MHB Understanding the Logic of Quantified Statements

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The discussion centers on the logical interpretation and negation of quantified statements, specifically the formula ∃x∀y∀z[(F(x, y)∧G(x,z)) → H(y,z)]. Participants analyze the correct application of negation to implications, emphasizing that the negation of A→B is A∧¬B. There is a focus on ensuring proper syntax, particularly regarding parentheses and logical operators. The conversation highlights the need for careful substitution in logical expressions to maintain equivalence. Ultimately, the correct formulation is affirmed as (∀x)(∃y)(∃z)[(F(x,y)∧G(x,z))∧¬H(y,z)].
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∃x∀y∀z[(F(x, y)∧G(x,z)) → H(y,z)]
 
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\begin{align*}
\neg\big[(\exists \, x)(\forall \, y)(\forall \, z)[(F(x,y) \land G(x,z)) \to H(y,z)]\big]
&\equiv (\forall \, x)\neg\big[(\forall \, y)(\forall \, z)[(F(x,y) \land G(x,z)) \to H(y,z)]\big] \\
&\equiv (\forall \, x)(\exists \, y)\neg\big[(\forall \, z)[(F(x,y) \land G(x,z)) \to H(y,z)]\big] \\
&\equiv (\forall \, x)(\exists \, y)(\exists \, z)\neg\big[(F(x,y) \land G(x,z)) \to H(y,z)\big].
\end{align*}
Can you finish?
 
≡(∀x)(∃y)(∃z)[¬(F(x,y)∧G(x,z))→¬H(y,z)]
≡(∀x)(∃y)(∃z)[¬F(x,y)∨¬G(x,z)→¬H(y,z)]

Is this correct?
 
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The negation of $A\to B$ is $A\land\neg B$ and not $\neg A\to\neg B$. In fact, it is not entirely correct to say "the negation" because each formula has infinitely many formulas equivalent to it. For the same reason, the original problem is not well-posed. As it is stated now, it is enough to add $\neg$ to the beginning the formula.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
The negation of $A\to B$ is $A\land\neg B$ and not $\neg A\to\neg B$. In fact, it is not entirely correct to say "the negation" because each formula has infinitely many formulas equivalent to it. For the same reason, the original problem is not well-posed. As it is stated now, it is enough to add $\neg$ to the beginning the formula.

≡(∀x)(∃y)(∃z)[¬F(x,y)VG(x,z))∧H(y,z)]

Would this be it?
 
stan1992 said:
≡(∀x)(∃y)(∃z)[¬F(x,y)VG(x,z))∧H(y,z)]

Would this be it?
No. For one, this formula has unbalanced parentheses.

You should apply the law about the negation of an implication that I wrote more carefully.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
No. For one, this formula has unbalanced parentheses.

You should apply the law about the negation of an implication that I wrote more carefully.

(∀x)(∃y)(∃z)(¬F(x,y)V¬G(x,z)∧¬H(y,z))

¬G is because of Dem. and ¬H from the Def→ right?
 
The problem is in finding an equivalent formula for $\neg((F(x, y)\land G(x,z))\to H(y,z))$. I stated that $\neg(A\to B)\equiv A\land\neg B$. Please compare two formulas:
\begin{align}
&\neg((F(x, y)\land G(x,z))\to H(y,z))\\
&\neg(A\to B)
\end{align}
What should be substituted for $A$ and $B$ so that these formulas become equal, character-by-character? After you determine this, please write what $A\land\neg B$ looks like for those concrete $A$ and $B$.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
The problem is in finding an equivalent formula for $\neg((F(x, y)\land G(x,z))\to H(y,z))$. I stated that $\neg(A\to B)\equiv A\land\neg B$. Please compare two formulas:
\begin{align}
&\neg((F(x, y)\land G(x,z))\to H(y,z))\\
&\neg(A\to B)
\end{align}
What should be substituted for $A$ and $B$ so that these formulas become equal, character-by-character? After you determine this, please write what $A\land\neg B$ looks like for those concrete $A$ and $B$.

≡(∀x)(∃y)(∃z)[(F(x,y)∧G(x,z))∧¬H(y,z)]
 
  • #10
stan1992 said:
≡(∀x)(∃y)(∃z)[(F(x,y)∧G(x,z))∧¬H(y,z)]
This is correct.
 

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