Math Problem Statement

Consider the following argument and proof of validity: ∀x p(x) → q(x), ∀x p(x), therefore ∀x q(x). Let C be an arbitrary element of the universe. What is the correct justification for line (6)?

Solution

The problem asks for the correct justification of line (6) in the proof, which asserts xq(x)\forall x \, q(x).

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the proof and how it leads to line (6):

  1. Line (1): x(p(x)q(x))\forall x \, (p(x) \to q(x))
    This is the universal statement given as part of the premises. It states that for all xx, if p(x)p(x) holds, then q(x)q(x) holds as well.

  2. Line (2): p(c)q(c)p(c) \to q(c)
    This is derived from (1) by Universal Instantiation. Since cc is an arbitrary element of the universe, you apply the universal statement to cc, which gives the implication p(c)q(c)p(c) \to q(c).

  3. Line (3): xp(x)\forall x \, p(x)
    This is another premise, stating that p(x)p(x) holds for all xx.

  4. Line (4): p(c)p(c)
    This is derived from (3) by Universal Instantiation, applying the universal statement xp(x)\forall x \, p(x) to the arbitrary element cc.

  5. Line (5): q(c)q(c)
    This follows by Modus Ponens from lines (2) and (4). Since p(c)p(c) is true and p(c)q(c)p(c) \to q(c), we can conclude that q(c)q(c) must be true.

  6. Line (6): xq(x)\forall x \, q(x)
    This is the final step of the proof. Since cc was arbitrary and we derived that q(c)q(c) holds, we can generalize the result to say that q(x)q(x) holds for all xx. This step is justified by the Rule of Universal Generalization, which allows us to generalize from an arbitrary element to the entire domain.

Correct Answer:

  • The correct justification for line (6) is (5) and the Rule of Universal Generalization.

Would you like a more detailed explanation or any further clarifications? Here are 5 questions to consider for deeper understanding:

  1. What is the Rule of Universal Generalization, and when is it valid to use?
  2. How does Universal Instantiation work in formal logic proofs?
  3. Why is it necessary to prove for an arbitrary element cc before generalizing to all xx?
  4. How does Modus Ponens operate in logical arguments?
  5. What are the other rules of inference, and how do they compare to Universal Generalization?

Tip: When dealing with universal quantifiers in logical proofs, always remember that after deriving a statement for an arbitrary element, you can apply Universal Generalization to extend the result to all elements.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Formal Logic
Proof by Universal Generalization
Modus Ponens

Formulas

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Theorems

Universal Generalization
Modus Ponens
Universal Instantiation

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate