Is AvB Equivalent to Av~~B in Logical Proofs?

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SUMMARY

The discussion confirms that the logical expressions AvB ("A or B") and Av~~B ("A or not not B") are equivalent. The proof utilizes the law of excluded middle and double negation to demonstrate that both expressions yield the same truth values across all scenarios. By analyzing cases where A or B is true, and employing proof by contradiction, the conclusion is reached that AvB implies Av~~B and vice versa. Thus, the equivalence is established definitively.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of logical symbols: A, B, ~ (negation), v (disjunction), and ~~ (double negation).
  • Familiarity with the law of excluded middle in propositional logic.
  • Knowledge of proof techniques, including proof by contradiction.
  • Experience using Fitch, a tool for checking the validity of logical proofs.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the law of excluded middle in greater detail to understand its applications in logical proofs.
  • Learn about proof by contradiction and its role in establishing logical equivalences.
  • Explore the principles of double negation and its implications in propositional logic.
  • Practice using Fitch to validate various logical proofs and enhance proof-writing skills.
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Students of logic, mathematicians, and anyone interested in understanding logical proofs and their equivalences, particularly in the context of propositional logic.

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I am trying to prove that AvB (which reads "A or B") is equivalent to Av~~B (which reads "A or not not B"). My steps are wrong... I checked them out on Fitch (the program we use in class to check validity of proofs). I can't write them out in here... I don't have the right symbols ... so maybe somebody can suggest a starting step that will help?
 
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NM! I got it all on my own! Wow, I am sooo super proud right now!
 


First, let's define the logical symbols we will use in this proof:
- A: statement A
- B: statement B
- ~: negation (not)
- v: disjunction (or)
- ~~: double negation (not not)

To prove that AvB is equivalent to Av~~B, we need to show that they have the same truth values in all possible scenarios. This can be done by showing that each statement implies the other.

Starting with AvB, we can use the law of excluded middle to break it down into two cases: either A is true or B is true.

Case 1: A is true
In this case, AvB is automatically true since one of the disjuncts (A) is true.

Case 2: B is true
Similarly, AvB is true since one of the disjuncts (B) is true.

Therefore, we have shown that AvB implies Av~~B in all possible scenarios.

To show the reverse implication, we can use a proof by contradiction. Assume that AvB is false. This means that both A and B are false. Using the double negation law, we can rewrite this as ~~A and ~~B.

Since ~~A is equivalent to A, we can substitute and get A and ~~B. From this, we can apply the law of excluded middle again to get two cases:

Case 1: A is true
This leads to a contradiction since we assumed A to be false.

Case 2: B is true
This also leads to a contradiction since we assumed B to be false.

Therefore, our initial assumption that AvB is false must be incorrect, and thus AvB must be true. This shows that Av~~B implies AvB in all possible scenarios.

Hence, we have shown that AvB and Av~~B are equivalent, and our proof is complete.
 

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