Section E.

1   Statements and Truth Tables E1

Appendix E Introduction to Logic

E.1 Statements and Truth Tables

Statements
Truth Tables

Statements
In everyday speech and in mathematics you make inferences that adhere to common
laws of logic. These methods of reasoning allow you to build an algebra of
statements by using logical operations to form compound statements from simpler ones. A
primary goal of logic is to determine the truth value (true or false) of a compound
statement knowing the truth value of its simpler component. For instance, the compound
statement “The temperature is below freezing and it is snowing” is true only if both
component statements are true.

Definition of a Statement
1. A statement (or proposition) is a sentence to which only one truth value
(either true or false) can be meaningfully assigned.
2. An open statement is a sentence that contains one or more variables and
becomes a statement when each variable is replaced by a specific item from
a designated set.

Statements, Nonstatements, and Open Statements

Statement Truth Value
A square is a rectangle. True
−3 is less than −5. False

Nonstatement Truth Value

Do your homework. No truth value can be meaningfully assigned.
Did you call the police? No truth value can be meaningfully assigned.

Open Statement Truth Value

x is an irrational number. A value of x is needed.
She is a computer science major. A specific person is needed.

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 E2 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

Symbolically, statements are represented by lowercase letters p, q, r, and so on.

Statements can be changed or combined to form compound statements by means of
the three logical operations, and, or, and not, which are represented by ˄ (and), ˅ (or),
and ~ (not). In logic, the word or is used in the inclusive sense (meaning “and/or” in
everyday language). That is, the statement “p or q” is true if p is true, q is true, or both
p and q are true. The following list summarizes the terms and symbols used with these
three operations of logic.

Operations of Logic
Operation Verbal Symbolic Name of
Statement Form Operation
˄ p and q p˄q Conjunction
˅ p or q p˅q Disjunction
~ not p ~p Negation

Compound statements can be formed using more than one logical operation, as
demonstrated in Example 2.

Forming Negations and Compound Statements

The statements p and q are as follows.
p: The temperature is below freezing.
q: It is snowing.
Write the verbal form for each of the following.
a. p ˄ q b. ~p c. ~(p ˅ q) d. ~p ˄~q
Solution
a. The temperature is below freezing and it is snowing.
b. The temperature is not below freezing.
c. It is not true that the temperature is below freezing or it is snowing.
d. The temperature is not below freezing and it is not snowing.

Forming Compound Statements

The statements p and q are as follows.
p: The temperature is below freezing.
q: It is snowing.
a. Write the symbolic form for: The temperature is not below freezing or it is not
snowing.
b. Write the symbolic form for: It is not true that the temperature is below freezing and
it is snowing.

Solution
a. The symbolic form is: ~p ˅ ~q b. The symbolic form is: ~ ( p ˄ q)

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 Section E.1   Statements and Truth Tables E3

Truth Tables
To determine the truth value of a compound statement, it is helpful to construct charts
called truth tables. The following tables represent the three basic logical operations.
Conjunction Disjunction Negation

p q p˄q p q p˅q p q ~p ~q
T T T T T T T T F F
T F F T F T T F F T
F T F F T T F T T F
F F F F F F F F T T

For the sake of uniformity, all truth tables with two component statements will have
T and F values for p and q assigned in the order shown in the first two columns of each
of these three tables. Truth tables for several operations can be combined into one chart
by using the same two first columns. For each operation, a new column is added. Such
an arrangement is especially useful with compound statements that involve more than
one logical operation and for showing that two statements are logically equivalent.

Logical Equivalence
Two compound statements are logically equivalent if they have identical truth
tables. Symbolically, the equivalence of the statements p and q is denoted by
writing p ≡ q.

Logical Equivalence
Use a truth table to show the logical equivalence of the statements ~p ˄ ~q and
~( p ˅ q).
Solution
p q ~p ~q ~p ˄ ~q p˅q ~(p ˅ q)
T T F F F T F
T F F T F T F
F T T F F T F
F F T T T F T

Identical

Because the fifth and seventh columns in the table are identical, the two given
statements are logically equivalent.

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 E4 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

The equivalence established in Example 4 is one of two well-known rules in logic

called DeMorgan’s Laws. Verification of the second of DeMorgan’s Laws is left as an
exercise.

DeMorgan’s Laws
1. ~(p ˅ q) ≡ ~p ˄ ~q 2. ~(p ˄ q) ≡ ~p ˅ ~q

Compound statements that are true, no matter what the truth values of the
component statements, are called tautologies. One simple example is the statement
“p or not p,” as shown in the table.

p ~p p ˅ ~q
T F T
F T T

E.1 Exercises
—
In Exercises 1–12, classify the sentence as a statement, 17. 4 − ​ x ​= 2 √x2 ​ = x
18. ​
a nonstatement, or an open statement. See Example 1.
(a) x = 0 (a) x = 3
1. All dogs are brown.   2. Can I help you?
(b) x = 1 (b) x = −3
3. That figure is a circle.   4. Substitute 4 for x. x —
19. ​ — ​ = 1 20. ​ √3 x ​ = −2
x
5. x is larger than 4.   6. 8 is larger than 4.
(a) x = −4 (a) x = 8
7. x + y = 10   8. 12 + 3 = 14
(b) x = 0 (b) x = −8
9. Hockey is fun to watch.
10. One mile is greater than 1 kilometer. In Exercises 21–24, write the verbal form for each of
the following. See Example 2.
11. It is more than 1 mile to the school.
(a) ~p (b) ~q (c) p ˄ q (d) p ˅ q
12. Come to the party.
21. p: The sun is shining.
In Exercises 13–20, determine whether the open q: It is hot.
statement is true for the given values of x. 22. p: The car has a radio.
13. x2 − 5x + 6 = 0 14. x2 −x−6=0 q: The car is red.
(a) x = 2 (a) x = 2 23. p: Lions are mammals.
(b) x = −2 (b) x = −2 q: Lions are carnivorous.
15. x2 ≤ 4 16. ​ x − 3 ​ = 4 24. p: Twelve is less than 15.
(a) x = −2 (a) x = −1 q: Seven is a prime number.
(b) x = 0 (b) x = 7

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 Section E.1   Statements and Truth Tables E5

In Exercises 25–28, write the verbal form for each of In Exercises 43–48, construct a truth table for the given
the following. compound statement.
(a) ~p ˄ q (b) ~p ˅ q 43. ~p ˄ q 44. ~p ˅ q
(c) p ˄ ~q (d) p ˅ ~q 45. ~p ˅ ~q 46. ~p ˄ ~q
25. p: The sun is shining. 47. p ˅ ~q 48. p ˄ ~q
q: It is hot.
In Exercises 49–54, use a truth table to determine
26. p: The car has a radio. whether the given statements are logically equivalent.
q: The car is red. See Example 4.
27. p: Lions are mammals. 49. ~p ˄ q, p ˅ ~q

q: Lions are carnivorous. 50. ~( p ˄ ~q), ~p ˅ q

28. p: Twelve is less than 15. 51. ~( p ˅ ~q), ~p ˄ q

q: Seven is a prime number. 52. ~( p ˅ q), ~p ˅ ~q

53. p ˄ ~q, ~(~p ˅ q)
In Exercises 29–32, write the symbolic form of the given
compound statement. In each case let p represent the 54. p ˄ ~q, ~(~p ˄ q)
statement “It is four o’clock,” and let q represent the
statement “It is time to go home.” See Example 3. In Exercises 55–58, determine whether the statements
are logically equivalent.
29. It is four o’clock and it is not time to go home.
55. (a) The house is red and it is not made of wood.
30. It is not four o’clock or it is not time to go home.
(b) The house is red or it is not made of wood.
31. It is not four o’clock or it is time to go home.
56. (a) It is not true that the tree is not green.
32. It is four o’clock and it is time to go home.
(b) The tree is green.
In Exercises 33–36, write the symbolic form of the given 57. (a) The statement that the house is white or blue is not
compound statement. In each case let p represent the true.
statement “The dog has fleas,” and let q represent the (b) The house is not white and it is not blue.
statement “The dog is scratching.”
58. (a) I am not 25 years old and I am not applying for
33. The dog does not have fleas or the dog is not scratching. this job.
34. The dog has fleas and the dog is scratching. (b) The statement that I am 25 years old and I am
35. The dog does not have fleas and the dog is scratching. applying for this job is not true.

36. The dog has fleas or the dog is not scratching. In Exercises 59–62, use a truth table to determine
whether the given statement is a tautology.
In Exercises 37–42, write the negation of the given
statement. 59. ~p ˄ p 60. ~p ˅ p

37. The bus is not blue. 61. ~(~p) ˅ ~p 62. ~(~p) ˄ ~p

38. Frank is not 6 feet tall. 63. Use a truth table to verify the second of DeMorgan’s
39. x is equal to 4. Laws.

40. x is not equal to 4. ~(p ˄ q) ≡ ~p ˅ ~q

41. Earth is not flat.

42. Earth is flat.

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 E6 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

E.2 Conditional Statements, Quantifiers, and Venn Diagrams

Conditional Statements
Logical Quantifiers
Venn Diagrams

Conditional Statements
A statement of the form “If p, then q,” is called a conditional statement (or an
implication) and is denoted by
p→q.
The statement p is called the hypothesis and the statement q is called the conclusion.
There are many different ways to write the conditional statement p→q, as shown in the
following list.

Different Ways of Writing Conditional Statements

The conditional statement p→q has the following equivalent verbal forms.
1. If p, then q. 2. p implies q.
3. p, only if q. 4. q follows from p.
5. q is necessary for p. 6. p is sufficient for q.

Normally, the conditional statement p→q is thought of as having a cause-and-

effect relationship between the hypothesis p and the conclusion q. However, you should
be careful not to confuse the truth value of the component statements with the truth
value of the conditional statement. The following truth table should help you keep this
distinction in mind.
Conditional Statement: If p, then q.

p q p→q
T T T
T F F
F T T
F F T

Note in the table that the conditional statement p→q is false only when p is true and
q is false. This is like a promise. Suppose you promise a friend that “If the sun shines,
I will take you fishing.” The only way you can break your promise is if the sun shines
( p is true) and you do not take your friend fishing (q is false). If the sun doesn’t shine
( p is false), you have no obligation to go fishing, and so the promise cannot be broken.

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 Section E.2  Conditional Statements, Quantifiers, and Venn Diagrams E7

Finding Truth Values of Conditional Statements

Give the truth value of each conditional statement.
a. If 3 is odd, then 9 is odd.
b. If 3 is odd, then 9 is even.
c. If 3 is even, then 9 is odd.
d. If 3 is even, then 9 is even.

Solution
Hypothesis Conclusion Conditional Statement
a.  T T T
b.  T F F
c.  F T T
d.  F F T

The next example shows how to write a conditional statement as a disjunction.

Identifying Equivalent Statements

Use a truth table to show the logical equivalence of the following statements.
a. If I get a raise, I will take my family on a vacation.
b. I will not get a raise or I will take my family on a vacation.

Solution
Let p represent the statement “I will get a raise,” and let q represent the statement “I will
take my family on a vacation.” Then, you can represent the statement in part (a) as p→q
and the statement in part (b) as ~p ˅ q. The logical equivalence of these two statements
is shown in the following truth table.
p→q ≡ ~p ˅ q

p q ~p ~p ˅ q p→q
T T F T T
T F F F F
F T T T T
F F T T T

Identical
Because the fourth and fifth columns of the truth table are identical, you can conclude
that the two statements p→q and ~p ˅ q are logically equivalent.

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 E8 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

From the table in Example 2 and the fact that ~(~p) ≡ p, you can write the
negation of a statement. That is, because p→q is equivalent to ~p ˅ q, it follows that the
negation of p→q must be ~(~p ˅ q), which by DeMorgan’s Laws can be written as follows.
~( p→q) ≡ p ˄ ~q
For the conditional statement p→q, there are three important associated conditional
statements.
1. The converse of p→q: q→p
2. The inverse of p→q: ~p→~q
3. The contrapositive of p→q: ~q→~p
From the table below, you can see that these four statements yield two pairs of logically
equivalent conditional statements. The connective “→” is used to determine the truth
values in the last three columns of the table.

p q ~p ~q p→q ~q → ~p q→p ~p → ~q
T T F F T T T T
T F F T F F T T
F T T F T T F F
F F T T T T T T

Identical Identical

Writing the Converse, Inverse, and Contrapositive

Write the converse, inverse, and contrapositive of the conditional statement “If I get a B
on my test, then I will pass the course.”

Solution
a. Converse: If I pass the course, then I got a B on my test.
b. Inverse: If I do not get a B on my test, then I will not pass the course.
c. Contrapositive: If I do not pass the course, then I did not get a B on my test.

In Example 3, be sure you see that neither the converse nor the inverse is logically
equivalent to the original conditional statement. To see this, consider that the original
conditional statement simply states that if you get a B on your test, then you will pass
the course. The converse is not true because knowing that you passed the course does
not imply that you got a B on the test. After all, you might have gotten an A on the test.
A biconditional statement, denoted by p↔q, is the conjunction of the conditional
statement p→q and its converse q→p. Often a biconditional statement is written as
“p if and only if q,” or in shorter form as “p iff q.” A biconditional statement is true
when both components are true and when both components are false, as shown in the
following truth table.

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 Section E.2  Conditional Statements, Quantifiers, and Venn Diagrams E9

Biconditional Statement: p if and only if q

p q p→q q→p p↔q (p → q) ˄ (q → p)

T T T T T T
T F F T F F
F T T F F F
F F T T T T

The following list summarizes some of the laws of logic that have been discussed
up to this point.

Laws of Logic
1. For every statement p, either p is true or p is false. Law of Excluded Middle
2. ~(~p) ≡ p Law of Double Negation
3. ~( p ˅ q) ≡ ~p ˄ ~q DeMorgan’s Law
4. ~( p ˄ q) ≡ ~p ˅ ~q DeMorgan’s Law
5. p→q ≡ ~p ˅ q Law of Implication
6. p→q ≡ ~q→~p Law of Contraposition

Logical Quantifiers
Logical quantifiers are words such as some, all, every, each, one, and none. Here are
some examples of statements with quantifiers.
Some isosceles triangles are right triangles.
Every painting on display is for sale.
Not all corporations have male chief executive officers.
All squares are parallelograms.
Being able to recognize the negation of a statement involving a quantifier is one of
the most important skills in logic. For instance, consider the statement “All dogs are
brown.” In order for this statement to be false, you do not have to show that all dogs are
not brown, you must simply find at least one dog that is not brown. So, the negation of
the statement is “Some dogs are brown.”
Some of the more common negations involving quantifiers are listed below.

Negating Statements with Quantifiers

Statement Negation
1. All p are q. Some p are not q.
2. Some p are q. No p is q.
3. Some p are not q. All p are q.
4. No p is q. Some p are q.

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 E10 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

When using logical quantifiers, the word all can be replaced by the word each or
the word every. For instance, the following are equivalent.
All p are q.   Each p is q.   Every p is q.
Similarly, the word some can be replaced by the words at least one. For instance,
the following are equivalent.
Some p are q.    At least one p is q.

Negating Quantifying Statements

Write the negation of each statement.
a. All students study.
b. Not all prime numbers are odd.
c. At least one mammal can fly.
d. Some bananas are not yellow.

Solution
a. Some students do not study.
b. All prime numbers are odd.
c. No mammal can fly.
d. All bananas are yellow.

Venn Diagrams
Venn diagrams are figures that are used to show relationships between two or more sets
of objects. They can help you to interpret quantifying statements. Study the following
Venn diagrams in which the circle marked A represents people over 6 feet tall and the
circle marked B represents the basketball players.
1. All basketball players are 2. Some basketball players are
over 6 feet tall. over 6 feet tall.
A B
A

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 Section E.2  Conditional Statements, Quantifiers, and Venn Diagrams E11

3. Some basketball players are 4. No basketball player is

not over 6 feet tall. over 6 feet tall.
A B A B

x x

E.2 Exercises
In Exercises 1– 4, write the verbal form for each of the 13. If 4 is odd, then 3 is odd.
following. 14. If 4 is odd, then 2 is odd.
(a) p→q (b) q→p (c) ~q→~p (d) p→~q 15. If 2n is even, then 2n + 2 is odd.
1. p: The engine is running. 16. If 2n + 1 is even, then 2n + 2 is odd.
q: The engine is wasting gasoline. 17. 3 + 11 > 16 only if 2 + 3 = 5.
2. p: The student is at school. 1 2 1
18. ​ —6 ​ < —​ 3 ​is necessary for —​ 2 ​ > 0.
q: It is nine o'clock. 19. x = −2 follows from 2x + 3 = x + 1.
3. p: The integer is even. 20. If 2x = 224, then x = 10.
q: It is divisible by 2.
In Exercises 21–28, use a truth table to show the
4. p: The person is generous.
logical equivalence of the two statements. See Example 2.
q: The person is rich.
21. q→p ~p→~q
In Exercises 5–10, write the symbolic form of the 22. ~p→q p˅q
compound statement. Let p represent the statement 23. ~( p→q) p ˄ ~q
“The economy is expanding,” and let q represent the
statement “Interest rates are low." 24. ( p ˅ q)→q p→q

5. If interest rates are low, then the economy is expanding. 25. ( p→q) ˅ ~q p ˅ ~p

6. If interest rates are not low, then the economy is not 26. q→(~p ˅ q) q˅q
expanding. 27. p→(~p ˄ q) ~p
7. An expanding economy implies low interest rates. 28. ~( p ˄ q)→~q p ˅ ~q
8. Low interest rates are sufficient for an expanding economy.
29. 
Select the statement that is logically equivalent to
9. 
Low interest rates are necessary for an expanding the statement “If a number is divisible by 6, then it is
economy. divisible by 2.”
10. The economy will expand only if interest rates are low. (a) If a number is divisible by 2, then it is divisible by 6.
(b) If a number is not divisible by 6, then it is not
In Exercises 11–20, give the truth value of the conditional
divisible by 2.
statement. See Example 1.
(c) If a number is not divisible by 2, then it is not
11. If 4 is even, then 12 is even.
divisible by 6.
12. If 4 is even, then 2 is odd.
(d) Some numbers are divisible by 6 and not divisible by 2.

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 E12 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

30. Select the statement that is logically equivalent to the In Exercises 39– 46, construct a truth table for the
statement “It is not true that Pam is a conservative and compound statement.
a Democrat.”
39. ~( p→~q) 40. ~q→( p→q)
(a) Pam is a conservative and a Democrat.
41. ~(q→p) ˄ q 42. p→(~p ˅ q)
(b) Pam is not a conservative and not a Democrat.
43. [( p ˅ q) ˄ (~p)]→q 44. [( p→q) ˄ (~q)]→p
(c) Pam is not a conservative or she is not a Democrat.
45. ( p↔~q)→~p 46. ( p ˅ ~q)↔(q→~p)
(d) If Pam is not a conservative, then she is a Democrat.
31. Select the statement that is not logically equivalent to In Exercises 47– 60, write the negation of the statement.
the statement “Every citizen over the age of 18 has the See Example 4.
right to vote.” 47. Paul is a junior or a senior.
(a) Some citizens over the age of 18 have the right to 48. Jack is a senior and he plays varsity basketball.
vote.
49. If the temperature increases, then the metal rod will
(b) Each citizen over the age of 18 has the right to vote. expand.
(c) All citizens over the age of 18 have the right to vote. 50. If the test fails, then the project will be halted.
(d) No citizen over the age of 18 can be restricted from 51. We will go to the ocean only if the weather forecast is
voting. good.
32. Select the statement that is not logically equivalent to 52. Completing the pass on this play is necessary if we are
the statement “It is necessary to pay the registration fee going to win the game.
to take the course.”
53. Some students are in extracurricular activities.
(a) 
If you take the course, then you must pay the
registration fee. 54. Some odd integers are not prime numbers.

(b) If you do not pay the registration fee, then you 55. All contact sports are dangerous.
cannot take the course. 56. All members must pay their dues prior to June 1.
(c) If you pay the registration fee, then you may take 57. No child is allowed at the concert.
the course.
58. No contestant is over the age of 12.
(d) 
You may take the course only if you pay the
registration fee. 59. At least one of the $20 bills is counterfeit.
60. At least one unit is defective.
In Exercises 33–38, write the converse, inverse, and
contrapositive of the statement. See Example 3. In Exercises 61–70, sketch a Venn diagram and shade
33. If the sky is clear, then you can see the eclipse. the region that illustrates the given statement. Let A
be a circle that represents people who are happy, and
34. If the person is nearsighted, then he is ineligible for the
let B be a circle that represents college students.
job.
61. All college students are happy.
35. If taxes are raised, then the deficit will increase.
62. All happy people are college students.
36. If wages are raised, then the company's profits will
decrease. 63. No college students are happy.
37. It is necessary to have a birth certificate to apply for the 64. No happy people are college students.
visa.
65. Some college students are not happy.
38. The number is divisible by 3 only if the sum of its digits
66. Some happy people are not college students.
is divisible by 3.
67. At least one college student is happy.
68. At least one happy person is not a college student.
69. Each college student is sad.
70. Each sad person is not a college student.

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 Section E.3   Logical Arguments E13

In Exercises 71–74, determine whether the statement 73. (a) All blue cars are old.
follows from the given Venn diagram. Assume that (b) Some blue cars are not old.
each area shown in the Venn diagram is non-empty.
(Note: Use only the information given in the diagram.
Do not be concerned with whether the statement is
actually true or false.) Blue cars Old cars

71. (a) All toads are green.

(b) Some toads are green.
74. (a) No football players are over 6 feet tall.
(b) Every football player is over 6 feet tall.
Green
things Toads
People who Football
are over players
six feet tall

72. (a) All men are company presidents.

(b) Some company presidents are women.

Company
presidents

Men

E.3 Logical Arguments

Arguments
Venn Diagrams and Arguments
Proofs

Arguments
An argument is a collection of statements, listed in order. The last statement is called the
conclusion and the other statements are called the premises. An argument is valid if the
conjunction of all the premises implies the conclusion. The most common type of argument
takes the following form.
Premise #1: p→q
Premise #2: p
Conclusion: q
This form of argument is called the Law of Detachment or Modus Ponens. It is illustrated
in the following example.

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 E14 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

A Valid Argument
Show that the following argument is valid.
Premise #1: If Sean is a freshman, then he is taking algebra.
Premise #2: Sean is a freshman.
Conclusion: So, Sean is taking algebra.

Solution
Let p represent the statement “Sean is a freshman,” and let q represent the statement
“Sean is taking algebra.” Then the argument fits the Law of Detachment, which can
be written as [( p→q) ˄ p]→q. The validity of this argument is shown in the following
truth table.
Law of Detachment

p q p→q (p → q) ˄ p [(p → q) ˄ p]→q

T T T T T
T F F F T
F T T F T
F F T F T

Keep in mind that the validity of an argument has nothing to do with the
truthfulness of the premises or conclusion. For instance, the following argument is
valid­—the fact that it is fanciful does not alter its validity.
Premise #1: If I snap my fingers, elephants will stay out of my house.
Premise #2: I am snapping my fingers.
Conclusion: So, elephants will stay out of my house.

Four Types of Valid Arguments

Name Pattern
1. Law of Detachment Premise #1: p→q
or Modus Ponens Premise #2: p
Conclusion: q
2. Law of Contraposition Premise #1: p→q
or Modus Tollens Premise #2: ~q
Conclusion: ~p
3. Law of Transitivity Premise #1: p→q
or Syllogism Premise #2: q→r
Conclusion: p→r
4. Law of Disjunctive Premise #1: p ˅ q
Syllogism Premise #2: ~p
Conclusion: q

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 Section E.3   Logical Arguments E15

An Invalid Argument
Determine whether the following argument is valid.
Premise #1: If John is elected, the income tax will be increased.
Premise #2: The income tax was increased.
Conclusion: So, John was elected.

Solution
This argument has the following form.
Pattern Implication
Premise #1: p→q [( p→q) ˄ q]→p
Premise #2: q
Conclusion: p
This is not one of the four valid forms of arguments that were listed. You can construct
a truth table to verify that the argument is invalid, as follows.
An Invalid Argument

p q p→q (p → q) ˄ q [(p → q) ˄ q]→p

T T T T T
T F F F T
F T T T F
F F T F T

An invalid argument, such as the one in Example 2, is called a fallacy. Other

common fallacies are given in the following example.

Common Fallacies
Each of the following arguments is invalid.
a. Arguing from the Converse: If the football team wins the championship, then
students will skip classes. The students skipped classes. So, the football team won
the championship.
b. Arguing from the Inverse: If the football team wins the championship, then students
will skip classes. The football team did not win the championship. So, the students
did not skip classes.
c. Arguing from False Authority: Wheaties are best for you because Joe Montana eats
them.
d. A
 rguing from an Example: Beta brand products are not reliable because my Beta
brand snowblower does not start in cold weather.

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 E16 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

e. Arguing from Ambiguity: If an automobile carburetor is modified, the automobile

will pollute. Brand X automobiles have modified carburetors. So, Brand X automobiles
pollute.
f. Arguing by False Association: Joe was running through the alley when the fire
alarm went off. So, Joe started the fire.

A Valid Argument
Determine whether the following argument is valid.
Premise #1: You like strawberry pie or you like chocolate pie.
Premise #2: You do not like strawberry pie.
Conclusion: So, you like chocolate pie.
Solution
This argument has the following form.
Premise #1: p ˅ q
Premise #2: ~p
Conclusion: q
This argument is a disjunctive syllogism, which is one of the four common types of
valid arguments.

In a valid argument, the conclusion drawn from the premise is called a valid
conclusion.

Making Valid Conclusions

Given the following two premises, which of the conclusions are valid?
Premise #1: If you like boating, then you like swimming.
Premise #2: If you like swimming, then you are a scholar.
a. Conclusion: If you like boating, then you are a scholar.
b. Conclusion: If you do not like boating, then you are not a scholar.
c. Conclusion: If you are not a scholar, then you do not like boating.

Solution
a. This conclusion is valid. It follows from the Law of Transitivity or Syllogism.
b. This conclusion is invalid. The fallacy stems from arguing from the inverse.
c. This conclusion is valid. It follows from the Law of Contraposition.

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 Section E.3   Logical Arguments E17

z Venn Diagrams and Arguments

Scholars
Venn diagrams can be used to test informally the validity of an argument. For instance,
a Venn diagram for the premises in Example 5 is shown in Figure E.1. In this figure, the
y Swimmers validity of conclusion (a) is seen by choosing a boater x in all three sets. Conclusion (b)
is seen to be invalid by choosing a person y who is a scholar but does not like boating.
Boaters Finally, person z indicates the validity of conclusion (c).
x Venn diagrams work well for testing arguments that involve quantifiers, as shown
in the next two examples.

Using a Venn Diagram to Show That an

 Argument Is Not Valid
Figure E.1

Use a Venn diagram to test the validity of the following argument.

Premise #1: Some plants are green.
Green
things Premise #2: All lettuce is green.
Plants Conclusion: So, lettuce is a plant.

Lettuce Solution
From the Venn diagram shown in Figure E.2, you can see that this is not a valid
argument. Remember that even though the conclusion is true (lettuce is a plant), this
Figure E.2 does not imply that the argument is true.

When you are using Venn diagrams, you must remember to draw the most general
case. For example, in Figure E.2, the circle representing plants is not drawn entirely
within the circle representing green things because you are told that only some plants
are green.

Using a Venn Diagram to Show That an

 
Argument Is Valid
Physically Use a Venn diagram to test the validity of the following argument.
fit people Premise #1: All good tennis players are physically fit.
Good Premise #2: Some golfers are good tennis players.
tennis
Golfers players Conclusion: So, some golfers are physically fit.

Solution
Because the set of golfers intersects the set of good tennis players, as shown in
Figure E.3, the set of golfers must also intersect the set of physically fit people. So, the
Figure E.3 argument is valid.

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 E18 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

Proofs
What does the word proof mean to you? In mathematics, the word proof is used to
mean simply a valid argument. Many proofs involve more than two premises and a
conclusion. For instance, the proof in Example 8 involves three premises and a conclusion.

A Proof by Contraposition
Use the following three premises to prove that “It is not snowing today.”
Premise #1: If it is snowing today, Greg will go skiing.
Premise #2: If Greg is skiing today, then he is not studying.
Premise #3: Greg is studying today.

Solution
Let p represent the statement “It is snowing today,” let q represent “Greg is skiing,” and
let r represent “Greg is studying today.” So, the given premises have the following form.
Premise #1: p→q
Premise #2: q→~r
Premise #3: r
By noting that r ≡ ~(~r), reordering the premises, and writing the contrapositives of the
first and second premises, you obtain the following valid argument.
Premise #3: r
Contrapositive of Premise #2: r→~q
Contrapositive of Premise #1: ~q→~p
Conclusion: ~p
So, you can conclude ~p. That is, “It is not snowing today.”

E.3 Exercises
In Exercises 1–4, use a truth table to show that the In Exercises 5–8, use a truth table to show that the
given argument is valid. See Example 1. given argument is invalid. See Example 2.
1. Premise #1: p→~q 2. Premise #1: p↔q 5. Premise #1: ~p→q 6. Premise #1: p→q
Premise #2: q Premise #2: p Premise #2: p Premise #2: ~p
Conclusion: ~p Conclusion: q Conclusion: ~q Conclusion: ~q
3. Premise #1: p˅q 4. Premise #1: p˄q 7. Premise #1: p˅q 8. Premise #1: ~( p ˄ q)
Premise #2: ~p Premise #2: ~p Premise #2: q Premise #2: q
Conclusion: q Conclusion: q Conclusion: p Conclusion: p

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 Section E.3   Logical Arguments E19

In Exercises 9–22, determine whether the argument is 19. Premise #1: Eric is at the store or the handball court.
valid or invalid. See Example 4. Premise #2: He is not at the store.
9. Premise #1: If taxes are increased, then businesses will Conclusion: So, he must be at the handball court.
leave the state. 20. Premise #1: The book must be returned within 2 weeks
Premise #2: Taxes are increased. or you pay a fine.
Conclusion: So, businesses will leave the state. Premise #2: The book was not returned within 2 weeks.
10. Premise #1: If a student does the homework, then a Conclusion: So, you must pay a fine.
good grade is certain. 21. Premise #1: It is not true that it is a diamond and it
Premise #2: Liza does the homework. sparkles in the sunlight.
Conclusion: So, Liza will receive a good grade for the Premise #2: It does sparkle in the sunlight.
course. Conclusion: So, it is a diamond.
11. Premise #1: If taxes are increased, then businesses will 22. Premise #1: 
Either I work tonight or I pass the
leave the state. mathematics test.
Premise #2: Businesses are leaving the state. Premise #2: I’m going to work tonight.
Conclusion: So, taxes were increased. Conclusion: So, I will fail the mathematics test.
12. Premise #1: If a student does the homework, then a
good grade is certain. In Exercises 23–30, determine which conclusion is valid
Premise #2: Liza received a good grade for the course.
from the given premises. See Example 5.
Conclusion: So, Liza did her homework. 23. Premise #1: If 7 is a prime number, then 7 does
not divide evenly into 21.
13. Premise #1: If the doors are kept locked, then the car
Premise #2: Seven divides evenly into 21.
will not be stolen.
(a) Conclusion: So, 7 is a prime number.
Premise #2: The car was stolen.
(b) Conclusion: So, 7 is not a prime number.
Conclusion: So, the car doors were unlocked.
(c) Conclusion: So, 21 divided by 7 is 3.
14. Premise #1: If Jan passes the exam, she is eligible for
24. Premise #1: If the fuel is shut off, then the fire
the position.
will be extinguished.
Premise #2: Jan is not eligible for the position.
Premise #2: The fire continues to burn.
Conclusion: So, Jan did not pass the exam.
(a) Conclusion: So, the fuel was not shut off.
15. Premise #1: All cars manufactured by the Ford Motor (b) Conclusion: So, the fuel was shut off.
Company are reliable.
(c) Conclusion: So, the fire becomes hotter.
Premise #2: Lincolns are manufactured by Ford.
25. Premise #1: It is necessary that interest rates be
Conclusion: So, Lincolns are reliable cars. lowered for the economy to improve.
16. Premise #1: Some cars manufactured by the Ford Motor Premise #2: Interest rates were not lowered.
Company are reliable. (a) Conclusion: So, the economy will improve.
Premise #2: Lincolns are manufactured by Ford. (b) Conclusion: So, interest rates are irrelevant to the
Conclusion: So, Lincolns are reliable. performance of the economy.
17. Premise #1: All federal income tax forms are subject (c) Conclusion: So, the economy will not improve.
to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. 26. Premise #1: It will snow only if the temperature
Premise #2: The 1040 Schedule A form is subject to the is below 32° at some level of the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1980. atmosphere.
Conclusion: So, the 1040 Schedule A form is a federal Premise #2: It is snowing.
income tax form. (a) Conclusion: So, the temperature is below 32° at
ground level.
18. Premise #1: All integers divisible by 6 are divisible
by 3. (b) Conclusion: So, the temperature is above 32° at
some level of the atmosphere.
Premise #2: Eighteen is divisible by 6.
(c) Conclusion: So, the temperature is below 32° at
Conclusion: So, 18 is divisible by 3.
some level of the atmosphere.

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 E20 Appendix E   Introduction to Logic

27. Premise #1:  Smokestack emissions must be 32. Premise #1: All human beings require adequate rest.
reduced or acid rain will continue as Premise #2: All infants are human beings.
an environmental problem.
Conclusion: So, all infants require adequate rest.
Premise #2:  Smokestack emissions have not
decreased. 33. Premise #1: No person under the age of 18 is eligible
to vote.
(a) Conclusion: So, the ozone layer will continue to
be depleted. Premise #2: Some college students are eligible to vote.
(b) Conclusion: So, acid rain will continue as an Conclusion: So, some college students are under the
environmental problem. age of 18.
(c) Conclusion: So, stricter automobile emission 34. Premise #1: Every amateur radio operator has a radio
standards must be enacted. license.
28. Premise #1:  The library must upgrade its Premise #2: Jackie has a radio license.
computer system or service will not Conclusion: So, Jackie is an amateur radio operator.
improve.
Premise #2: Service at the library has improved. In Exercises 35–38, use the premises to prove the given
(a) Conclusion: So, the computer system was upgraded. conclusion. See Example 8.
(b) Conclusion: So, more personnel were hired for 35. Premise #1: If Sue drives to work, then she will stop at
the library. the grocery store.
(c) Conclusion: So, the computer system was not Premise #2: If she stops at the grocery store, then she
upgraded. will buy milk.
29. Premise #1: If Rodney studies, then he will make Premise #3: Sue drove to work today.
good grades. Conclusion: So, Sue will buy milk.
Premise #2: If he makes good grades, then he will
get a good job. 36. Premise #1: If Bill is patient, then he will succeed.
(a) Conclusion: So, Rodney will get a good job. Premise #2: Bill will get bonus pay if he succeeds.
(b) Conclusion: So, if Rodney doesn’t study, then he Premise #3: Bill did not get bonus pay.
won’t get a good job. Conclusion: So, Bill is not patient.
(c) Conclusion: So, if Rodney doesn’t get a good job, 37. Premise #1: If this is a good product, then we should
then he didn’t study. buy it.
30. Premise #1: It is necessary to have a ticket and an Premise #2: Either it was made by XYZ Corporation,
ID card to get into the arena. or we will not buy it.
Premise #2: Janice entered the arena. Premise #3: It is not made by XYZ Corporation.
(a) Conclusion: So, Janice does not have a ticket. Conclusion: So, it is not a good product.
(b) Conclusion: So, Janice has a ticket and an ID 38. Premise #1: If it is raining today, Pam will clean her
card. apartment.
(c) Conclusion: So, Janice has an ID card. Premise #2: If Pam is cleaning her apartment today,
then she is not riding her bike.
In Exercises 31–34, use a Venn diagram to test the
validity of the argument. See Examples 6 and 7. Premise #3: Pam is riding her bike today.
Conclusion: It is not raining today.
31. Premise #1: All numbers divisible by 10 are divisible
by 5.
Premise #2: Fifty is divisible by 10.
Conclusion: So, 50 is divisible by 5.

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