If and only if relationship between them?

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The discussion centers on the necessity of proving an "if and only if" relationship when demonstrating the equivalence of definitions in mathematics. Participants clarify that equivalence differs from identity, with the former involving variables that can yield true statements under specific conditions. The example of "3 + x = 6" illustrates equivalence, while "3 + 3 = 6" exemplifies identity. The consensus is that establishing an "if and only if" relationship is essential in logical proofs of equivalence.

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  • Familiarity with logical proofs and their structures
  • Basic knowledge of variables and equations
  • Concept of "if and only if" in logic
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_DJ_british_?
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"if and only if" relationship between them?

Hi Pfers, just a little question :

If you have a problem of the form "Show that these definitions are equivalent",do I basically have to prove an "if and only if" relationship between them?
 
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Equivalence is different from identity in math, in that, if two sides of an equation are equivalent, as opposed to identical, it just means that there are variables involved of which there are only certain values (in place of the variable(s)) that make the equation a case of identity. So, 3+3 = 6 is a case of identity, while 3 + x = 6 is a case of equivalence, since there is a variable involved (to put it simply). x * 0 = 6 is a case of non-equivalence, since both sides of the equation can never be identical.

You seem to be talking about logic, though (and answering a question), so, yes, you'll want to show that an "if and only if" is possible.
 

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