For two different persons π‘₯ and 𝑦, the predicate 𝑀(π‘₯, 𝑦) denotes that x…

2026

For two different persons π‘₯ and 𝑦, the predicate 𝑀(π‘₯, 𝑦) 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?

  1. A.

    (βˆƒy)(βˆ€x) ((x β‰  y) β†’ (M(x,y) ∧ Β¬M(y,x)))

  2. B.

    (βˆ€y)(βˆƒx) ((x β‰  y) β†’ (M(x,y) ∧ Β¬M(y,x)))

  3. C.

    (βˆƒy)(βˆƒx) ((x β‰  y) β†’ (M(x,y) ∧ Β¬M(y,x)))

  4. D.

    (βˆ€y)(βˆ€x) ((x β‰  y) β†’ (M(x,y) ∧ 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 (βˆƒ). Let's call this person y. So, we start with (βˆƒy).

2. Analyze the Condition for Others

The phrase "everyone else" refers to all other persons x. This requires a universal quantifier (βˆ€). 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 (∧).

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: (βˆƒy)(βˆ€x) ((x β‰  y) β†’ (M(x,y) ∧ Β¬M(y,x)))

Conclusion

The correct expression corresponds to Option A.

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