GENERAL MATHEMATICS – GRADE 11

PROPOSITIONS

I. Introductory Concept

Mathematics mainly relies on the ability to reason logically – to make

valid arguments using well-established axioms and theorems. Mathematical
logic discusses the validity of arguments, whether they are true or false. In
this learning packet, you will be introduced to the building blocks of all
Mathematics – logic.

II. Learning Skills from the MELCs

After going through this learning packet, you are expected to:
a. illustrate and symbolize propositions (M11GM-IIg-1-2);
b. distinguish between simple and compound propositions (M11GM-IIg-3);
and
c. perform the different types of operations on propositions (M11GM-IIg-4).

III. Learning Activities

Lesson 1: Propositions and their Symbols

You have been exposed to many areas of Mathematics such as
algebra, trigonometry, geometry, and statistics. All of these rely on an area
of Mathematics called logic. Logic is the branch of Mathematics that deals
with the validity of arguments. In logic, the object of study is called a proposition. A
proposition is a declarative sentence that is either true or false, but not both.

Example 1: The statement,

“The Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a virus called the Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).”
is a proposition because it is a declarative sentence. Further, it is a factual statement, therefore
it is true.

Example 2: The statement,

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 “There are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Camarines Sur.”
is a proposition because it is a declarative sentence. However, there have been confirmed
cases of the disease in Camarines Sur in the past, hence, making the statement false.
Example 3: The statement,
“Stay at home.”
is an imperative sentence, or a statement that commands or requests someone to perform an
action. In this case, the statement is not a proposition.

Example 4: The statement,

“Are we required to wear facemasks all the time?”
is an interrogative sentence, or a statement that asks a question. Since it is not declarative,
then the statement is not a proposition.

Example 5: The statement,

“2 + 3 = 7”
is a declarative sentence since it is saying that when you add 2 and 3, the result is 7. Moreover,
if you think about how true the statement is, we know that it is false. In conclusion, it is a
proposition.

Example 6: The statement,

“𝑥 + 1 > 5”
is not a proposition because it’s neither true nor false. We can make the proposition either true
or false by assigning a value to 𝑥. For example, if 𝑥 = −2, then the proposition now becomes
“−2 + 1 > 5", which we know is false.

Remember!
To determine whether a statement is a proposition or not, ask yourself the following
questions:
a. Is it a declarative sentence?
b. Can it be true or false but not both?
If both questions are answered by a YES, then the statement is a proposition.

Take note!
Propositions are devoid of any emotional content. That is, even if statements are
declarative, if they express any emotion, then they are not considered as propositions.
Example: “I hate you!” is not a proposition since it expresses an extreme emotion.
The following sentences are NOT considered as propositions: interrogative
sentences (questions), imperative sentences (commands or requests), and exclamatory
sentences (sentences with extreme emotions).

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 In practice, it is unnecessary to write the propositions word-for-word. Mathematicians
have agreed to denote propositions using lowercase Roman letters such as 𝑝, 𝑞, 𝑟, etc.

Example 7: We can use 𝑝 to denote the proposition

𝑝: The Philippine government has three main branches.

Example 8: We can use 𝑞 to denote the proposition

𝑞: The doctrine of separation of powers is embedded within the 1987 Philippine

Constitution.

Example 9: Referring to examples 7 and 8, the proposition

“The Philippine government has three main branches and the doctrine of separation
of powers is embedded within the 1987 Philippine Constitution.”
can be symbolically written as 𝑝 and 𝑞.

Hence,

𝑝 and 𝑞: The Philippine government has three main branches and the doctrine of
separation of powers is embedded within the 1987 Philippine Constitution.

Example 10: Given statements

𝑝: Plastics decompose over a long period of time.

𝑞: Plastics can be reused.
We can write the proposition 𝑝 or 𝑞, in English, as

“Plastics decompose over a long period of time or it can be reused.”

Example 11: The propositions

“If Jose is the president then he is in-charge of the class.”
can be written as “if 𝑝 then 𝑞” where the propositions
𝑝: Jose is the president; and
𝑞: He is in-charge of the class.

ACTIVITY 1.1: Fact or Bluff

Directions: Determine whether the following statements are true or false. If the statement is
true, write FACT. Otherwise, if the statement is false, write BLUFF. Write your answer on your
answer sheet. Write legibly.
1. All statements are propositions.
2. All propositions are statements.
3. All propositions are declarative sentences.
4. All propositions have truth values, whether they are true or false, but not both.
5. Propositions can be expressed symbolically as lowercase Roman letters.
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 ACTIVITY 1.2: Complete the Table

Directions: Column A contains statements. Determine whether the following statements are
propositions or not by writing P (for propositions) or N (for not propositions) on the space
provided along column B. Then, if the statement is a proposition, determine whether it is true
or false by writing ‘true’ or ‘false’. If it is not a proposition, leave the cells in Column C blank.

Column Column
Column A
B C
1. The three stars on the Philippine Flag represent Luzon, Cebu, and
Mindanao.
2. How many islands are there in the Philippines?

3. You are a Filipino.

4. This statement is false.

5. Jose Rizal had 11 siblings.

ACTIVITY 1.3: Matchy Match

Directions: Refer to the symbolic form of the propositions below. Match the statements on the
left column to its correct symbolic form at the column to the right. Write only the letter of the
correct answer on your answer sheet.

Let:
𝑝: I will study.
𝑞: I will pass.
𝑟: I am prepared.

1. I am prepared. A. 𝑝 only if 𝑟
2. I will study and I will pass. B. 𝑝 and 𝑞
3. I will pass if I am prepared. C. 𝑞 if 𝑟
4. If I will study then I will pass. D. 𝑟
5. I will study only if I am prepared. E. If 𝑝 then 𝑞

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Lesson 2: Simple and Compound Propositions
In the previous lesson, we were taught to symbolize propositions. Now, suppose that we
write the following propositions symbolically:

𝑝: It is sunny.

𝑞: I will do the laundry.

𝑟: I will clean the house.

Using these symbolic forms of the sentences, we can form the following sentences and
write it symbolically.

It is sunny and I will do the laundry. 𝑝 and 𝑞

I will do the laundry or I will clean the house. 𝑞 or 𝑟
If I will clean the house, then I will do the laundry. If 𝑟 then 𝑞
It is sunny if and only if I will clean the house. 𝑝 if and only if 𝑟

Which of these statements are simple? compound?

A proposition is simple if it can not be broken down any further into other component
propositions. In this case, propositions 𝑝, 𝑞, and 𝑟 are simple propositions since they can NOT
be broken down any further

A compound proposition is formed from simpler propositions (simple sentences in

English) using logical connectors or some combination of those. In our examples, the
propositions 𝑝 and 𝑞, 𝑞 or 𝑟, if 𝑟 then 𝑞, and 𝑝 if and only if 𝑟 are compound since they are
made up of simple propositions joined by some logical connector such as and, or, if-then, if
and only if, or some combination of those.

Also note that simple propositions are used to form compound propositions.

Example 1: Suppose that we have propositions

𝑝: A quadrilateral has four sides.

𝑞: Four is an even number.

𝑟: Even numbers can be divided by two.

The propositions 𝑝, 𝑞, and 𝑟 are simple propositions because they can NOT be broken
down into simpler parts.

However, the proposition “A quadrilateral has four sides AND four is an even number.”
is a compound proposition because we can take 𝑝 and 𝑞 separately and it would still be a
proposition.

Example 2: Suppose we have the propositions

𝑝: It is sunny.

𝑞: I will do the laundry.

𝑟: I will clean the house.

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 The propositions 𝑝, 𝑞, and 𝑟 are simple propositions because they can NOT be broken
down into simpler parts.

However, when 𝑟 and 𝑞 are connected with the connector or, then we have the
compound proposition, “I will clean the house or I will do the laundry.”

Example 3: The proposition,

“Power interruptions are common in the Bicol Region and appliances sustain damages
because of it.”
is a compound proposition. The connector and is used to connect two simple propositions,
“Power interruptions are common in the Bicol Region.”
and
“Appliances sustain damages because of it.”

Remember!
To determine whether a proposition is simple or compound, always look for those
connectors such as and, or, if-then, if and only if, implies, or some combination of those.

Example 4: Suppose that we have propositions

𝑝: A quadrilateral has four sides.

𝑞: Four is an even number.

𝑟: Even numbers can be divided by two.

The statement, “Four is an even number and even numbers can be divided by two.” is a
compound proposition. It can be decomposed into two simple propositions,
“Four is an even number.”
and
“Even numbers can be divided by two.”
We know that “Four is an even number.” is symbolically written as 𝑝, while “Even numbers
can be divided by two.” is symbolically written as 𝑟.
“Four is an even number” 𝑝
And and
“Even numbers can be divided by two.” 𝑟
Thus, we can write the compound statement concisely as 𝑝 and 𝑟.

Example 5: Suppose we have the propositions

𝑝: It is sunny.

𝑞: I will do the laundry.

𝑟: I will clean the house.

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 The statement, “I will do the laundry if I will clean the house.” is a compound proposition
that can be broken down into,
“I will do the laundry”
if
“I will clean the house.”
Symbolically,
“I will do the laundry” 𝑞
If if
“I will clean the house.” 𝑟
Therefore, the compound proposition can be concisely written as 𝑞 if 𝑟.

ACTIVITY 2.1: Simple or Compound?

Directions: Determine whether the following sentences are simple or compound. Write S if the
proposition is simple. Otherwise, write C. Write your answer on your answer sheet. Write
legibly.
1. If you are 60 years old or above, then you are a senior citizen.
2. Senior citizens enjoy a 20% discount on certain goods and services.
3. A presidential candidate must be a Filipino citizen by birth.
4. Fruits can be eaten raw or it can be cooked as a dessert.
5. If students are late then they are not admitted to class.

ACTIVITY 2.2: Keep it Simple

Directions: The following propositions are compound. Break them down by writing the simple
propositions that make up the given compound proposition. Write these on your answer sheet.
Write legibly. An example has been given as a guide.
Example: If your body temperature is at 37 degrees Celsius or above then you have a fever.
Answer: Your body temperature is at 37 degrees Celsius or above.
You have a fever.

1. Orange-colored vegetables are rich in vitamin A and citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C.
2. Egyptian civilization started along the Nile River or the Mesopotamian civilization
started along the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers.
3. If humans inhale oxygen then they exhale carbon dioxide.
4. If a square is a rectangle, then a it is also a parallelogram.
5. A triangle is a right triangle only if it has a 90-degree angle.
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 ACTIVITY 2.3: Keep it Short

Directions: Use the statements below to write in symbolic form the following propositions. Write
your answers on your answer sheet.
Let:
𝑝: Mayon Volcano is in Albay.
𝑞: The Bicol Region is a peninsula.
𝑟: Catanduanes is an island province.
1. The Bicol Region is a peninsula or Catanduanes is an island province.
2. If Catanduanes is an island province then Mayon Volcano is in Albay.
3. Mayon Volcano is in Albay if and only if the Bicol Region is a peninsula.

Lesson 3: Operations on Propositions

Logical operators are used in order to connect two or more simple propositions to
construct a compound proposition. These operators are the conjunction (and), disjunction (or),
negation (not), implication (implies, if… then…), and bi-conditional (if and only if).

In symbol,

𝑝 ∧ 𝑞: 𝑝 and 𝑞

𝑝 ∨ 𝑞: 𝑝 or 𝑞

~𝑝 or ¬𝑝: not 𝑝

𝑝 → 𝑞 or 𝑝 ⇒ 𝑞: 𝑝 implies 𝑞, if 𝑝 then 𝑞, 𝑞 if 𝑝, 𝑝 only if 𝑞

𝑝 ↔ 𝑞 or 𝑝 ⇔ 𝑞: 𝑝 if and only if 𝑞

For propositions joined by the conjunction and, both 𝑝 and 𝑞 must be true so that 𝑝 ∧ 𝑞 is true.
Example 1:
Two points determine a line and a segment is a part of a line.
Example 2:
Let 𝑝: I clean the house.
Let 𝑞: I cook our lunch.
Then 𝑝 ∧ 𝑞: I clean the house and I cook our lunch.

For propositions joined by the disjunction or, either 𝑝 or 𝑞 must be true so that 𝑝 ∨ 𝑞 is true.
Example 1:
Two points determine a line or a segment is a part of a line.
Example 2:
Let 𝑝: I clean the house.
Let 𝑞: I cook our lunch.
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 Then 𝑝 ∨ 𝑞: I clean the house or I cook our lunch.

For a negated proposition, if 𝑝 is true then ~𝑝 or not 𝑝 becomes false. Similarly, if 𝑝 is false
then ~𝑝 or not 𝑝 becomes true.

Example 1:

It is not the case that two points determine a line.

Or

Two points do not determine a line.

Example 2:

Let 𝑝: I clean the house.

Then ~𝑝: I do not clean the house.

Note that propositions, as a convention, are expressed in a positive manner.

For propositions joined by the implication implies, if… then…, if, or only if, 𝑝 → 𝑞 is true for all
conditions except when 𝑝 is true but 𝑞 is false.

In an implication, 𝑝 is the antecedent or hypothesis, and 𝑞 is the consequence or conclusion.

Example 1:

If two points determine a line then a segment is a part of a line.

Two points determine a line implies a segment is a part of a line.

A segment is a part of a line if two points determine a line.

Two points determine a line only if a segment is a part of a line.

Example 2:

Let 𝑝: I clean the house.

Let 𝑞: I cook our lunch.

Then 𝑝 → 𝑞: I clean the house implies I cook our lunch.

For the propositions joined by the bi-conditional if and only if, 𝑝 ↔ 𝑞 is true when 𝑝 and 𝑞 are
both true or both false.

Example 1:

Two points determine a line if and only if a segment is a part of a line.

Example 2:

Let 𝑝: I clean the house.

Let 𝑞: I cook our lunch.

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 Then 𝑝 ↔ 𝑞: I clean the house if and only if I cook our lunch.

In summary, the logical operators and their symbols are as follows:

Let 𝑝 and 𝑞 be propositions.

Operator Symbol Read as

Conjunction 𝑝∧𝑞 𝒑 and 𝒒
Disjunction 𝑝∨𝑞 𝒑 or 𝒒
Negation ¬𝑝 or ~𝑝 It is not the case that 𝒑
Not 𝒑
Implication 𝑝 → 𝑞 or 𝑝 ⇒ 𝑞 𝒑 implies 𝒒
If 𝒑 then 𝒒
𝒒 if 𝒑
𝒑 only if 𝒒
Bi-conditional 𝑝 ↔ 𝑞 or 𝑝 ⇔ 𝑞 𝒑 if and only if 𝒒

ACTIVITY 3.1: Know the Signs

Directions: Determine the symbol used by the given operation on propositions. Match the
operations in column A with its correct symbol in column B. Write your answer on your answer
sheet. Write legibly. Note that one option in column B corresponds to exactly one item in
column A.
Column A Column B
Operations Symbols
1. Implication A. →
2. Negation B. ∨
3. Bi-conditional C. ∧
4. Conjunction D. ¬
5. Disjunction E. ↔

ACTIVITY 3.2: What is the Truth?

Directions: Determine whether the statements below are true or false. On your answer sheet,
write ‘true’ if the statement is true, otherwise, write ‘false’. Write your answer on your answer
sheet. Write legibly.
1. In a compound proposition 𝑝 ∧ 𝑞, if at least one of 𝑝 or 𝑞 is false, then 𝑝 ∧ 𝑞 is false.
2. In a compound proposition 𝑝 ∨ 𝑞, if at least one of 𝑝 or 𝑞 is false, then 𝑝 ∨ 𝑞 is false.
3. If 𝑝 is a false proposition, then ¬𝑝 is also false.
4. In a conditional statement 𝑝 → 𝑞, if 𝑝 is true and 𝑞 is false, then 𝑝 → 𝑞 is false.

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 5. In a biconditional statement 𝑝 ↔ 𝑞, 𝑝 ↔ 𝑞 will be true if 𝑝 and 𝑞 have the same truth
values, that is both 𝑝 and 𝑞 are true, or both are false.

ACTIVITY 3.3: Transform me!

Directions: Write the following English statements into symbolic form.

𝑝: Red is a primary color.

𝑞: Green is made of a mixture of blue and yellow.

𝑟: The color red green exists.

1. Red is not a primary color.

2. If the color red green exists, then red is a primary color.
3. Green is made of a mixture of blue and yellow if and only if red is a primary color.

IV. Rubric for Scoring

Lesson 1
Activity 1.1 Activity 1.2 Activity 1.3
1 point for every correctly 2 points for every 1 point for every correctly
answered item correctly answered item answered item
Lesson 2
Activity 2.1 Activity 2.2 Activity 2.3
1 point for every correctly 2 points for every correctly answered item
answered item
Lesson 3
Activity 3.1 Activity 3.2 Activity 3.3
1 point for every correctly answered item 2 points for every
correctly answered item

V. Reflection

On your answer sheet, answer the question below in at least 3 sentences. Write legibly.
Note that there is no right or wrong answer. Just write truthfully about what is on your
mind.

Reflection question: How do you feel learning about this new lesson you have just
learned this week?

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VI. Answer Key

Lesson 1
Activity 1.1 Activity 1.2 Activity 1.3
1. Bluff 1. P, False 1. D
2. Fact 2. N 2. B
3. Fact 3. P, True 3. C
4. Fact 4. N 4. E
5. Fact 5. P, True 5. A
Lesson 2
Activity 2. 1 Activity 2.2 Activity 2.3
1. C 1. Orange-colored vegetables are rich in 1. 𝑞 or 𝑟
2. S vitamin A. 2. If 𝑟 then 𝑝
3. S Citrus fruits are rich in vitamin C. 3. 𝑝 if and only if 𝑞
4. C 2. Egyptian civilization started along the Nile
5. C River.
The Mesopotamian civilization started
along the Euphrates and Tigris Rivers.
3. Humans inhale oxygen.
They (humans) exhale carbon dioxide.
4. A square is a rectangle.
It (square) is also a parallelogram.
5. A triangle is a right triangle.
It (triangle) has a 90-degree angle.

Lesson 3
Activity 3.1 Activity 3.2 Activity 3.3
1. A 1. True 1. ¬𝑝 or ~𝑝
2. D 2. False 2. 𝑟 → 𝑝
3. E 3. False 3. 𝑞 ↔ 𝑝
4. C 4. True
5. B 5. True

VII. References

Bacani, J. B. and Soriano, J.M., (2017). General Mathematics for Grade 11, 151 Quezon City:
Ephisians Publishing, Inc.
Department of Education (2016). General Mathematics Learners Material First Edition.
Department of Education.
Orence, O. A. (2016). RBS General Mathematics First Edition, Sampaloc, Manila: Rex Book
Store, Inc.
Reyes, A. and Sulit, R. (2016). General Mathematics, Jimcyville Publications.
DEVELOPMENT TEAM OF THE LEARNER’S PACKET

Writer : Rogel John O. Naval – Sta. Cruz National High School

Content Editor : Paterno P. Mapula, Jr. – Bolo Norte High School
Reviewer : Simeon D. Brillantes – Pag-Oring Nuevo National High School
Validator : Michel C. Bisuña - Gainza National High School
Language Editor : Angel A. Martinez – Sta. Cruz National High School
Layout Artist : Jhomar B. Jaravata – Bula National High School
Illustrator : Rogel John O. Naval – Sta. Cruz National High School

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