For two different persons π₯ and π¦, the predicate π(π₯, π¦) denotes that xβ¦
2026
For two different persons π₯ and π¦, the predicate π(π₯, π¦) denotes that x knows y. Consider the following statement.
There is a person who does not know anyone else, but that person is known by everyone else.
Which one of the following expressions represents the above statement?
- A.
(βy)(βx) ((x β y) β (M(x,y) β§ Β¬M(y,x)))
- B.
(βy)(βx) ((x β y) β (M(x,y) β§ Β¬M(y,x)))
- C.
(βy)(βx) ((x β y) β (M(x,y) β§ Β¬M(y,x)))
- D.
(βy)(βx) ((x β y) β (M(x,y) β§ Β¬M(y,x)))
Attempted by 26 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Step-by-Step Solution
Let's break down the statement: "There is a person who does not know anyone else, but that person is known by everyone else."
1. Analyze the Subject
The phrase "There is a person" indicates an existential quantifier (β). Let's call this person y. So, we start with (βy).
2. Analyze the Condition for Others
The phrase "everyone else" refers to all other persons x. This requires a universal quantifier (β). So, for the person y, the condition must hold for all x where x β y.
3. Translate the Relationships
The statement has two parts for the relationship between x and y (where x β y):
"that person is known by everyone else": This means x knows y, represented as M(x, y).
"who does not know anyone else": This means y does not know x, represented as Β¬M(y, x).
These two conditions must be true simultaneously, so we use the AND operator (β§).
4. Construct the Final Expression
Combining the quantifiers and the condition:
For all x (where x β y), M(x, y) is true AND Β¬M(y, x) is true.
There exists a y such that for all x (where x β y), the condition holds.
Expression: (βy)(βx) ((x β y) β (M(x,y) β§ Β¬M(y,x)))
Conclusion
The correct expression corresponds to Option A.
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