Math Problem Statement

For the following proof (of equivalence of 2 formulae), provide the justifications at each step, using the provided equivalence laws.

Solution

Let's walk through this proof step-by-step and fill in the justifications using the equivalence rules from the key provided.

The given expression to prove is:

p(pq)?p \rightarrow (p \land q) \equiv ?

Step 1: Rewrite the implication using the Definition of Implication (rule hh)

p(pq)¬p(pq)p \rightarrow (p \land q) \equiv \neg p \lor (p \land q)

Justification: Definition of Implication (h).


Step 2: Apply De Morgan's Law (rule cc) to distribute ¬p\neg p over the conjunction.

¬p(pq)(¬pp)(¬pq)\neg p \lor (p \land q) \equiv (\neg p \lor p) \land (\neg p \lor q)

Justification: De Morgan’s Law (c).


Step 3: Use the Tautology (rule kk) on ¬pp\neg p \lor p.

(¬pp)(¬pq)T(¬pq)(\neg p \lor p) \land (\neg p \lor q) \equiv T \land (\neg p \lor q)

Justification: Tautology (k).


Step 4: Apply the Identity Law (rule jj) since T(¬pq)¬pqT \land (\neg p \lor q) \equiv \neg p \lor q.

T(¬pq)¬pqT \land (\neg p \lor q) \equiv \neg p \lor q

Justification: Identity Law (j).


Final Step: Recognize the result matches the original expression in terms of equivalence.

Thus, we’ve proved that:

p(pq)¬pqp \rightarrow (p \land q) \equiv \neg p \lor q

This completes the proof.


Would you like further clarifications, or do you have additional questions? Here are five related questions for deeper understanding:

  1. What is the general form of De Morgan’s Law, and how can it simplify logic expressions?
  2. Why does the Tautology ¬ppT\neg p \lor p \equiv T play a crucial role in logical proofs?
  3. How do Identity Laws like TXXT \land X \equiv X help reduce expressions?
  4. Can the Associative Property (e) be used to rearrange terms in logical statements, and if so, where?
  5. What’s the difference between an equivalence and an implication in propositional logic?

Tip: When working with logical expressions, always start by breaking down implications and applying laws like De Morgan’s or Tautology early in the process.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Logic
Propositional Logic
Logical Equivalence

Formulas

Definition of Implication: p → q ≡ ¬p ∨ q
De Morgan's Law: ¬(p ∧ q) ≡ ¬p ∨ ¬q and ¬(p ∨ q) ≡ ¬p ∧ ¬q
Tautology: p ∨ ¬p ≡ T
Identity Law: T ∧ p ≡ p
Contradiction: p ∧ ¬p ≡ F

Theorems

Logical Equivalence
Equivalence of Contrapositive

Suitable Grade Level

College-level logic or discrete mathematics