What do overlapping sets help to determine?

Overlapping sets are used in various areas of mathematics and data analysis to identify relationships and boundaries between different groups. The correct choice highlights their ability to establish both minimum and maximum possible values when examining data that may share common elements.

When working with overlapping sets, one can determine the range of potential values that might exist within the combined elements of the sets. For instance, if two sets have elements that overlap, the shared elements can set limits on the values present in the combined set. By understanding both the unique elements and the overlapping elements, one can derive the smallest (minimum) and largest (maximum) possible values that the overall dataset could contain.

In contrast to determining exact values or just maximum values, overlapping sets provide a broader analytical perspective by allowing for the exploration of both the extremes (minimum and maximum) of the combined elements. Thus, the correct answer emphasizes the comprehensive nature of analyzing overlapping sets, as opposed to only focusing on specific calculations or sums of individual sets.