Negation Rules

In many AR questions, Set A and Set B each have their own independent rule. But in some questions, Set B is simply defined as "everything that is not Set A." Understanding this distinction — and knowing how to exploit it — can save you significant time on test day.

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Two Types of Set Relationships

Independent Rules

Set A has its own rule. Set B has a completely separate, unrelated rule. Neither set is defined in terms of the other.

Example:

• Set A: Every box contains a circle
• Set B: Every box has exactly 5 shapes

A test shape could satisfy both rules (contains a circle AND has 5 shapes), one rule, or neither. The "Neither" option exists precisely for cases like this.

Negation Rules

Set B is defined as "everything that does not satisfy Set A's rule" (or vice versa). There is only one rule, and the two sets are complementary.

Example:

• Set A: Total sides is even
• Set B: Total sides is odd