EMP.

For any $X$:

  • $X\smallsetminus\varnothing=X$.
  • $\varnothing\smallsetminus X=\varnothing$.
  • $X\smallsetminus X=\varnothing$.

PROP-SDIF-DJ.

If $X$ and $Y$ are disjoint, then $X\smallsetminus Y=X$ and $Y\smallsetminus X=Y$.

PROP-SDIF-SUB.

If $X\subseteq Y$, then $X\smallsetminus Y=\varnothing$.