Related Conditional: converse, inverse, contra- positive – Independent Practice Worksheet Complete all the problems. 1. Write the converse of the given sentence. If I can do it, anyone can do it. 2. Write the inverse of given sentence. If it is raining, the streets are getting wet.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Here are the correct answers:
- Converse of “If I can do it, anyone can do it” is: If anyone can do it, I can do it.
- Inverse of “If it is raining, the streets are getting wet” is: If it is not raining, the streets are not getting wet.
Explanation:
In formal logic, a conditional statement is written in the format “If p, then q,” where p is called the hypothesis and q is called the conclusion. From this basic structure, three related forms can be derived: the converse, the inverse, and the contrapositive. Each one manipulates the original statement in a specific way.
The converse is formed by switching the hypothesis and the conclusion. So, given the original “If I can do it, anyone can do it,” the converse becomes “If anyone can do it, I can do it.” This reversal changes the direction of logical implication. While the original might imply self-confidence, the converse suggests that your own ability is dependent on the general ability of others.
The inverse is created by negating both the hypothesis and the conclusion. In the second statement, the original claim is “If it is raining, the streets are getting wet.” The inverse would say, “If it is not raining, the streets are not getting wet.” This introduces a different kind of condition by implying the non-existence of the outcome if the cause does not occur. Importantly, the inverse is not logically equivalent to the original unless the conditions are strictly defined and mutually exclusive.
Understanding these forms is crucial for constructing sound arguments and analyzing real-world claims. While they may look similar, each structure plays a different role in logical reasoning and helps sharpen analytical thinking.
