Conceptualized by: Raymond D.

Garcia, MA Math
Assistant Professor 1 – Apayao State College
Chapter 1: Logic Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism

Worktext in M104

Logic and Set Theory

(Chapter 1, Lesson 1)
by:
RAYMOND D. GARCIA, MA Math
Assistant Professor I

BACHELOR OF SECONDARY EDUCATION .

Logic and Set Theory 0

Conceptualized by: Raymond D. Garcia, MA Math
Assistant Professor 1 – Apayao State College
Chapter 1: Logic Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism
Chapter 1: Logic
In this chapter, we will look at a logic as special topic in preparation to other higher
mathematics. Logic is the study of the principles of correct reasoning. It helps us to differentiate
correct reasoning from poor reasoning. It also allows us to determine the validity of arguments in and
out of mathematics. Further, it illustrates the importance of precision and conciseness on the
language of mathematics.

Lesson 1: Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism

The main focus of the study of logic are deductive reasoning and syllogism. This lesson gives
emphasis on these two (2) major components of logic which will soon serve as the foundation of
learning of higher mathematics.

Lesson Objectives:
1. Discuss and apply the different logical connectives
2. Use mathematical symbols and discern truth values of arguments
3. Construct truth tables

A. Deductive Reasoning
Deductive reasoning enables us to obtain true or acceptably true conclusions provided that
the statements from which they are deduced or derived are true or accepted as true. It consists of
three steps as follows:
1. Making a general statement referring to a whole set or class of things, such as the class of
dogs.
All dogs are quadrupeds (have four feet)

2. Making a particular statement about one or some of the members of the set or class
referred to in the general statement.

All Chihuahuas are dogs.

3. Making a deduction that follows logically when the general statement is applied to the
particular statement.

All Chihuahuas are quadrupeds

Deductive Reasoning is also called syllogistic reasoning since the three types of statements
constitute a syllogism.

In a syllogism, the general statement is the major premise, the particular statement is the
minor premise and the deduction is the conclusion.

Hence, in the given example above:

The major premise: All dogs are quadrupeds

The minor premise: All Chihuahuas are dogs

The Conclusion: All Chihuahuas are quadrupeds

Logic and Set Theory 1

Conceptualized by: Raymond D. Garcia, MA Math
Assistant Professor 1 – Apayao State College
Chapter 1: Logic Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism
Let us illustrate the given example using a circle to
Quadrupeds
represent each set or class to help us understand the relationships
involved in deductive or syllogistic reasoning. Dogs
1. Since the major premise or general statement
states that all dogs are quadrupeds, the circle
representing dogs must be inside that for Chihuahuas
quadrupeds.
2. Since the minor premise or particular statement
states that all Chihuahuas are dogs, the circle
representing the Chihuahuas must be inside that for
dogs.
3. The conclusion is obvious. Since the circle of Chihuahuas must be
inside the circle of quadrupeds, the only possible conclusion is that Chihuahuas are
quadrupeds.

Examples:
The following statements are represented by the concentric circles below.
1. If A is B and B is C, then A is C
2. If A is B and B is E and E is R, then A is R.
3. If X is Y and Y is M, then X is M.
4. If C is D and E is C, then E is D
5. If squares (S) are rectangles (R), and rectangles are parallelograms (P), then squares are
parallelogram.

C R
E M C P
B Y D R
B
A A X E S

1 2 3 4 5

B. Syllogism
Syllogism is a form of deductive reasoning where you arrive at a specific conclusion by
examining two premises or ideas. It is derived from the Greek word syllogismos, meaning conclusion
or inference.
The three components of a syllogism are the following:
1. The Major Premise talks about the general truth or the totality of the population given
into consideration.
2. The Minor Premise which is a particular example of the population which is derived
from the major premise.
3. The Conclusion shows the bridge which gives connection to the major and minor
premises.

Example:
Complete the following syllogism.
1. A cat is a domesticated animal
Fluffy is a cat
Fluffy is a domesticated animal

Logic and Set Theory 2

Conceptualized by: Raymond D. Garcia, MA Math
Assistant Professor 1 – Apayao State College
Chapter 1: Logic Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism
In this example, the conclusion is missing. Since the major premise generalized that all cats
are domesticated animals and the minor premise says that Fluffy, a name of a pet cat is a cat, then
we can conclude that Fluffy is a domesticated animal since he/she is a cat.

2. All men must die.

Jan is a man
Jan must die

The minor premise is missing in this example. Since the major premise tell us that all men
must die and the conclusion says that Jan, who is a man must also die, then the minor premise must
be Jan is a man since Jan is a particular example of the general truth which is deduced from the
general statement.

3. Vertical angles are equal.

c and d are vertical angles
c= d

Similar to number 2, the minor premise is missing in this syllogism. From the major
premise, Vertical angles are equal and the conclusion, angle c is equal to angle d, we can say that
the minor premise must be angle c and angle d are vertical angles.

4. Rectangles have equal diagonals

A square is a rectangle
A square has equal diagonals

This example is a case when the major premise is missing. Let us look at the minor premise
which tells us that A square is a rectangle and the conclusion that says A square has equal
diagonals. From these two statements, we can deduce that A square is a rectangle which has equal
diagonals. But consider that we are missing the major premise which constitutes the general truth or
the totality of the elements under consideration, hence we can simply say Rectangles have equal
diagonals.

5. An obtuse triangle has only one obtuse angle

Triangle ABC is an obtuse triangle
Triangle ABC has only one obtuse angle

Again, the minor premise is missing in this syllogism. From the major premise, An obtuse
triangle has only one obtuse angle and the conclusion, Triangle ABC has only one obtuse angle, we
can say that the minor premise must be Triangle ABC is an obtuse triangle.

Logic and Set Theory 3

Conceptualized by: Raymond D. Garcia, MA Math
Assistant Professor 1 – Apayao State College
Chapter 1: Logic Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism
PROBLEM SET NUMBER 1.1
Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism

Name: _________________________________________ Date: ____________________

Course/Year/Section: _____________________________ Score: ___________________
Direction: Complete the give syllogism. Identify which among the three (3) components of a
syllogism is missing and give enough reasons/Justifications for your answer. Summarize your
answer by filling in the table below.
Syllogism Answer Reason/Justification
1. Even numbers are divisible by 2

Numbers ending in an even

number are even numbers

Missing Component:

2. Metals are heavier than gases

Gold and silver are heavier than

gases

Missing Component:

3. Straight angles are equal

A and D are straight angles

Missing Component:

4. Triangles are polygons

Triangles have as many angles as

sides

Missing Component:

5. Quadrilaterals are four – sided

figure.

Square is a four – sided figure

Missing Component:

Logic and Set Theory 4

Conceptualized by: Raymond D. Garcia, MA Math
Assistant Professor 1 – Apayao State College
Chapter 1: Logic Deductive Reasoning and Syllogism

Logic and Set Theory 5