Writing a statement into symbolic logic

In summary, the statement can be translated into the symbolic logical form: "For all odd integers, their square is equivalent to one more than an integral multiple of 4."
  • #1
cbarker1
Gold Member
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Dear Everyone,

I need to translate this following statement into a symbolic logical form of the statement:

The square of every odd integer is one more than an integral multiple of 4.

Thanks,

Cbarker1
 
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  • #2
Cbarker1 said:
Dear Everyone,

I need to translate this following statement into a symbolic logical form of the statement:

The square of every odd integer is one more than an integral multiple of 4.

Thanks,

Cbarker1

Something like:
$$\forall n \in \mathbb Z: n\text{ odd} \to n^2 \bmod 4 = 1$$
? (Wondering)
 
  • #3
Cbarker1 said:
The square of every odd integer is one more than an integral multiple of 4.
You can denote the whole statement by a single letter, say, $P$. This is to show that in order to make the problem meaningful, the problem author must specify the signature, or vocabulary: constants, functional symbols and predicate symbols that can be used in the formula. Ideally the author should also specify the interpretation of that signature because this statement is written differently over natural numbers and over reals.

But, guessing the author's intent, the answer is probably
\[
\forall m\exists n\,(2m+1)(2m+1)=4n+1.
\]
 

FAQ: Writing a statement into symbolic logic

What is symbolic logic?

Symbolic logic is a formal system of representing and evaluating logical arguments using symbols and rules of inference. It is also known as propositional logic or sentential logic.

Why is it important to write statements into symbolic logic?

Writing statements into symbolic logic helps to clarify and evaluate the logical structure of an argument. It also allows for more precise and concise communication in fields such as mathematics, computer science, and philosophy.

How do I write a statement into symbolic logic?

To write a statement into symbolic logic, you first need to identify the key components of the statement, such as the propositions, logical operators, and quantifiers. Then, you can use symbols such as "¬" for negation, "∧" for conjunction, "∨" for disjunction, and "→" for implication to represent the logical relationships between these components.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when writing statements into symbolic logic?

Some common mistakes include confusing the logical operators, using ambiguous or undefined symbols, and not using parentheses to indicate the order of operations. It is important to carefully follow the rules and conventions of symbolic logic to accurately represent the logical structure of a statement.

Can symbolic logic be used in everyday language?

While symbolic logic is primarily used in formal logic and mathematics, its principles can also be applied to everyday language and reasoning. However, it is important to note that natural language is often more ambiguous and complex than symbolic logic, so it may not always be a perfect match.

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