Help, using Truth Table prove that the following logic statement is a Tautology

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the task of proving that the logic statement p ∧ (p → q) → q is a tautology using a truth table. Participants are exploring how to correctly set up the truth table and what constitutes a tautology in this context.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant requests help in constructing a truth table to demonstrate that the statement is a tautology.
  • Another participant suggests setting up a truth table with columns for p, q, and p → q, questioning the number of rows needed.
  • A participant provides a truth table for implication but is challenged for not including all necessary columns to demonstrate the original statement as a tautology.
  • There is a discussion about the correct format for the truth table, with examples provided by participants.
  • One participant emphasizes that the truth table must conclude with a column for p ∧ (p → q) → q, which should show true for all cases to confirm it as a tautology.
  • Another participant questions whether the order of rows in the truth table matters, receiving clarification that while it typically follows a certain order, it is not strictly necessary.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the completeness of the truth table setup and the importance of showing work. There is no consensus on the best way to present the truth table, and the discussion remains unresolved regarding the most effective approach to demonstrate the statement as a tautology.

Contextual Notes

Some participants highlight the need for additional columns in the truth table, indicating that assumptions about the structure of the truth table may be missing. There is also a focus on the requirement that all values in the final column must be true for the statement to be classified as a tautology.

Tek1Atom
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Homework Statement



By providing a truth table, show that the following logic statement is a tautology:

p ∧ (p → q) → qAny help will be much appreciated.

Thank You
 
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I would set up a truth table with columns for p, q, and p ==> q. You know how many rows you need, right?
 
p | q | P → q
-------------
T | T | T
T | F | F
F | T | T
F | F | T

Thank you Mark44 but I don't think this is the correct answer/method as the output has to be true in all cases in order for it to be labeled a tautology. Any other suggestions?
 
You are missing at least one column, multiple columns if you want to break things down.
 
D H could you give me an example please as I am new to logic...
 
You have the truth table for implication. p→q obviously is not a tautology. You weren't asked to show that. You were asked to show that p∧(p→q)→q is a tautology. Your truth table needs to end with a p∧(p→q)→q column on the right and with all four values in this column being T.
 
Thank you DH, that was very helpful. My final question is, does it matter which way we write down the truth table?

e.g.

which one is correct?

p | q | P → q | p∧(p→q)→q
---------------------------
T | T | T | T
T | F | F | T
F | T | T | T
F | F | T | T

OR

p | q | P → q | p∧(p→q)→q
---------------------------
F | F | T | T
F | T | T | T
T | F | F | T
T | T | T | T
 
You aren't going to get points for that. At least I hope you aren't. There is a thing called showing your work.
 
Tek1Atom said:
Thank you DH, that was very helpful. My final question is, does it matter which way we write down the truth table?

e.g.

which one is correct?

p | q | P → q | p∧(p→q)→q
---------------------------
T | T | T | T
T | F | F | T
F | T | T | T
F | F | T | T

OR

p | q | P → q | p∧(p→q)→q
---------------------------
F | F | T | T
F | T | T | T
T | F | F | T
T | T | T | T

To answer your question about the order, it doesn't really matter, but these are usually presented with the top row being T T ... and the bottom row being F F ...
 
  • #10
Thank You Mark44. You have been great!
 

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