Question #3303

I'm confused about what a "bi-conditional" is.

Started by Karen-Norris · started 2022-01-12 18:45 · last activity 2022-02-08 20:55 · 3 replies

The explanation for questions D and E, both mention the presence of a bi-conditional, but I don't know what that term means. I diagrammed D's biconditional as P<-|->NE, and E's biconditional as D<->E (D and E are both sufficient and necessary for each other. But I'm not sure I know how to spot a bi-conditional.

Replies

  1. Ravi · 2022-01-12 19:34

    Great question. A biconditional is just a fancy term for statements that are “if and only if” or “if but only if” statements. These statements are called biconditionals because both of the components of the statement are sufficient and necessary conditions for each other. Let’s break down why this is the case. A if and only if B This statement contains two statements. A if B (B-->A) And A only if B (A-->B) Notice that both A and B have arrows going to and from them. This is why we can combine these statements to make A<->B. Think of a biconditional statement as a two-way conditional statement. Bi means 2, so that should also help you to remember. Hope this helps!

  2. Karen-Norris · 2022-01-12 20:17

    Yes, that really helps alot. Thank you so much. Karen

  3. Ravi · 2022-02-08 20:55

    Happy this helped.

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