Deductive Reasoning Practice

Use the Law of Detachment to give a valid conclusion.

If not possible, write no valid conclusion.
1.

Given: If Logan eats his vegetables, then he can have a bowl of ice cream.
Logan eats his vegetables.
Conclusion:

2.

Given: If a polynomial is prime, then it cannot be factored.

5x + 13y is prime.
Conclusion:

3.

Given: If you visit Paris, then you will see the Eiffel Tower.
You did not see the Eiffel Tower.
Conclusion:

4.

Given: If the measure of an angle is greater than 90, then it is an obtuse angle.
The measure of angle PQR is 115.
Conclusion:

Use the Law of Syllogism to give a valid conclusion.

If not possible, write no valid conclusion.
5.

Given: If Nicole is late to class again, she will get detention.

If Nicole gets detention, her mother will take away her phone.
Conclusion:

6.

Given: If it is raining, then I will bring my umbrella.

If I do not bring my umbrella, then I do not need my rainboots.
Conclusion:

7.

Given: If a natural ends in 0, then it is divisible by 10.

If a natural number, is divisible by 10, then it is divisible by 5.
Conclusion:

Determine whether the conclusion follows from the given statements by the Law of
Detachment or the Law of Syllogism. If it does, state which law was used.
If not, write invalid.
8.

Given: If you go camping, then you will need a flashlight.

Given: If you need a flashlight, then you will need extra batteries.
Conclusion: If you go camping, then you will need extra batteries.
Answer:

9.

Given: If you leave the country, then you will need a passport.
Given: Nate is planning a trip to Italy.
Conclusion: Nate will need a passport.
Answer:

10.

Given: If you buy one pair of shoes, then you will get another pair for 50% off.
Given: Carolyn does not buy one pair of shoes.
Conclusion: Carolyn does not get another pair for 50% off.
Answer:

11.

Given: If the sum of the measures of two angles is 180, then they are supplementary.
Given: The measure of angle D is 110 and the measure of angle E is 70.
Conclusion: Angle D and angle E are supplementary angles.
Answer:

12.

Given: If a number is a multiple of 16, then it is a multiple of 8.

Given: If a number is a multiple of 8, then it is a multiple of 4.
Conclusion: If a number is a multiple of 16, then it is a multiple of 4.
Answer:

Valid and Faulty Arguments

Consider the statements at the right.
What conclusions can you make?

(1) Boots is a cat.

(2) Boots is purring.
(3) A cat purrs if it is happy.

From statements 1 and 3, it is correct to conclude that Boots purrs if it is happy. However,
it is faulty to conclude from only statements 2 and 3 that Boots is happy. The if-then form of
statement 3 is If a cat is happy, then it purrs.
Advertisers often use faulty logic in subtle ways to help sell their products. By studying the
arguments, you can decide whether the argument is valid or faulty.

Decide if each argument is valid or faulty.

A. (1) If you buy Tuff Cote luggage, it will survive airline travel.
(2) Justin buys Tuff Cote luggage.
Conclusion: Justins luggage will survive airline travel.
B. (1) If you buy Tuff Cote luggage, it will survive airline travel.
(2) Justins luggage survived airline travel.
Conclusion: Justin has Tuff Cote luggage.

C. (1) If you use Clear Line long distance service, you will have clear reception.
(2) Anna has clear long distance reception.
Conclusion: Anna uses Clear Line long distance service.
D. (1) If you read the book Beautiful Braids, you will be able to make beautiful braids easily.
(2) Nancy read the book Beautiful Braids.
Conclusion: Nancy can make beautiful braids.

Use these examples to help you analyze your advertisement!