Key Concepts: Deductive Reasoning ⭐

Deductive Reasoning

Deductive reasoning uses facts, rules, definitions, or properties to reach a logical conclusion. Unlike inductive reasoning, valid deductive reasoning guarantees a true conclusion if the premises are true.

Law of Detachment

If p → q is true and p is true, then q must be true.

• Example: If a figure is a square, then it is a rectangle. Figure ABCD is a square. Therefore, ABCD is a rectangle.

Law of Syllogism

If p → q is true and q → r is true, then p → r is true.

• Example: If it rains, the ground gets wet. If the ground gets wet, the flowers grow. Therefore, if it rains, the flowers grow.