Math Problem Statement

  1. Is ( A \vee A ) not a wff?2. Is ( A + A ) a wff?3. Is ( A & \sim A ) a wff?4. Is ( \sim (\sim Z \supset (Z \vee Z)) ) a wff?5. Is ( (A \supset B) & (C \equiv D) \vee ((E \vee F) G) ) a wff?6. Is ( A \sim \supset (E \vee D) ) a wff?7. Is ( A \supset \sim A ) a wff?8. Is ( \sim A \supset (A \vee A) ) a wff?9. Is ( A \sim Z \supset A \vee A ) a wff?10. Is ( A \sim A \supset \sim B ) a wff?

Solution

In logic, a well-formed formula (wff) refers to a syntactically correct expression constructed according to the formal rules of the logical system. Let's analyze each of your expressions in terms of their well-formedness.

  1. AAA \vee A:
    Yes, this is a wff.
    It follows the correct syntax for propositional logic where \vee represents disjunction (OR). The same propositional variable appearing twice doesn't affect the formula's well-formedness.

  2. A+AA + A:
    No, this is not a wff.
    The symbol ++ is not a standard logical operator in classical propositional logic. It is more commonly used in arithmetic or boolean algebra.

  3. A&AA \& \sim A:
    Yes, this is a wff.
    &\& represents conjunction (AND), and A\sim A is a valid negation of AA. The formula A&AA \& \sim A is well-formed.

  4. (Z(ZZ))\sim (\sim Z \supset (Z \vee Z)):
    Yes, this is a wff.
    Negation \sim, implication \supset, and disjunction \vee are all valid logical operators. This formula is properly constructed.

  5. (AB)&(CD)((EF)G)(A \supset B) \& (C \equiv D) \vee ((E \vee F) G):
    No, this is not a wff.
    The subexpression (EF)G(E \vee F) G is not well-formed because the formula should contain logical operators between propositional variables. The juxtaposition of (EF)(E \vee F) and GG is syntactically incorrect.

  6. A(ED)A \sim \supset (E \vee D):
    No, this is not a wff.
    AA \sim \supset is not a valid combination. The negation operator \sim should precede a proposition or formula, but here it is placed between two components in an incorrect manner.

  7. AAA \supset \sim A:
    Yes, this is a wff.
    Implication \supset and negation A\sim A are used correctly. This formula represents "if AA then not AA."

  8. A(AA)\sim A \supset (A \vee A):
    Yes, this is a wff.
    This formula is well-formed. It consists of a negation A\sim A, implication \supset, and a valid disjunction (AA)(A \vee A).

  9. AZAAA \sim Z \supset A \vee A:
    No, this is not a wff.
    The subexpression AZA \sim Z is not valid, as \sim should apply to a single propositional variable or formula, but here it is placed between AA and ZZ incorrectly.

  10. AABA \sim A \supset \sim B:
    No, this is not a wff.
    The subexpression AAA \sim A is not valid. As mentioned earlier, \sim should apply to a single formula, not between two propositional variables.

In summary, the well-formed formulas (wffs) are:

  • AAA \vee A
  • A&AA \& \sim A
  • (Z(ZZ))\sim (\sim Z \supset (Z \vee Z))
  • AAA \supset \sim A
  • A(AA)\sim A \supset (A \vee A)

Would you like more details or have any other questions?

5 Related Questions:

  1. What are the formal rules for constructing well-formed formulas in propositional logic?
  2. Can you explain the difference between logical operators like \supset, \vee, and &\&?
  3. What are some examples of non-wffs in propositional logic and why they fail?
  4. How does propositional logic differ from first-order logic in terms of wff construction?
  5. What role does syntax play in ensuring a formula is a wff?

Tip:

Always ensure that logical operators are applied correctly and that every part of a formula follows the syntactic rules of the logic system in use.

Ask a new question for Free

By Image

Drop file here or Click Here to upload

Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Propositional Logic
Logical Connectives
Well-Formed Formula (WFF)

Formulas

-

Theorems

Rules for Well-Formed Formulas in Propositional Logic

Suitable Grade Level

College/University Level Logic