Math Problem Statement

Prove this using logical equivalence laws: P ∨ ¬P ∧ (¬P ∨ Q) ≡ ⊤

Solution

The expression in the image seems to be a logical proposition that reads:

P¬P(¬PQ)P \vee \neg P \land (\neg P \vee Q) \equiv \top

You are asked to prove this using logical equivalence laws. Let's break it down and simplify step-by-step using standard equivalence rules.

Step 1: Apply De Morgan's Law

We will start with the expression inside the parentheses, (¬PQ)(\neg P \vee Q). There is no immediate simplification there, so we leave it as is for now.

Step 2: Distribute the conjunction

The next step is to distribute the conjunction \land across the disjunction \vee in the expression P¬P(¬PQ)P \vee \neg P \land (\neg P \vee Q).

According to the distributive property of logic, we can treat the expression as follows:

P(¬P(¬PQ))=(P¬P)(P(¬PQ))P \vee (\neg P \land (\neg P \vee Q)) = (P \vee \neg P) \land (P \vee (\neg P \vee Q))

Step 3: Apply the Law of Excluded Middle

The expression P¬PP \vee \neg P is a tautology, which means it is always true, and can be replaced with \top:

(P(¬PQ))\top \land (P \vee (\neg P \vee Q))

Since X=X\top \land X = X, the expression simplifies to:

P(¬PQ)P \vee (\neg P \vee Q)

Step 4: Simplify further

Using the associative property of disjunction \vee, the expression can be rearranged:

(P¬P)Q(P \vee \neg P) \vee Q

Step 5: Apply the Law of Excluded Middle again

Once again, P¬P=P \vee \neg P = \top, so we have:

Q\top \vee Q

Step 6: Apply the Identity Law

Finally, Q=\top \vee Q = \top because a disjunction with \top always results in \top.

Thus, the original expression simplifies to:

\top

This completes the proof that the given expression is a tautology, meaning it is always true.


Would you like more details or have any questions about this process?

Here are 5 related questions to explore:

  1. What is the Law of Excluded Middle in logic?
  2. How does the distributive property work in propositional logic?
  3. Can De Morgan's laws be applied to other parts of logical expressions?
  4. What is the significance of tautologies in logic?
  5. How can logical equivalence be used in programming or circuit design?

Tip: Always check for tautologies like P¬PP \vee \neg P early in a logical proof, as they can greatly simplify your work!

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Propositional Logic
Logical Equivalence

Formulas

De Morgan's Law
Distributive Law
Identity Law

Theorems

Law of Excluded Middle

Suitable Grade Level

College