Equivalent logical expression for the Well Formed Formula (WFF), ~(∀x) F[x] is

2014

Equivalent logical expression for the Well Formed Formula (WFF),

~(∀x) F[x] is

  1. A.

    ∀x (~F[x])

  2. B.

    ~(∃x) F[x]

  3. C.

    ∃x (~F[x])

  4. D.

    ∀x F[x]

Attempted by 361 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Key rule: Negation of a universal quantifier: ~(∀x)F[x] is equivalent to ∃x (~F[x]).

  • Apply quantifier negation: replace the universal quantifier with an existential quantifier and move the negation inside: ~(∀x)F[x] ≡ ∃x (~F[x]).

  • Intuition: If it is not true that every x satisfies F, then there must be at least one x for which F is false.

  • Related equivalence to avoid confusing: ~(∃x)F[x] ≡ ∀x (~F[x]) — negating an existential gives a universal negation, which is a different (usually stronger) statement.

Check the given expressions briefly:

  • ∀x (~F[x]) — asserts every x fails F, stronger than 'not every x satisfies F'; not equivalent.

  • ~(∃x) F[x] — equivalent to ∀x (~F[x]), again stronger than the original negation; not equivalent.

  • ∃x (~F[x]) — correct: there exists an x for which F is false, exactly what ~(∀x)F[x] expresses.

  • ∀x F[x] — asserts every x satisfies F, which contradicts the negation and is not equivalent.

Conclusion: The equivalent logical expression is ∃x (~F[x]).

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