What is Venn Diagram
Introduction
Venn Diagram is an illustration made using shapes, especially circles to represent relationships, differences and similarities between two or more concepts. It was named after the English Logician, John Venn. The usage of Venn Diagrams can be tracked in studies as early as the 1200s employed by philosopher Ramon Lull.
There are also many instances where the representations were used but not as vivid as employed by Swiss Mathematician, Leonard Euler in the 1700s. In fact, Venn used the term Eulerian circles to denote the illustrations, in his works. In 1918, Clarence Irving Lewis, an American Philosopher used the term Venn Diagram in her book, ˇ°A Survey of Logicˇ±.
What is Venn Diagram?
A simple Venn diagram definition would be, a graphic representation of concepts and their relationships using circles. It is known in different names like Set Diagrams and Logic Diagrams. Children start learning the usage of Venn diagrams as early as elementary grades. Set theory is an individual branch of learning in mathematics. The purpose of Venn circles is to demonstrate comparisons and contrasts between concepts with more clarity and visuals.
Visual representations are significant in retaining and achieving a better understanding of a content. This is exactly why they are employed in presentations, reports and statistics. Learning is better done when is is interesting and engaging. Moreover, these diagrams make the elucidation easier for the presenter.
Terms used in Venn Diagrams
The Venn diagram template has a rectangle inside which two or more circles are drawn. Every Venn diagram consists of a Universe. It is represented by the rectangle. Every set/circle is the subset of the universe. When two sets are brought together to analyze their relationships, it is called the Union of Sets (U). when the aspects of the two concepts overlap, it is called the Intersection of Sets (n). These are the most common terms one may come across while applying Venn Diagrams.
Venn Diagram Examples
Imagine the Universe has Two Subsets A and B. The favorite colors of set A are Black, blue, purple and green. Whereas, the colors that B likes are White, Purple, Pink and green. While attempting to draw a Venn diagram, the union of two sets is depicted. The colors that they commonly like are purple and green and so they overlap. These colors mark the Intersection of the Sets.
Venn Diagram Applications
- These illustrations are used to derive the similarities and differences of two different concepts
- In Mathematics, they aid in solving complex equations and problems
- They serve as tools to decipher logic behind figures.
- They also ease the process of decision making by bringing clarity and organization of thoughts.
- Data patterns can be identified through Venn diagrams which are helpful in learning probabilities and correlations.
- They are a part of the curriculum at school where kids learn different Venn Diagram formulas to derive solutions.
How to Use and Solve a Venn Diagram?
Firstly, set the background information of your study ready. Gather all the information needed and organize them.
Then, define and brainstorm the purpose of the illustration like why do you need a Venn representation for your study?
Is it an analysis of how different concepts of the study are different from or similar to each other? What is the conclusion that you are trying to arrive at?
Derive the relationships between the concepts by drawing the sets. This will help in viewing a problem in a better light and gain different perspectives and even widening the options to choose from.
Note down the insights after examining the diagrams. Solve the problem or equation using the insights drawn.
How many circles can be used in a Venn diagram?
The most common diagrams have two or three circles but it can go up to higher numbers depending on the number of concepts involved.
What is intersection in a Venn diagram?
The shared aspects of two or more concepts/sets overlap and are called intersections. These are denoted by the symbol 'n'
What is the meaning of Venn?
Venn is the name of the mathematician after whom Venn diagrams were named. Venn diagrams are pictorial illustrations of relationship between two or more concepts.
What are the areas a Venn diagram becomes useful in?
Venn diagrams can be seen employed in various industries like Business, Mathematics, Statistics, Logistics, Computer Science and teaching. They are used in detecting and forecasting patterns and probabilities.
What is complement of a set in Venn diagram?
Complement of a set denotes the elements that do not belong to the set. For example Complement of Set A is anything present in the Universe but not in Set A. it is denoted by the symbol A'.
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