Math  /  Algebra

QuestionTranslate the argument into symbolic form. Then determine whether the argument is valid or invalid. You may use a truth table or, if applicable, compare the argument's symbolic form to a standard valid or invalid form.
You drew a three, or you have two pairs. Today you do not have two pairs. \therefore Today you drew a three. (i) Click the icon to view tables of standard valid and invalid forms of arguments.
Let p represent "Today you drew a three.," and let q represent "Today you have two pairs." Select the correct choice below and fill in the answer box with the symbolic form of the argument. (Type the terms of your expression in the same order as they appear in the original expression.) A. The argument is valid. In symbolic form the argument is \square B. The argument is invalid. In symbolic form the argument is \square

Studdy Solution

STEP 1

What is this asking? We need to convert a word problem into symbols, and then figure out if the conclusion is guaranteed based on the given facts. Watch out! Don't mix up "or" with "and".
Also, be careful with negation – "not having two pairs" is different from "having two pairs"!

STEP 2

1. Symbolize the statements
2. Analyze the argument

STEP 3

Let's **define** what our letters mean. pp means "Today you drew a three," and qq means "Today you have two pairs." So exciting!

STEP 4

The first sentence, "You drew a three, or you have two pairs," translates to pqp \lor q.
The symbol \lor means "or".

STEP 5

The second sentence, "Today you do not have two pairs," translates to ¬q\neg q.
The symbol ¬\neg means "not".

STEP 6

The conclusion, "Today you drew a three," is simply pp.

STEP 7

Putting it all together, our argument looks like this: pq¬qp\begin{aligned} & p \lor q \\ & \neg q \\ & \therefore p \end{aligned} This structure tells us: *if* the first two statements are true, *then* the conclusion *must* also be true.
Let's see if that's the case!

STEP 8

Let's think this through.
We're told that *either* pp is true (you drew a three) *or* qq is true (you have two pairs), or *both* could be true.
That's what "or" means.

STEP 9

We're *also* told that qq is *not* true (you *don't* have two pairs).

STEP 10

So, if qq is false, and we know that at least one of pp or qq *must* be true, then pp *has* to be true!
It's the only possibility left!

STEP 11

This type of argument is called "disjunctive syllogism," and it's a **valid** argument form.
This means that *if* the premises (the first two statements) are true, then the conclusion (the last statement) *absolutely must* be true!

STEP 12

The argument is **valid**.
In symbolic form, the argument is: pq¬q p\begin{aligned} & p \lor q \\ & \neg q \\ \therefore \ & p \end{aligned} We choose answer A.

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