Math Problem Statement

Use a truth table to determine whether the given statement is a tautology. (p ∨ q) ∨ (~p ∨ q)

Solution

To determine if the given statement (pq)(¬pq)(p \vee q) \vee (\neg p \vee q) is a tautology using a truth table, we need to analyze all possible truth values of pp and qq.

Step-by-step:

  1. List all possible truth values for pp and qq.
  2. Compute intermediate expressions: pqp \vee q, ¬p\neg p, ¬pq\neg p \vee q, and finally (pq)(¬pq)(p \vee q) \vee (\neg p \vee q).
  3. Check if the final column (the result of the whole expression) is always true.

Truth Table:

ppqqpqp \vee q¬p\neg p¬pq\neg p \vee q(pq)(¬pq)(p \vee q) \vee (\neg p \vee q)
TTTFTT
TFTFFT
FTTTTT
FFFTTT

Explanation:

  • Column pqp \vee q shows the result of pp OR qq.
  • Column ¬p\neg p shows the negation of pp.
  • Column ¬pq\neg p \vee q shows the result of ¬p\neg p OR qq.
  • Finally, (pq)(¬pq)(p \vee q) \vee (\neg p \vee q) is computed by taking the OR of the two previous columns.

Conclusion:

The last column shows that the statement (pq)(¬pq)(p \vee q) \vee (\neg p \vee q) is true for all possible truth values of pp and qq. Therefore, the given statement is a tautology.

Would you like further clarification or details on any part of this process?


Here are 5 related questions:

  1. How can you identify a tautology without using a truth table?
  2. What is the difference between a tautology and a contradiction in logic?
  3. Can a statement with more than two variables be a tautology?
  4. How does the distributive property of logical operators apply to this problem?
  5. What are common tautological forms in propositional logic?

Tip: When constructing a truth table, always double-check intermediate expressions to avoid mistakes when dealing with more complex statements.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Propositional Logic
Truth Tables
Logical Connectives

Formulas

p ∨ q
¬p
¬p ∨ q
(p ∨ q) ∨ (¬p ∨ q)

Theorems

Tautology in Propositional Logic

Suitable Grade Level

Grades 10-12