Set problems(Of which one includes propositional logic)

Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around two set problems, one involving the powerset of the empty set and the other formalizing a logical puzzle known as the Dolphin puzzle using set theory. The participants are exploring the implications of set inclusions and logical reasoning within these contexts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Problem interpretation

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Participants attempt to define sets related to the Dolphin puzzle and question how to derive conclusions from their definitions. There is uncertainty about the correctness of their set inclusions and whether they need to define the sets first.

Discussion Status

Some participants express confusion about how to approach the Dolphin puzzle and the implications of the statements provided. There is an acknowledgment of the need to clarify definitions and relationships between the sets, but no consensus has been reached on the correct approach or conclusions.

Contextual Notes

Participants note the challenge of deriving a conclusion regarding dolphins from the statements provided, particularly highlighting the absence of direct references to dolphins in the original statements. There is also a mix-up where one participant equates kangaroos with dolphins, which may affect the interpretation of the problem.

Meneldur
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
I have a few questions regarding 2 set problems.

Exercise 1:

Homework Statement


1. the set A = P(empty) (the powerset of the empty set);
2. the set B = P(A);
3. the set C = P(B).

2. The attempt at a solution

1. A= {empty}
2. B = {empty, {empty}}
3. C = {empty, {empty}, {{empty}}, {empty, {empty}}}

Exercise 2:

Homework Statement


Formalise the Dolphin puzzle in set theory.
Use chaining of set inclusions to derive the conclusion.
Puzzle:
(1) The only animals in this house are cats.
(2) Every animal is suitable for a pet, that loves to gaze at the moon.
(3) When I detest an animal, I avoid it.
(4) No animals are carnivorous, unless they prowl at night.
(5) No cat fails to kill mice.
(6) No animal ever take to me, except what are in this house.
(7) Kangaroos are not suitable for pets.
(8) None but carnivora kill mice.
(9) I detest animals that do not take to me.
(10) Animals that prowl at night always love to gaze at the moon.
- Argue that they imply I always avoid a dolphin.

2. The attempt at a solution
Sadly I don't even know how to attempt to solve this so any help is greatly appreciated :)

Cheers.
 
Physics news on Phys.org
After some further study I've come to a few ideas about how to solve it:
Animal ⊆ Cat
Gaze ⊆ Suitable
Detesh ⊆ Avoid
Carnivorous ⊆ Prowl
Cat ⊆ NotFail
Take to me ⊆ Animal
Kangaroo ⊆ NotSuitable
Carnivora ⊆ KillMice
NotTake ⊆ Detest
Prowl ⊆ Gaze
Now I'm not even sure of those are correct. But assuming they are how do I draw a conclusion out of them? And do I need to define them as sets first?
 
Meneldur said:
I have a few questions regarding 2 set problems.

Exercise 1:

Homework Statement


1. the set A = P(empty) (the powerset of the empty set);
2. the set B = P(A);
3. the set C = P(B).

2. The attempt at a solution

1. A= {empty}
2. B = {empty, {empty}}
3. C = {empty, {empty}, {{empty}}, {empty, {empty}}}

Exercise 2:

Homework Statement


Formalise the Dolphin puzzle in set theory.
Use chaining of set inclusions to derive the conclusion.
Puzzle:
(1) The only animals in this house are cats.
(2) Every animal is suitable for a pet, that loves to gaze at the moon.
(3) When I detest an animal, I avoid it.
(4) No animals are carnivorous, unless they prowl at night.
(5) No cat fails to kill mice.
(6) No animal ever take to me, except what are in this house.
(7) Kangaroos are not suitable for pets.
(8) None but carnivora kill mice.
(9) I detest animals that do not take to me.
(10) Animals that prowl at night always love to gaze at the moon.
- Argue that they imply I always avoid a dolphin.

2. The attempt at a solution
Sadly I don't even know how to attempt to solve this so any help is greatly appreciated :)

Cheers.
Since the objective is to arrive at "I always avoid a dolphin" I would start by looking at "(3) when I detest an animal I avoid it" (the only one that involves "I detest") as the last line so the problem becomes showing "I detest dolphins". However, I see NO statement that even mentions "dolphins".
If the statement said "kangaroos" rather than "dolphins", then it would be straight forward.
 
Oh sorry about that, I don't know what i was thinking about while I was typing that. Kangaroo = dolphin
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Replies
6
Views
4K
  • · Replies 67 ·
3
Replies
67
Views
16K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
4K
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
4K