ZGE 1104 – Learning Material #1(Prelim)
Importance of language
Language facilitates communication and clarifies meaning. It allows people to
express themselves and maintain their identity.
Language bridges the gap among people from varying origins and culture without
prejudice to their background and upbringing.
Characteristics of the language of Mathematics
1. Precise – accurate
2. Concise – brief
3. Powerful – strong
English versus Mathematics
English
Noun is the name given to object of interest.
Examples
1) Sharon
2) Manila
3) Cat
Sentence – must state a complete thought
Examples
1) The word cat begins with the letter ‘c’.
2) The word cat begins with the letter ‘k’.
3) The cat is black.
Mathematics
Expression is the name given to mathematical object of interest.
Examples
1) Number
2) Set
3) Function
4) Matrix
5) Ordered pair
Sentence must state a complete thought
Examples
1) 1 + 2 = 3
2) 1 + 2 = 4
3) x = 1
Truth of sentences
State whether the following statements are always true, false or sometimes
true/false
1) x + 2 < x – 3
2) x^2 + 2x = x (x + 2)
3) f (2) = 3
Exercise: State whether the following statements are always true, false or
sometimes true/false. Justify your answer.
1. If 2x +7 = x, then x = -7.
2. All perfect squares are even numbers.
3. If x is a real number, then 5/x = x.
4. A shape with four sides is a rectangle.
5. If x is a positive integer, then x^2 < x.
6. The sum of all interior angles of an oblique triangle is 180 degrees.
7. If x is a natural number, then x + 5 = 5 – x.
8. The sum of even numbers is divisible by four.
9. 1 is the first prime number.
10. If x is a rational number, then x^2 > or equal to x.
Introduction to Logic
Logic is the science of correct reasoning.
Logic allows us to determine the validity of arguments in and out of mathematics.
It illustrates the importance of precision and conciseness of the language of
mathematics.
A statement is a declarative sentence that is either true or false but not both.
Example: Identify whether the following is a statement or not a statement.
1. 9 is a prime number
2. 4 + 6 = 10
3. x+y>3
4. 10 < - 4
5. x = 10
Simple and Compound Statements
A simple statement is a statement that conveys a single idea.
Examples: Today is Monday.
It is a sunny day.
A compound statement is a statement that conveys two or more ideas.
Use words or phrases such as “and”, “or”, “if-then”, and “if and only if” to create
a compound statement.
Example: Today is Monday and it is a sunny day.
Let P and Q be simple statements
Statement Symbols Type
not P ~P Negation
P and Q P^Q Conjunction
P or Q PvQ Disjunction
If P, then Q P-->Q Conditional
P if and only if Q P>Q Biconditional
Example: Consider the following simple statements.
P: Today is Friday.
Q: It is raining.
R: I am going to a movie.
S: I am not going to the basketball game.
Write the following in compound statements in symbolic form.
1. It is not raining.
2. I am going to the basketball game.
3. It is raining or I am going to a movie.
4. Today is not Friday and I am not going to the basketball game.
5. I am going to the basketball game or I am going to a movie.
6. If it is raining, then I am going to a movie.
7. I am not going to the basketball game if and only if it is raining.
8. I am going to the basketball game and I am not going to a movie.
9. If today is Friday, then I am not going to a movie.
10. I am not going to a movie if and only if it is raining.
Inverse, Converse, and Contrapositive
Example: Give the inverse, converse, and contrapositive of the following
implication.
1. If this book is interesting, then I am staying at home.
Inverse: If this book is not interesting, then I am not staying at home.
Converse: If I am staying at home, then this book is interesting.
Contrapositive: If I am not staying at home, then this book is not
interesting.
2. If you are more than 60 years old, then you are entitled to a senior citizen’s
card.
Inverse: If you are not more than 60 years old, then you are not entitled to
a senior citizen’s card.
Converse: If you are entitled to a senior citizen’s card, then you are more
than 60 years old.
Contrapositive: If you are not entitled to a senior citizen’s card, then you
are not more than 60 years old.
