Question

Let $p$ denote the proposition "Sue is a computer science major" and $q$ denote the proposition "Sam is a physics major." Write out what the following propositions mean: (a) $\mathrm{\neg }q$ (b) $q\wedge p$ (c) $p\vee q$ (d) $\mathrm{\neg }q\wedge p$ (e) $q\to p$ (f) $p\leftrightarrow q$ (g) $\mathrm{\neg }q\to p$

Short answer

(a) Sam is not a physics major; (b) Both are majors; (c) At least one is a major; (d) Sam isn't, Sue is; (e) Sam implies Sue; (f) Both or neither; (g) Not Sam implies Sue.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Symbols

Before interpreting each proposition, we need to understand the logical symbols:- $eg$ represents 'not', indicating the negation of a proposition.- $\wedge$ is 'and', meaning both propositions must be true.- $\vee$ is 'or', meaning at least one of the propositions is true.- $\to$ is 'implies', meaning if the first proposition is true, then the second must be true as well.- $\leftrightarrow$ indicates 'if and only if', meaning both propositions are either true or false together.

Interpret \(a\): \\neg q\

The proposition $egq$ translates to 'Not $q$' which means 'Sam is not a physics major.' This expresses the negation of the proposition $q$.

Interpret \(b\): \(q \wedge p\)

The proposition $q\wedge p$ translates to 'Sam is a physics major and Sue is a computer science major.' This means both $q$ and $p$ are true.

Interpret \(c\): \(p \vee q\)

The proposition $p\vee q$ means 'Sue is a computer science major or Sam is a physics major (or both).' This implies at least one of $p$ or $q$ must be true.

Interpret \(d\): \(\neg q \wedge p\)

The proposition $egq\wedge p$ translates to 'Sam is not a physics major and Sue is a computer science major.' This scenario occurs if $p$ is true and $q$ is false.

Interpret \(e\): \(q \rightarrow p\)

The proposition $q\to p$ reads as 'If Sam is a physics major, then Sue is a computer science major.' This indicates that $q$ being true necessitates $p$ being true.

Interpret \(f\): \(p \leftrightarrow q\)

The proposition $p\leftrightarrow q$ means 'Sue is a computer science major if and only if Sam is a physics major.' Both $p$ and $q$ must have the same truth value.

Interpret \(g\): \(\neg q \rightarrow p\)

The proposition $egq\to p$ translates to 'If Sam is not a physics major, then Sue is a computer science major.' Here, $q$ being false implies $p$ is true.

Key concepts

Logical Symbols

In propositional logic, logical symbols act like building blocks that help us express complex thoughts clearly and succinctly. Each symbol has its own specific meaning that alters the truth condition of propositions. Understanding these symbols is crucial for any journey into the realm of logic:

• $eg$ means "not," representing the negation of a proposition. This takes a statement from true to false, and vice versa.


• $\wedge$ stands for "and," showing a conjunction. Both propositions joined by this must be true for the whole expression to be true.


• $\vee$ means "or," which is a disjunction. At least one of the propositions needs to be true for the entire statement to be true.


• $\to$ represents "implies," indicating a conditional proposition. It suggests that if the first statement (antecedent) is true, the second (consequent) must also be true.


• $\leftrightarrow$ is "if and only if," symbolizing a biconditional proposition. Here, both propositions need identical truth values—they must be both true or both false.

These symbols form the syntax of logical language, much like words form sentences. Understanding their roles lets us construct and deconstruct arguments effectively.

Propositions

Propositions are the basic units of thought in logic. They are statements that can be distinctly classified as either true or false, never both. To delve deeper:

• A proposition like "Sue is a computer science major" can either be true or false but not both, at the same time.


• Each proposition typically holds a specific statement in a given context, serving as a constant truth value in logical expressions.


• In logical expressions, propositions are the placeholders or variables that the logical symbols operate on. In our example, $p$ represents "Sue is a computer science major," while $q$ represents "Sam is a physics major." These letters help us to simplify and discuss logic with more clarity and brevity.

Propositions are the simplistic declarations that, when combined with logical symbols, allow us to communicate more abstract and complex ideas efficiently.

Negation

Negation represents the denial or contradiction of a statement. In logic, the negation symbol $eg$ inverts the truth value of a given proposition.
When we say "$egq$," we mean "not $q$," which turns the proposition "Sam is a physics major" into "Sam is not a physics major."

• If a proposition is naturally true, its negation is false, and vice versa.


• Negation allows us to express absence or contradiction, effectively broadening our logical expression capabilities.


• It simply flips the truth—allowing us to state what is not when what is cannot be easily defined.

Negation is a simple yet powerful tool for creating conditional statements, contradictions, and exploring different logical universes.

Implication

Implication is a fascinating logical concept that explores the relationship between two propositions. It uses the symbol $\to$ to connect two propositions and examine how the truth of one affects the other.
In practical terms, "$q\to p$" can be read as "if $q$ then $p$." This means that if "Sam is a physics major" ($q$) is true, then it implies "Sue is a computer science major" ($p$) is also true.

• In implications, if the antecedent (first part) is false, the whole statement remains true, regardless of the consequent (second part's) truth value.


• However, if the antecedent is true and the consequent is false, the entire implication is false, exhibiting a key critical point in logical reasoning.


• Implications are foundational in forming conditional arguments, logical proofs, and reasoning models within mathematics and computer science.

Mastering implications help in understanding causality, dependencies, and even complex algorithms, aiding in a deeper comprehension of logical structures.