Compound Propositions: Is Referring to Variables Correct?

Thread starter Bashyboy
Start date Aug 30, 2012

In summary, compound propositions are statements formed by combining simple propositions using logical operators, while simple propositions are statements that cannot be further broken down. Variables can be used in compound propositions to represent different values and truth values. It is correct to refer to variables as long as they are clearly defined and their truth values are consistent. Compound propositions and mathematical expressions both use logical operators, but while mathematical expressions are evaluated to a numerical value, compound propositions are evaluated to a truth value. Compound propositions can also be used to represent real-life scenarios by using variables and logical operators to formulate more complex and accurate statements.

Aug 30, 2012

Bashyboy

In my discrete math textbook, they will take a compound proposition--say, [itex]p \rightarrow q[/itex]--and will refer to the propositional variables as compound propositions. This does not seem correct, and input?

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Aug 30, 2012

Bacle2

Science Advisor

I think it would help if you explained you're question some more and give actual

examples. I'm not clear on what you're asking.

1. What are compound propositions and how do they differ from simple propositions?

Compound propositions are statements that are formed by combining two or more simple propositions using logical operators such as "and" and "or". Simple propositions, on the other hand, are statements that cannot be broken down any further and are either true or false.

2. Can variables be used in compound propositions?

Yes, variables can be used in compound propositions as a way to represent different values. These variables can be assigned different truth values, allowing for more complex and flexible statements.

3. Is it correct to refer to variables in compound propositions?

Yes, it is correct to refer to variables in compound propositions as long as the variables are clearly defined and their truth values are consistent. This allows for more general statements that can be applied to different scenarios.

4. How do compound propositions relate to mathematical expressions?

Compound propositions and mathematical expressions both use logical operators to combine simpler components. However, while mathematical expressions are evaluated to a numerical value, compound propositions are evaluated to a truth value (true or false).

5. Can compound propositions be used to represent real-life scenarios?

Yes, compound propositions can be used to represent real-life scenarios by using variables to represent different situations and logical operators to combine them. This allows for the formulation of more complex and accurate statements about these scenarios.