What it means to negate the following statement?

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In summary, the negation of the statement "f_k ≤ 0 for all k with strict inequality for at least some k" is either the proposition "∃k such that f_k > 0" or "f_k ≥ 0 for all k". Either of these statements, if true, would invalidate the original statement.
  • #1
cris(c)
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Homework Statement



Suppose you have a collection of functions [itex]{f_1,f_2,\ldots,f_m}[/itex] and you make the following statement: [itex] f_k ≤ 0[/itex] for all k with strict inequality for at least some k.

Homework Equations



The negation of the above statement is [itex] \exists k [/itex] such that [itex] f_k>0 [\itex].

The Attempt at a Solution



Does the negation of the statement above impose any restriction on the remaining functions (other than [itex]f_k[/itex]? or I am free to assume anything about these other functions?
 
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  • #2
cris(c) said:

Homework Statement



Suppose you have a collection of functions [itex]{f_1,f_2,\ldots,f_m}[/itex] and you make the following statement: [itex] f_k ≤ 0[/itex] for all k with strict inequality for at least some k.

Homework Equations



The negation of the above statement is [itex] \exists k [/itex] such that [itex] f_k>0 [/itex].

The Attempt at a Solution



Does the negation of the statement above impose any restriction on the remaining functions (other than [itex]f_k[/itex]? or I am free to assume anything about these other functions?
That's not the negation .

What if [itex]f_k=0[/itex] for all k ?
 
  • #3
Think of this as an AND statement. Two propositions A and B.

Proposition 1: [itex]f_k \leq 0 \forall k[/itex]

AND

Proposition 2: [itex]\exists k[/itex] such that [itex]f_k < 0[/itex]

Now apply De Morgan's Law: [itex]\overline{AB} = \overline{A} + \overline{B}[/itex]

So the result is the negation of proposition 1 OR the negation or proposition 2.

NOT proposition 1: [itex]\exists k[/itex] such that [itex]f_k > 0[/itex]

OR

NOT proposition 2: [itex]f_k \geq 0 \forall k[/itex]

EITHER of these statements is an equally valid negation of the original statement. Either of those conditions, if met, will violate one of the propositions in the original statement, invalidating it.

Sorry for all the edits, but I think I finally have it right this time! :biggrin:
 
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  • #4
Curious3141 said:
Think of this as an AND statement. Two propositions A and B.

Proposition 1: [itex]f_k \leq 0 \forall k[/itex]

AND

Proposition 2: [itex]\exists k[/itex] such that [itex]f_k < 0[/itex]

Now apply De Morgan's Law: [itex]\overline{AB} = \overline{A} + \overline{B}[/itex]

So the result is the negation of proposition 1 OR the negation or proposition 2.

NOT proposition 1: [itex]\exists k[/itex] such that [itex]f_k > 0[/itex]

OR

NOT proposition 2: [itex]f_k \geq 0 \forall k[/itex]

EITHER of these statements is an equally valid negation of the original statement. Either of those conditions, if met, will violate one of the propositions in the original statement, invalidating it.

Sorry for all the edits, but I think I finally have it right this time! :biggrin:

Thanks a lot for your clarifying answer...this really helps a lot!
 

1. What does it mean to "negate" a statement?

Negating a statement means to express the opposite or contradictory meaning of the original statement. In other words, it is flipping the truth value of a statement.

2. Why is it important to be able to negate a statement?

Negating a statement is important in logic and scientific research because it allows us to analyze and evaluate the validity of a statement. It also helps us to identify any potential errors or contradictions in our reasoning.

3. How do you negate a statement?

To negate a statement, you can use words such as "not," "no," or "is false." You can also use logical operators such as "and," "or," and "if-then" to create a negated statement. Additionally, you can use the symbol "~" to represent negation in symbolic logic.

4. Can any statement be negated?

Yes, any statement can be negated. However, the meaning or truth value of the negated statement may not always be clear or meaningful. It is important to consider the context and implications of a negated statement.

5. How does negating a statement affect its truth value?

Negating a statement will usually result in a different truth value than the original statement. For example, if the original statement is "The sky is blue," the negated statement would be "The sky is not blue." However, there may be cases where the negated statement has the same truth value as the original statement, such as when the original statement is already false.

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