Predicate logic - true or false formulae

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around determining the truth value of the formula F: ∃x∀y(P(x) → x = y) under three interpretations of the predicate P over the domain D = {a, b}. In the first interpretation, both P(a) and P(b) are true, leading to the conclusion that the formula is false due to contradictions in the implications. In the second interpretation, where both P(a) and P(b) are false, the formula is deemed true since false premises result in a true implication. The third interpretation, with P(a) true and P(b) false, initially leads to confusion, but clarification reveals that the formula is actually true because it suffices to find one valid case for the existential quantifier. Ultimately, the misunderstanding lies in the interpretation of the existential quantifier, which allows for the formula to be true even if not all cases are true.
sparta123
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Hello everyone, I can't seem to understand how to do this question.

Determine whether the formula F: ∃x∀y(P(x) → x = y) is true or false under each of the following interpretations over the domain D = {a, b}.

(i) both P(a) and P(b) are true;

(ii) both P(a) and P(b) are false;

(iii) P(a) is true and P(b) is false.Before I post my solution, please let me know if you think I'm not understanding the question. I think we are asked to write out all the interpretations for the 3 different cases and determine whether they make the formula true or false. If there are no false cases then the formula is true under the given interpretations - otherwise false. Here is my solution:

i) we can immediately see two cases which would make the formula false so it is false under interpretation i) :
P(a) → a=b and P(b) → b=a

ii) No need to check here because the premises would be false so the formula is true in every case.

iii) there are four cases, one of which is false so F is false under interpretation iii) :

1) P(a) → a=a [true] 2) P(a)→ a=b [false] 3) P(b)→ b=b [true] 4) P(b)→ b=a [true]So my final answers would be i) false ii) true iii) false

My answers for i) and ii) are matching with the answers sheet but our lecturer has provided me with the following solution for iii): "Then the formula is true. Indeed, both P(b) → b = a and P(b) → b = b are true."Can somebody please explain to me where I am wrong?
 
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Your error is in understanding the significance of the ∃x element. It means that you only have to find some x for which ∀y(P(x) → x = y) is true for the whole to be true.
 
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