What Are the Key Differences in Substitution Notation?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the key differences in substitution notation, specifically in the context of mathematical expressions involving variables a and b. The first substitution, (3 · a + 5 · b)[a, b ≔ b, a], correctly results in (3 · b + 5 · a). However, the second substitution, (3 · a + 5 · b)[a ≔ b][b ≔ a], leads to an incorrect result of (3 · b + 5 · b), highlighting the importance of the order of substitutions. The confusion arises from misunderstanding how multiple substitutions interact with each other.

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  • Understanding of basic algebraic expressions and operations.
  • Familiarity with substitution notation in mathematical contexts.
  • Knowledge of variable manipulation and order of operations.
  • Basic experience with mathematical proofs or problem-solving techniques.
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  • Study the principles of substitution in algebraic expressions.
  • Learn about the implications of order in multiple substitutions.
  • Explore examples of substitution notation in formal logic or programming languages.
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Homework Statement
We have to do calculations that involve substitutions.
Relevant Equations
(3 · a + 5 · b)[a, b ≔ b, a]
(3 · a + 5 · b)[a ≔ b][b ≔ a]
(3 · a + 5 · b)[b, a ≔ a, b]
(3 · a + 5 · b)[b ≔ a][a ≔ b]
For the first one so far I have
(3 · a + 5 · b)[a, b ≔ b, a]
=⟨ Substitution ⟩
(3 · b + 5 · a)
So far this is right, however I don't really know the difference between the others.

For the second one I did
(3 · a + 5 · b)[a ≔ b][b ≔ a]
=⟨ Substitution ⟩
(3 · b + 5 · b)
For this one I got it wrong, I thought I would have to do two substitutions but it's not working out and I keep getting it wrong. I'm very confused what the difference is between all four.

Any help would be appreciated, thank you.
 
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ver_mathstats said:
Homework Statement:: We have to do calculations that involve substitutions.
Relevant Equations:: (3 · a + 5 · b)[a, b ≔ b, a]
(3 · a + 5 · b)[a ≔ b][b ≔ a]
(3 · a + 5 · b)[b, a ≔ a, b]
(3 · a + 5 · b)[b ≔ a][a ≔ b]
What does this notation in these problems mean?
ver_mathstats said:
For the first one so far I have
(3 · a + 5 · b)[a, b ≔ b, a]
=⟨ Substitution ⟩
(3 · b + 5 · a)
So far this is right, however I don't really know the difference between the others.

For the second one I did
(3 · a + 5 · b)[a ≔ b][b ≔ a]
=⟨ Substitution ⟩
(3 · b + 5 · b)
For this one I got it wrong, I thought I would have to do two substitutions but it's not working out and I keep getting it wrong. I'm very confused what the difference is between all four.

Any help would be appreciated, thank you.
 

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