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Let $L$ be the language {$c,d,f,g,R$}. Given c,d are constant symbols. f,g are function symbols. R is relation symbol.

$N$={$\mathbb{N}$,0,1,+,·$\leq$}, in this structure, the formula ($\forall$ x)(c $\leq$ x $\land$ ($\neg$ c = x $\to$ d $\leq$ x)) expresses that every element is "non-negative" (i.e. at least 0) and that if an element is strictly positive, it greater or equal to 1.

I don't understand the second half, "if an element is strictly positive, it greater or equal to 1."

yashirq
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1 Answers1

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The interpretation of the language $L$ with the structure $N$ maps :

  • the constant symbol $c$ on the number $0$,

  • the constant symbol $d$ on the number $1$,

  • the (binary) function symbols $f$ and $g$ on the operations of addition ($+$) and multiplication ($\times$) respectively,

  • the (binary) relation symbol $R$ on the relation $\le$.

Thus, we have to compare the original formula :

$(∀ x)(R(c,x) ∧ (¬(c = x) → R(d,x)))$

and its interpretation in the said structure :

$(∀ x)(0 ≤ x ∧ (0 \ne x → 1 ≤ x))$.

With this interpretation, the formula means :

for all natural number $n$, $n$ is non-negative and if it is not zero then it is greater-or-equal to one,

that "sounds good" : every natural number is greater-or-equal to zero and if it is not zero (and thus it is positive) then it is greater-or-equal to one.

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    c must be 0 and d must be 1? I thought c and d can be either 0 and 1. The interpretation you give is (∀x)((0≤x∧0≠x)→1≤x). But in the question it looks like (∀x)((0≤x∧(0≠x→1≤x)). – yashirq Nov 15 '16 at 15:27
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    @yashirq - YES. The "rule" is that we have to map the symbols of the language ${ c,d,f,g,R }$ on the "mathematical objects" of the structure ${ 0,1,+,\times, \le }$ ("leaving aside" the domain $\mathbb N$ that interpret the quantifiers. Of course, the arity of the symbols must be the correct ones (e.g. the binary predicate symbol $R$ must be mapped on a binary relation). – Mauro ALLEGRANZA Nov 15 '16 at 15:34
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    Then it makes sense. I get it. Thank you. – yashirq Nov 15 '16 at 15:43
  • @yashirq - restored the original parentheses... – Mauro ALLEGRANZA Nov 15 '16 at 16:01