Mrunal

[Reasoning] Logical Connectives (if, unless, either or) for CSAT, CAT shortcuts
formulas approach explained
Subscribe / Aptitude / 197 Comments / 6 years Ago

1. Di erence: Syllogism vs Logical connectives

2. Standard format: logical connectives
3. Logical connective: if then
4. Logical connective: Only IF
5. Logical Connective: UNLESS
6. Logical connective: otherwise
7. Logical connective: When, Whenever, every time
8. Logical Connective: Either OR
9. Demo Q: Only if: bored TV brother (CSAT 2012)
10. Demo Q (If, then) Professor Headaches  (CAT’98)
11. Demo Q: Either or: derailed/late train (CAT’97)

Di erence: Syllogism vs Logical connectives

Syllogism (all cats are dog) is a common and routinely appearing topic in most of the aptitude exams (Bank PO,
LIC, SSC etc). But Logical connectives is rare. However, in UPSC CSAT 2012 the topic was asked, therefore, you’ve
to prepare it.

Syllogism Logical connectives

Contains words like “all, none, some” etc. Can be Contains words like “if, unless, only if, whenever”
 classi ed into UP, UN,PP and PN. Already explained in etc. can be classi ed into 1, ~1, 2, ~2 (we’ll see in
previous articles. this article)

Have to mugup more formulas, takes more time than

Less formulas and quicker than syllogism.
logical connective questions.

Question statements:
Question Statements:
1. I watch TV only if I am bored
I. All cats are dogs 2. I am never bored when I have my brother’s
II. some pigs are cats company.
III. no dogs are bird 3. Whenever I go to the theatre I take my brother
along.
Conclusion choices:
Conclusion choices:
A. Some cats are dogs
B. No birds are cats A. If I am bored I watch TV
C. some pigs are birds B. If I am bored, I seek my brother’s company.
D. Some pigs are not birds C. If I am not with my brother, than i’ll watch TV.
D. If I am not bored I do not watch TV.

Standard format: logical connectives

If, unless, only if, whenever, every time etc. are examples of Logical connectives.
Whenever you’re given a question statement, rst rule is: question statement must be in the standard format.
The standard format is
****some logical connective word *** simple statement#1, simple statement #2.
It means, the question statement must start with a logical connective word, otherwise exchange position. For
example

Given question statement Exchange position?

If you’re in the army, you’ve to no need because the simple statement containing “IF” is given in the
wear uniform beginning. This is already in the standard format.

We need to exchange position because the part containing “IF” is not

given in the beginning of this statement, given statement is not in
You’ve to wear uniform, if you’re
standard format.
in the army
Therefore, Rewrite given statement as
If you’re in the army, you’ve to wear uniform.

Need to exchange position. Because statement doesn’t start with the

You’ve to salute, whenever
logical connective “whenever”.
Commanding O cer comes in
Therefore rewrite the given statement as
your cabin.
Whenever CO comes in your cabin, you have to salute.

Now let’s derive valid inferences for various logical connectives.

 Logical connective: if then
Consider these two simple statements

1. You’re in army
2. You’ve to wear uniform.

These are two simple statements. Now I’ll combine these two simple statements (#1 and #2) to form a complex
statement.

If you’re in army(#1), you have to wear uniform.(#2)

What about its reverse?

You’ve wearing uniform (#2)—> that means you’re in the army.(#1)

But there is possibility, you’re in navy—-> you’ll still have to wear a uniform. It means,
if 1=>2, then 2=>1 is not always a valid inference.
Let’s list all such scenarios in a table.

Given statement:If you’re in army(#1), you have to wear uniform.(#2)

Inference? Valid / invalid?

1. If #2, then If you’ve to wear uniform, you’re you’ve to wear uniform in navy, air force, BSF etc. so
#1 in army. this inference is not always valid.

2. If not #1, if you’re not in army, you don’t you’ve to wear uniform in navy, air force, BSF etc. so
then not #2 have to wear uniform. this inference is not always valid.

3. if not #2, If you don’t have to wear

Always valid.
then not #1 uniform, you’re not in army.

In the exam, you don’t have to think ^that much. Just mugup the following rule:
Given statement =“If #1 then #2”, in such situation the only valid inference is “if Not #2, then not #1”.
In other words, “if 1st happens then 2nd happens”, in such situation, the only valid inference is “if 2nd did not
happen then 1st did not happen”.
Now I want to construct a short and sweet reference table for the logical connective problems. So I’ll use the
symbol ~= negative.

~1=meaning NOT 1 ( or in other words, negative of #1)

Given Valid inference

If 1, then 2 If not 2, then not 1

If 1=>2 ~2=>~1

In some books, material, sites, you’ll nd these rules explained as using “P” and “Q” instead of 1 and 2.
But in our method, you rst make sure the given (complex) statement starts with a logical connective (or you
exchange position as explained earlier)
We denote the rst simple sentence as #1 and second simple sentence as #2.
The reason for using 1 and 2= makes things less complicated and easier to mugup.

Logical connective: Only IF

In such scenario, you’ve to rephrase given statement into “if then” and then apply the logical connective rule
for “if then”.
For example: given statement: he scores a century, only if the match is xed.
The “standard format”= only if the match is xed(1), he scores a century(2).
In case of “only if”, we further convert it into an “if” statement, by exchanging positions. That is
if he scores a century(#2), the match is xed(#1).
Then apply the formula for “if then” and get valid inference.
Here we’ve “if 2=>1” as per our formula for “if then”, the valid inference will be ~1=>~2. Don’t confuse
between 1 and 2. Because essentially the valid inference is “negative of end part => negative of starting
part”.
Therefore “if 2=>1 then ~1=~2”
similarly “if 98=>97, then valid inference will be ~97=>~98”
Similarly “if p=>q, then valid inference will be ~q=>~p”,
similarly “if b=>a, then valid inference will be ~a=~b”) .
Update our table

Logical Given Valid inference using

Valid inf. In words
connective statement symbol

Negative of end part=> negative of start

If If 1=>2 ~2=>~1
part

Negative of start part=>negative of end

Only if Only if 1=>2 ~1=>~2
part.

Logical Connective: UNLESS

Given statement: Unless you bribe the minister(#1), you will not get the 2G license.(#2)
Unless = if…..not.
So, I can re-write the given statement as
(new) Given statement: If you don’t bribe the minister(#1), you’ll not get the 2G license.(#2)
How to come up with a valid inference here?

#1 You don’t bribe the minister

#2 You’ll not get the 2G license.

For “if..then”, We’ve mugged up the rule:  1=>2 then only valid inference is ~2=>~1. (in other words, negative
of end part => negative of starting part).
let’s construct the valid inference for this 2G minister.
we want ~2 => ~1
Negative of (2) => negative of (1)
Negative of (you’ll not get the 2G license)=>negative of (you don’t bribe the minister)
You’ll get the 2G license => you bribe the minister.
In other words, If I see a 2G license in your hand, then I can infer that you had de nitely bribed the minister.
This is one way of doing “unless” questions = via converting it into “if…not” type of statement.
The short cut is to mugup another formula: unless1=>2 then ~2=>1.
How did we come up with above formula?

Deriving the formula for unless

Unless 1=>2 (given statement)

if not 1=>2  (because unless=if not)
if ~1=>2 (I’m using symbol ~ instead of “not”)
~2=> ~(~1) (because we already mugged up the rule “if 1=>2, then valid inference is ~2=>~1)
~2=>1 (because ~(~1) means double negative and double negative is positive hence ~(~1)=1)

This is our second rule: Unless1=>2 then ~2=>1

Table

Logical Given Valid inference using

Valid inf. In words
connective statement symbol

Negative of end part=> negative of start

If If 1=>2 ~2=>~1
part

Negative of start part=>negative of end

Only if Only if 1=>2 ~1=>~2
part.

Negative of end part=>start part

Unless Unless 1=>2 ~2=>1
unchanged.

Logical connective: otherwise

 Suppose given statement is: 1, otherwise 2.
you can write it as unless 1 then 2.  (unless1=>2)
Then use the formula for “unless.”

Logical connective: When, Whenever, every time

Given statement: he scores century, when match is xed.
This is not in standard format of “**logical connective word**, simple statement #1, simple statement
#2.”
So rst I need to exchange the positions: “when match is xed (#1), he scores century (#2)”.
In case of when and whenever, the valid inference is= same like “If, then”. That means negative of end
part=>negative of starting part.
Same formula works for “whenever” and “Everytime”.
Update the table

Logical Given Valid inference using

Valid inf. In words
connective statement symbol

If If 1=>2

When When 1=>2

Negative of end part=> negative of starting
Whenever ~2=~1
Whenever part
1=>2

Everytime
Everytime
1=>2

Only if Only if 1=>2 ~1=>~2 Negative of start part=>negative of end part.

Negative of end part=>starting part

Unless Unless 1=>2 ~2=>1
unchanged.

Logical Connective: Either OR

Given statement: Either he is drunk(1) or he is ill(2).

In such cases, if not 1 then 2. And if not 2 then 1.

Meaning,

1. if he is not drunk then he is de nitely ill

2. if he is not ill, then he is de nitely drunk

both are valid. Update the table

 Logical Valid inference
Given statement Valid inf. In words
connective using symbol

If If 1=>2

When When 1=>2

Negative of end part=> negative of starting
~2=~1
part
Whenever Whenever 1=>2

Everytime Everytime 1=>2

Only if Only if 1=>2 ~1=>~2 Negative of start part=>negative of end part.

Unless Unless 1=>2

Negative of end part=>starting part
~2=>1
1 otherwise 2=> rewrite as unchanged.
Otherwise
Unless1=>2.

~2=>1 Negative of any one part=> remaining part

Either or Either 1 or 2
~1=>2 remains unchanged.

Now let’s solve some questions from old CSAT and CAT papers
Please note: in the exam, actual wording / meaning of the simple statement doesn’t matter. Just apply the
formulas as given in above table.

For example, “if you’re in army, you have to wear uniform.” Then valid inference is ~2=>~1 (you don’t have to
wear uniform, then you’re not in army).
Now ofcourse there would be exceptional situation when army o cer/jawan doesn’t need to wear uniform,
for example during espionage mission behind the enemy lines. In that case you don’t have to wear uniform,
but you’re still in the army.
But keep in mind, while solving logical connective question under the “aptitude/reasoning” portion you don’t
have to surgically dissect or nitpick the meaning every statement. Just “if 1=>2” then “~2=>~1”.

Demo Q: Only if: bored TV brother (CSAT 2012)

Examine the following statements:

1. I watch TV only if I am bored

2. I am never bored when I have my brother’s company.
3. Whenever I go to the theatre I take my brother along.

Which one of the following conclusions is valid in the context of the above statements?

A. If I am bored I watch TV
B. If I am bored, I seek my brother’s company.
C. If I am not with my brother, then I’ll watch TV.
D. If I am not bored I do not watch TV.

Approach

First we’ll construct valid inferences from the question statements

Given Question Statement #1:

Given =I watch TV only if I am bored

This is not in standard format. So rst exchange position
Only if I’m bored (1), I watch TV(2)
What is the valid inference? Just look at the formula table
Only if 1=>2 then ~1=~2
Valid inference= if I’m not bored, I do not watch TV.
Look at the statements given in the answer choices, (D) matches. Therefore, nal answer is (D).

Demo Q (If, then) Professor Headaches  (CAT’98)

You’re given a statement, followed by four statements labeled A to D. Choose the ordered pair of statements
where the rst statement implies the second and two statements are logically consistent with the main statement.

Given statement: If I talk to my professors(1), then I didn’t need to take a pill for headache.(2)

Four Statements

A. I talked to my professors
B. I did not need to take a pill for headache
C. I needed to take a pill for headache
D. I did not talk to my professor.

Answer choices

I. AB
II. DC
III. CD
IV. AB and CD

Approach

Given statement is in standard format already

#1 I talk to my professors
 #2 I didn’t need to take a pill for headache.

Let’s classify the four statements

Classi cation Four statements

1 A. I talked to my professors

2 B. I did not need to take a pill for headache

~2 C. I needed to take a pill for headache

~1 D. I did not talk to my professor.

Answer choice (i) AB

If you observe the answer choice (I): AB= I talked to my professors, I did not need to take a pill for headache. This
is valid because if 1=>2 is already given in the question statement itself.

Answer choice (ii) DC

I did not talk to my professor (~1), I needed to take a pill for headache (~2). Meaning ~1=>~2.
This is invalid because as per our table, if 1=>2, then valid inference is ~2=>~1.

Answer choice (iii) CD

I needed to take pill for headache (~2), I did not talk to my professor (~1). Meaning ~2=>~1. This is valid as per
our table. Therefore nal answer is (IV) AB and CD

Demo Q: Either or: derailed/late train (CAT’97)

Given statement: either the train is late (1) or it has derailed (2)

Four statements

A. Train is late = 1
B. Train is not late = ~1
C. Train is derailed =2
D. Train is not derailed =~2

(^note: I’ve classi ed the statements in advance)

Answer choice

I. AB
 II. DB
III. CA
IV. BC

Approach

As per our table, the valid inferences for either or are

~2=>1 If the train is not derailed, it is late. DA

~1=>2 If the train is not late, it is derailed BC

Correct answer is (III): BC

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197 Com m e n t s on “[R easo ning ] L o g ic al Co nnec tives (if, unless, either
o r ) fo r CSAT, CAT sho r tc uts fo r m ulas appr o ac h explained”

chandan ongole R E PL Y

Sir,
kindly elaborate the negation of a statement…
 Subhajit Dasgupta R E PL Y

Directions:- Each question below consists of a main statement followed by four

numbered statements. From the numbered statements, select the one that
logically follows the main statement.

q1> Unless Sangeeta’s boss sanctions her leave and books the tickets, Sangeeta
cannot go home for diwali.

a>Sangeeta is going home for diwali, hence, her boss booked her tickets but did
not sanction leave.
b>Sangeeta is going home for dipawali,implies that her boss sanctioned leave
but the tickets are not booked.
c>Sangeeta’s ticket was not booked implies, she is not going home for diwali.
d>More than one of the above.

Can you please explain me these type of questions with this example and if
possible some other examples too??

shamsher R E PL Y

Is it necessary to take coaching for REASONING IN CSAT?

Nimisha Srivastava R E PL Y

Why are 1=> ~2 and 2=>~1 incorrect inferences in “Either/Or” questions? If one
happens, the other doesn’t, since it is ‘either this, or that’ right? I am not able to
understand the logic behind why it is incorrect. Someone please help if possible!

 Praveen_R R E PL Y

In either/or any one condition need to be ful lled for the desired outcome.
If cond. 1 is false, then cond-2 needs to be true and vice versa.
Either RaGa will be PM or Namo.
 Not Raga->Namo
Not Namo -> Raga

mani R E PL Y

nice article on logical deduction very easy to understand via this article.. thanku
sir.:)

Karan patil R E PL Y

Mrunal u rock bro . Lovely article

DBM R E PL Y

Thanks a lot, Mrunal. This is what I needed! So clearly explained.

Fgm R E PL Y

Hi there

Ankush rana R E PL Y

Can you help me on this…

Q-whenever pollution is on the rise,vehicles will be stopped and their emission
level eill be checked.
A)vehicles are not stopped or their emission level are not checked, means that
the pollution is not on the rise.
B)if vehicles are not stopped but i pollution is on the rise,then emission
levelslevel of vehiclesfear will de nitelybe be checked.
C)if vehicles are stopped and their emission levels are not checked, it means that
the pollution is not on rise.
 D)both a and c
E)both b and a

Answer-D bith a and c

explain why

Ashok N R R E PL Y

what if the logical connective word is “provided”. for example, Martina wins the
tournament provided she plays the nal.
(a) Martina played the nal
(b) Martina won the tournament
(c) Martina did not win the tournament
(d) Martina did not play the nal.

Here the answer given is “ba”. but any of your explanation does not apply here.
How to solve this kind of questions?

 Sheetal R E PL Y

The same doubt !!!

Sheetal R E PL Y

Please help with the below question

Martina wins the tournament provided she plays the nal.
A) Martina played the nal.
B) Martina won the tournament.
C) Martina did not win the tournament.
D) Martina did not play the nal.
Options:
a) AB b) BA c) CD d) AC
Ans given, option b
Also please tell what “provided” means in this statement.
 Thanks,
Sheetal

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