Set

:This article is about sets in mathematics. For other senses, see set (disambiguation).

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Set (disambiguation)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In mathematics, a set can be thought of as any collection of distinct things considered as a whole. Though a simple idea, it is nevertheless one of the most important and fundamental concepts in modern mathematics.

Related Topics:
Mathematics - Collection - Whole - Concept

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Set theory, having only been invented at the end of the 19th century, is now a ubiquitous part of mathematics education, being introduced as early as primary school. It is the language in which modern mathematics is described. Set theory can be viewed as the foundation upon which nearly all of mathematics can be built and the source from which nearly all mathematics can be derived.

Related Topics:
Set theory - 19th century - Mathematics education - Primary school

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

This article gives a brief and basic introduction to what mathematicians call "intuitive" or "naive" set theory; for a more detailed account see naive set theory. For a rigorous modern axiomatic treatment of sets see axiomatic set theory.

Related Topics:
Intuitive - Theory - Naive set theory - Axiom - Axiomatic set theory

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~