Topic outline

  • MA181: Discrete Mathematics

    Photograph of Chris SakerMA181: Introduction to Sets

    Hi, I'm Chris Saker. Welcome to the module. When you have completed a task, e.g. watched a video, read the lecture notes, or finished a problem set, tick the box next to the item to record your progress. Doing so will also release the next item in this week's learning pathway.

    This week in MA181, we will be starting to look at sets, operations on sets and the laws of set algebra. Firstly, you need to set aside a couple of hours and work through the videos and lecture notes below. Ideally, you should watch the videos and read the notes in the order given. Do make sure you take the time to read the notes in addition to watching the videos; you need to do both to make sure you have covered the materials in detail.

    "The only way to learn mathematics is to do mathematics"

    - Paul Halmos


    Photograph of Alexei Vernitski

    Hi, I'm Alexei Vernitski, I also teach on this module, along with Georgios Amanatidis.

    Email: asvern@essex.ac.uk
    Email:georgios.amanatidis@essex.ac.uk


    • Videos

      There are 2 short video to watch this week on sets and set operations.


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      2.1: Introduction to sets Page
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      2.2: Set operations Page
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      2.3: MA181 lecture 1 File
      241.9 KB

    • Test & apply your knowledge

      If you want to have a go at some additional practice questions relating to the material in these videos and notes, you can attempt questions 1 to 3 from the problem sheet below.


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      2.4: Laws of set algebra Page
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      2.5: Principle of duality Page
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      2.6: MA181 lecture 2 File
      29.5 KB

    • Test & apply your knowledge

      If you want to have a go at some additional practice questions relating to materiel in these videos and notes, you can attempt questions 4 to 5 from the problem sheet below.



    • 2.7: FEATURE LECTURE
      Week 2 lecture: Introduction to Sets

      Whether face-to-face or online, we will be covering the same material. We will begin by completing a Kahoot! quiz to assess how well you have understood the material from the videos and notes. Note: To take part, you will need a smartphone, tablet or computer that can access the Internet.

      We will use the results of this quiz to highlight any areas that the group has found difficult. We will then spend some time reinforcing those areas. If time allows, we will have a go at some additional questions.

      Watch lecture
      Card image cap

    • Week 2 class

      This week, we will be working in small groups on some of the problems from this week's problem sheet. We will focus on questions 6 to 8, but may well discuss earlier questions too. You should complete questions 6 to 8 in your own time after the class and submit your answers via the link below the problem sheet.

      Solutions to all problems will be made available on this page next week.

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      2.8: Problem Sheet: MA181 Week 2 File
      84.1 KB
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      2.9: Solutions: MA181 Week 2 File
      1.7 MB

    • Help & support

      If you have any questions that did not get answered in the lecture or the labs, then we will finish the week with a voluntary online Q&A session for all students. No new material will be covered in this session, it is there to allow you can come along and ask questions. If you prefer you can email us (cjsake@essex.ac.uk) your question(s) and I can answer them (anonymously) in the session.


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      2.10: Link to Q&A session URL

      The Q&A sessions will take place via Zoom. Make sure you turn up on time!