Question

if necessary, write the given argument as a chain of conditional propositions that have the form if p, then q. then determine the validity of the entire argument.

premise: if prices are increased, then consumers will have less disposable income.
premise: with less disposable income, spending will decrease and the economy will slow down.
conclusion: a price increase will slow down the economy.

write the second premise as a conditional proposition that has the form if p, then q. choose the correct answer below.

a. if prices are increased, then consumers will have less disposable income.
b. if prices are increased, then the economy will slow down.
c. if consumers have less disposable income, then the economy will slow down.
d. with less disposable income, spending will decrease and the economy will slow down.

write the conclusion as a conditional proposition that has the form if p, then q. choose the correct answer below.

a. if prices are increased, then consumers will have less disposable income.
b. a price increase will slow down the economy.
c. if prices are increased, then the economy will slow down.
d. if consumers have less disposable income, then the economy will slow down.

Explanation:

Analyze the second premise

Using the Conditional Statements knowledge point
The original second premise is: "With less disposable income, spending will decrease and the economy will slow down."
We need to rewrite this in the conditional form "If \(p\), then \(q\)".

• The condition (antecedent \(p\)) is having less disposable income.
• The consequence (consequent \(q\)) is that the economy will slow down (focusing on the main economic outcome that links to the conclusion).

Thus, the conditional form is: "If consumers have less disposable income, then the economy will slow down." This matches option C.

Analyze the conclusion

Using the Conditional Statements knowledge point
The original conclusion is: "A price increase will slow down the economy."
We need to rewrite this in the conditional form "If \(p\), then \(q\)".

• The condition (antecedent \(p\)) is a price increase ("If prices are increased").
• The consequence (consequent \(q\)) is that the economy will slow down ("then the economy will slow down").

Thus, the conditional form is: "If prices are increased, then the economy will slow down." This matches option C.

Answer:

Question 1

• (A) If prices are increased, then consumers will have less disposable income.
• (B) If prices are increased, then the economy will slow down.
• (C) If consumers have less disposable income, then the economy will slow down. (Correct answer)
• (D) With less disposable income, spending will decrease and the economy will slow down.

Question 2

• (A) If prices are increased, then consumers will have less disposable income.
• (B) A price increase will slow down the economy.
• (C) If prices are increased, then the economy will slow down. (Correct answer)
• (D) If consumers have less disposable income, then the economy will slow down.