Discrete Math Help: Rewrite Statement with Logical Equivalences

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on rewriting the logical statement (p → (q → r)) ↔ ((p ∧ q) → r) using established logical equivalences: p → q ≡ ¬p ∨ q and p ↔ q ≡ (p → q) ∧ (q → p). Participants clarify the approach by defining P as (p → (q → r)) and Q as ((p ∧ q) → r), emphasizing the need to apply the equivalences correctly. The final expression derived is ¬(¬p ∨ (¬q ∨ r)) ∨ ((¬p ∧ q) ∨ r) ∧ (¬(¬p ∧ q) ∨ r) ∨ (¬p ∨ (¬q ∨ r)).

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of logical equivalences, specifically p → q and p ↔ q.
  • Familiarity with propositional logic notation and operations.
  • Knowledge of how to manipulate logical statements using equivalences.
  • Basic skills in logical reasoning and problem-solving.
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of logical equivalences in propositional logic.
  • Learn about truth tables and their use in validating logical statements.
  • Explore advanced topics in discrete mathematics, such as predicate logic.
  • Practice rewriting complex logical statements using equivalences and truth tables.
USEFUL FOR

Students of discrete mathematics, educators teaching logic, and anyone seeking to improve their skills in logical reasoning and statement manipulation.

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Homework Statement



Use the logical equivalences p \rightarrow q \equiv \sim p \vee q and p \leftrightarrow q \equiv (p \rightarrow q) \wedge (q \rightarrow p) to rewrite the statement form:

(p \rightarrow (q \rightarrow r)) \leftrightarrow ((p \wedge q) \rightarrow r)

Homework Equations


None

The Attempt at a Solution



My initial assumption is to set this up as:

Let P == (p \rightarrow (q \rightarrow r))
Let Q == ((p \wedge q) \rightarrow r)

Then plug in from there with the equivalences to get:

(p \rightarrow q) \wedge (q \rightarrow p)

Furthermore:

(\sim p \vee q) \wedge (q \rightarrow p)

Is this the right approach, or am I starting it out wrong?
 
Last edited:
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You said "Let P= (p \rightarrow (q \rightarrow r))" and "Let Q= ((p \wedge q) \rightarrow r)" but then wrote "(p \rightarrow q) \wedge (q \rightarrow p)"

Don't you mean (P \rightarrow Q) \wedge (Q \rightarrow P)?

Use p \rightarrow q \equiv \sim p \vee q to rewrite each part of that, then use it again to rewrite P and Q separately and plop them in there.
 
Heres what I ended up with:

\sim ( \sim p \vee ( \sim q \vee r)) \vee (( \sim p \wedge q) \vee r) \wedge ( \sim( \sim p \wedge q)\vee r) \vee ( \sim p \vee ( \sim q \vee r))
 
Last edited:

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