Deductive agruments in finite math: wrong answer in book?

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In summary, a deductive argument in finite math is a logical reasoning process that uses known premises to arrive at a certain conclusion. To determine if the answer in a finite math book is wrong, you can check the premises, logical steps, calculations, and consult with others. If you find a wrong answer, you should bring it to the attention of your instructor or the author. A deductive argument in finite math can have a wrong answer if the premises are inaccurate or if there is a flaw in the logical reasoning process. Deductive reasoning differs from inductive reasoning in that it starts with a general statement and uses it to draw a specific conclusion, while inductive reasoning starts with specific observations and forms a general conclusion.
  • #1
Back2College
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Homework Statement



Identify the following as a valid or an invalid argument.

pq
qr
--------------

∴ ~r → ~p

Homework Equations



N/A

The Attempt at a Solution



Truth table values:

(a) pq TTFFTTTT
(b) qr TFFFTFFF
(c) a ∧ b TFFFTFFF
(d) ~r → ~p TFTFTTTT
(e) c → d TTTTTTTT

Since (e) is true in every case, the argument is valid. However, the answer in the back of the book says invalid.

Am I doing something wrong, or is the answer in the book wrong?
 
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  • #2
Back2College said:
Am I doing something wrong, or is the answer in the book wrong?
I get your answer, but just from reasoning. You are given r and q are true, so the predicate not r leads to contradiction. A false predicate implies anything at all.
 
  • #3
Back2College said:
a) pq TTFFTTTT
It's hard to tell what you mean by this and the other logical expressions you show.
For a truth table for ##p \Rightarrow q##, you need three columns: one for p, one for q, and one for the implication, like this:
##\begin{array} {ccc} \\ p & q & p \Rightarrow q \\
T & T & T \\
T & F & F \\
F & T & T \\
F & F & T \end{array}##
The only pair of values for p and q for which the implication is false is when p is true and q is false. In all other cases, the implication is true.

Edit: Miswrote something in my truth table, but now fixed.
 
  • #4
Mark44 said:
It's hard to tell what you mean by this and the other logical expressions you show.
For a truth table for ##p \Rightarrow q##, you need three columns: one for p, one for q, and one for the implication, like this:
##\begin{array} {ccc} \\ p & q & p \Rightarrow q \\
T & T & T \\
T & F & F \\
F & T & T \\
F & F & F \end{array}##
The only pair of values for p and q for which the implication is false is when p is true and q is false. In all other cases, the implication is true.
Shouldn't the last line in the table read FFT?
 
  • #5
haruspex said:
Shouldn't the last line in the table read FFT?
Yes -- now fixed.
 

1. What is a deductive argument in finite math?

A deductive argument in finite math is a logical reasoning process that uses known premises to arrive at a certain conclusion. It is based on the principle of deductive reasoning, which states that if the premises are true and the reasoning is valid, then the conclusion must also be true.

2. How do you determine if the answer in a finite math book is wrong?

To determine if the answer in a finite math book is wrong, you can follow these steps:

  • Check the given premises and make sure they are accurate.
  • Verify the logical steps used to reach the conclusion.
  • Double-check the calculations and formulas used in the solution.
  • Compare the answer with your own calculations and reasoning.
  • Consult with your instructor or a peer for a second opinion.

3. What should I do if I find a wrong answer in a finite math book?

If you find a wrong answer in a finite math book, you should first try to understand where the mistake was made. Then, you can bring it to the attention of your instructor or the author of the book. They can help clarify any confusion and correct any errors.

4. Can a deductive argument in finite math have a wrong answer?

Yes, a deductive argument in finite math can have a wrong answer if the premises are not accurate or if there is a flaw in the logical reasoning process. It is important to carefully check all the steps and calculations in a deductive argument to ensure the validity of the conclusion.

5. How does deductive reasoning differ from inductive reasoning in finite math?

Deductive reasoning in finite math starts with a general statement or principle and uses it to draw a specific conclusion. Inductive reasoning, on the other hand, starts with specific observations and uses them to form a general conclusion. Deductive reasoning is more focused on the logical process, while inductive reasoning is more focused on making predictions based on observations.

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