VENN DIAGRAMS
VENN DIAGRAMS AND CLASSIFICATIONS
A Venn diagram is a tool used to classify objects. It is usually composed of two or more circles
that represent different conditions. An item is placed or represented in the Venn diagram in the
appropriate position based on the conditions it meets. See the example below:
Condition #1
Condition #2
These items satisfy
A
B
C
only condition #1.
These items satisfy
only condition #2.
D
Anything listed outside
These items satisfy
satisfies neither condition.
both conditions.
Has at least
Example 1
Has reflection
one pair of
symmetry.
parallel sides.
Use the Venn diagram above to place the shapes below:
A
C
D
B
Answer: B and C have reflection symmetry. C and D have at least one pair of parallel sides.
Has at least
one pair of
parallel sides.
Has reflection
The diagram is shown at right. It
symmetry.
demonstrates that only shape C
satisfies both conditions and shape
B
C
D
A satisfies neither condition.
A