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 Wonderful22
  • Posts: 1
  • Joined: Mar 14, 2017
|
#33450
When the phrase "if and only if" is used, is it indicating the necessary or sufficient?
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 Dave Killoran
PowerScore Staff
  • PowerScore Staff
  • Posts: 5972
  • Joined: Mar 25, 2011
|
#33458
Both, actually!

The "if" is sufficient, and the "only if" is necessary. So, when you start with this:

  • D if and only if J.

It really can be broken into two sub-statements:

  • D if J

    and

    D only if J
Each sub-statement then can be diagrammed individually:

  • D if J = J :arrow: D

    and

    D only if J = D :arrow: J
Combined, that becomes:

  • D :dbl: J
Please let me know if that helps. Thanks!

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