Translating sentence into symbols

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around translating an English sentence into logical symbols, specifically focusing on the sentence: "The numbers four and five aren't both prime, but the numbers five and seven are." The scope includes logical representation and the interpretation of logical connectors.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests the initial translation as ~(F&I)v(IvS) but expresses uncertainty about handling the "but."
  • Another participant proposes using "and" instead of "but" for the translation.
  • A subsequent reply reformulates the expression to ~(F&I)&(I&S), indicating a preference for using "and."
  • Another participant clarifies that "but" can be treated as "and" in logical terms, emphasizing that it indicates a contrast rather than a different logical operation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on how to handle the "but" in the translation, with no consensus reached on the final logical expression.

Contextual Notes

There is some ambiguity regarding the interpretation of "but" in logical terms, and the discussion reflects varying approaches to translating the sentence into symbols.

Nathew
I'm having trouble with translating this english sentence into logic symbols.

The sentence is

The numbers four and five aren't both prime, but the numbers five and seven are.

I was thinking ~(F&I)v(IvS) but I really don't know how to deal with the "but".

Thanks
 
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so
~(F&I)&(I&S)
?
 
I meant the upside down v commonly used in logic for AND. The v itself is used for OR.
 
Nathew said:
I was thinking ~(F&I)v(IvS) but I really don't know how to deal with the "but".
Jedishrfu is exactly right. In logic, "but" is equivalent to "and." If you say, for example "x is A but y is B," what you're really saying is "x is A and y is B," and the "but" merely points out that there is some sort of contrast that you want draw the listener's attention to.
 

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