Chapter 1.

6, Problem 32E

Problem

Show that the equivalence can be derived using resolution together with the fact
that a conditional statement with a false hypothesis is true. [Hint: Let q = r = F in resolution.]

Step-by-step solution

Step 1 of 2
Consider the rule of inference Resolution:

Or equivalently, …… (1)

Recollect that ‘a conditional statement with false hypothesis is always true’.

That is, is always true regardless of the truth value of x. …… (2)

So, try to create a false hypothesis in the resolution.

In this present case, it is required to make into the form

Replace q and r with F where F stands for always false statement or a contradiction.

Then it is easy to follow that

Step 2 of 2
Also,

Use these to write

…… (3)

On the other hand, the consequence is

…… (4)

Use (3) and (4), (1) becomes a valid statement in view of (2).

That is, is a valid statement.

Therefore,