Definition of Compound Statement

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SUMMARY

A compound statement, as defined in the context of logic, combines two propositions using the conjunction "or." In the example provided from the Real Analysis textbook by Schramm, the statement "Either 1+1=2 or a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery" illustrates this concept. The truth value of the compound statement is determined by the truth values of its components; in this case, since "1+1=2" is true and "a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery" is false, the overall compound statement is true. This aligns with the principles of sentence logic and predicate logic, specifically First-Order Logic (FOL).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic logical operators, specifically "or" (disjunction).
  • Familiarity with truth values in propositional logic.
  • Knowledge of well-formed formulas (wff) in sentence logic.
  • Basic concepts of Predicate Logic (FOL).
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the principles of propositional logic and truth tables.
  • Learn about well-formed formulas (wff) in formal logic.
  • Explore the differences between sentence logic and predicate logic.
  • Investigate the implications of disjunction in logical statements.
USEFUL FOR

Students of mathematics, particularly those studying logic and analysis, educators teaching logical reasoning, and anyone interested in understanding the foundations of logical statements and their truth values.

wishyouwell
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Hello,

In my Real Analysis textbook (Schramm) they say that an example of compound statement would be "Either 1+1=2 or a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery." I was wondering why this isn't a non-statement since I don't see where the truth value of it would be. Thanks!
 
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wishyouwell said:
Hello,

In my Real Analysis textbook (Schramm) they say that an example of compound statement would be "Either 1+1=2 or a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery." I was wondering why this isn't a non-statement since I don't see where the truth value of it would be. Thanks!
It is ultimately an "or" statement and its truth value depends on the truth value of both " Either 1+1=2" and " a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery" . If seen as a wff in sentence logic , it can be transcribed as " A or B" , then compound (using A,B) similar in Predicate Logic ( more precisely, FOL).
 
wishyouwell said:
Hello,

In my Real Analysis textbook (Schramm) they say that an example of compound statement would be "Either 1+1=2 or a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery." I was wondering why this isn't a non-statement since I don't see where the truth value of it would be. Thanks!
The idea here, with either ... or, is that exactly one of the two statements must be true for the compound statement to be true. In this case 1 + 1 = 2 is a true statement, but (presumably) "a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery" is false. Hence the compound statement is true.

This problem may have come from an analysis book, but it really falls under General Math, so I moved this thread.
 
Two sentences combined with the conjunction OR
 
wishyouwell said:
Hello,

In my Real Analysis textbook (Schramm) they say that an example of compound statement would be "Either 1+1=2 or a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery." I was wondering why this isn't a non-statement since I don't see where the truth value of it would be. Thanks!
You don't see the truth value? "1+ 1= 2" is true and "a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery" is false so the truth value of this statement I "true".
("A or B" is false only when A and B are both false. In all other cases its true.)
 
HallsofIvy said:
You don't see the truth value? "1+ 1= 2" is true and "a pencil is a useful tool in neurosurgery" is false so the truth value of this statement I "true".
That's what I said in post #3...
 

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