Math Problem Statement

Construct a proof for the argument: P v Q, P -> ~R, R ∴ Q

1P ∨ Q

2P → ¬R

3R

Notation for logic operators

negation:

conjunction:

^

disjunction:

v

conditional:

->

biconditional:

<->

universal quantification:

Ax or (Ax)

existential quantification:

Ex or (Ex)

Rule names (full and abbreviated)

modus ponens

->E

modus tollens

MT

modus tollendo ponens

DS

double negation

DNE

addition

vI

adjunction

^I

simplification

^E

bicondition

<->I

equivalence

<->E

repeat

Rep

conditional derivation

->I

reductio ad absurdum

RAA

universal instantiation

AE

universal derivation

AI

existential instantiation

EE

existential generalization

EI

identity introduction

=I

substitution of identicals

=E

Solution

To prove the argument:

Premises:

  1. PQP \lor Q
  2. P¬RP \rightarrow \neg R
  3. RR

Conclusion:

QQ

We will construct a formal proof using the rules of inference, as outlined.


Proof:

  1. PQP \lor QPremise
  2. P¬RP \rightarrow \neg RPremise
  3. RRPremise
  4. ¬¬R\neg \neg RDouble Negation Introduction (DNE) on (3)
  5. ¬P\neg PModus Tollens (MT) using (2) and (4)
  6. QQDisjunction Elimination (DS) on (1) and (5)

Explanation:

  1. The first step assumes the disjunction PQP \lor Q.
  2. The second step introduces the conditional P¬RP \rightarrow \neg R.
  3. The third step introduces the premise RR.
  4. From RR, we introduce double negation ¬¬R\neg \neg R, allowing the use of Modus Tollens.
  5. Using Modus Tollens on P¬RP \rightarrow \neg R and ¬¬R\neg \neg R, we derive ¬P\neg P.
  6. Finally, using Disjunction Elimination (Modus Tollendo Ponens, DS) on PQP \lor Q and ¬P\neg P, we conclude QQ.

Thus, QQ is proven.


Do you have any questions or want further details on any step?

Here are five related questions to explore further:

  1. How does Modus Tollens work with conditionals in logical proofs?
  2. Can PQP \lor Q be true if both PP and QQ are false?
  3. How does Disjunction Elimination (DS) help simplify logical arguments?
  4. What is the importance of double negation in formal logic?
  5. Can we reach the same conclusion if the premises were altered slightly?

Tip: Modus Tollens is often useful when the negation of the conclusion helps derive the negation of the premise.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Propositional Logic
Logical Proofs

Formulas

Disjunction (P ∨ Q)
Implication (P -> ~R)
Modus Tollens
Disjunction Elimination

Theorems

Modus Tollens
Double Negation
Disjunction Elimination (Modus Tollendo Ponens)

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate