Disjunction

Definition

A disjunction is a compound statement formed by combining two statements with the word 'or'. It is true if at least one of the statements is true.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Disjunctions are often symbolized by the logical operator ∨.
2. In a truth table, a disjunction is false only when both component statements are false.
3. The statement 'p ∨ q' reads as 'p or q'.
4. Disjunctions can be used to simplify complex logical expressions in various fields including computer science and mathematics.
5. A disjunction does not imply exclusivity; both conditions can be true simultaneously.

Review Questions

• What is the truth value of a disjunction if both component statements are false?
• How is a disjunction represented symbolically?
• Explain why a disjunction might still be true even if one of its component statements is false.

Related terms

conjunction:

A compound statement formed by combining two statements with the word 'and', symbolized by ∧.

negation: The opposite of a given logical statement, usually symbolized by ¬ or ~.

truth table:

A table used to determine the truth value of a compound statement based on the truth values of its components.