BPA 12203

MATHEMATICS FOR MANAGEMENT

Chapter 2

LOGIC

Dr Chandra

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Terminology

Definition
Logic is the study of arguments.

An argument is a sequence of statements in which one in-

tended as a conclusion and the others, the premises, are intended
to prove or at least provide some evidence for the conclusion.

Example

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Propositions (or Statement)

Definition
A proposition or statement is a declarative sentence that can be
classified as either true or false, but not both.

Note that commands, requests, questions and exclamations

are not classified as propositions.

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example*: Which of the following are propositions? Then,
determine whether they are true or false.

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Simple statement
Is a single sentence that does not contain any other statement as a
part.

Lower - case letters such as p, q, r . . . as symbols for simple

statements.

Example*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Compound statement
Is a sentence with two or more simple statements as parts or what
we call components.

Example*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Connectives*

Definition
An operator (or connective) joins simple statements into compound
statement.

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Conjunction.*

Negation.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Inclusive disjunction. *

Exclusive disjunction. *

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Conditional. *

Biconditional. *

•
•
•

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Truth table

Definition
A truth table is a complete list of the possible truth values of a
statement.

”T” for ”True” and ”F” for ”False”.

One proposition*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Two propositions*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Three propositions*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Basic truth tables

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example: Complete the truth table*

p q p∧q (p ∧ q) ∨ p ∼q ∼q⇒p (∼ q ⇒ p) ⇔ [(p ∧ q) ∨ p]

T T
T F
F T
F F

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Tautology
If the statement is always TRUE, then this is called a tautology.

Example*: Show that the proposition (p ∧ q) ⇒ p is a

tautology.

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Contradiction
If the statement is always FALSE, then this is called a contradiction.

Example*: Show that the proposition (p ∧ q)∧ ∼ (p ∧ q) is a

contradiction.

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Logical equivalence
If two propositions p and q have the same truth values in every
possible case, the propositions are called logically equivalent.

This relationship is denoted by p ≡ q.

Example*: Show that the proposition ∼ (p ∧ q) ≡∼ p ∨ ∼ q.

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Converse *
p⇒q
converse

Contrapositive *
p⇒q
contrapositive

Inverse *
p⇒q
inverse

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example: Consider the statements
p: You are a hardworking student.
q: You will get good marks in examination.
converse*

contrapositive *

inverse *

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example: Truth table*

p q p⇒q q⇒p ∼p ∼q ∼ q ⇒∼ p ∼ p ⇒∼ q
T T
T F
F T
F F

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Validity of argument

Definition
A sequence of steps that prove or disprove a statement.

Five steps:
1. Understand the situation.
2. Denote propositions or statements as logical symbols.
3. Write all the mathematical symbols by following the sequence.
4. Construct the truth table.
5. Determine the validity of arguments.

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example 1: Determine the validity of the argument below.

Suppose it is true that either Shalin broke the vase or Shalin was
punished, but not both and Shalin was not punished. Prove that
Shalin broke the vase.

1. Understand the situation.*

p:
q:

Mathematics for Management: Logic

2. Denote propositions or statements as logical symbols.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

3. Write all the mathematical symbols by following the
sequence.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

4. Construct the truth table.*

5. Determine the validity of arguments.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example 2: Determine the validity of the argument below.

Suppose it is true that it is raining and if it is hot, then it is not

raining and if it is not hot, then I cannot go fishing. Prove that I
cannot go fishing.

1. Understand the situation.*

p:
q:
r:

Mathematics for Management: Logic

2. Denote propositions or statements as logical symbols.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

3. Write all the mathematical symbols by following the
sequence.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

4. Construct the truth table.*

5. Determine the validity of arguments.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

Example 3: Determine the validity of the argument below.

If I have finished my meal, then I will go to the book store.

If I go to the book store, then my brother will also go to the book store.
My brother did not go to the book store, so I haven’t finished my
meal.

1. Understand the situation.*

p:
q:
r:

Mathematics for Management: Logic

2. Denote propositions or statements as logical symbols.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

3. Write all the mathematical symbols by following the
sequence.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic

4. Construct the truth table.*

5. Determine the validity of arguments.*

Mathematics for Management: Logic