This is the first post in a series that focuses on the LSAT. Each post in this series contains an excerpt from our new Guide to Formal Logic on the LSAT; this focuses on if/then statements in conditional logic. If you would like to download the full guide, please use the form at the bottom of this post.
By far, the most commonly tested type of formal logic on the LSAT is the conditional statement. It is found in abundance in both Logic Games – particularly in grouping games – and in Logical Reasoning. (Note: As of August 2024, the LSAT will no longer have a Logic Games Section. The June 2024 exam will be the final LSAT with Logic Games. Learn more about the change here.)
Conditional statements can essentially be boiled down to “if/then” statements, or what must follow from a given condition. We use the following structure when we diagram such statements:
if –> then
If you live in Brooklyn, then you live in New York City.
If you live in Brooklyn –> then you live in New York City
When actually diagramming these for the test, we’re going to remove the words “if” and “then.” Instead, we’ll remember that the left of the arrow means if, and the right of the arrow means then, yielding:
Live in Brooklyn –> Live in New York City
Diagram the following examples:
- If you don’t include the broth, the meal will be incomplete.
- The dinner will start at 8 if Daniel is on time.
SOLUTIONS
- ~Broth –> Incomplete. ~Incomplete –> Broth
- Daniel’s on time –> Start at 8. ~Start at 8 —> ~Daniel’s not on time.
Related Posts
Search the Blog
Free LSAT Practice Account
Sign up for a free Blueprint LSAT account and get access to a free trial of the Self-Paced Course and a free practice LSAT with a detailed score report, mind-blowing analytics, and explanatory videos.
Learn More
Popular Posts
-
-
logic games Game Over: LSAC Says Farewell to Logic Games -
-
General LSAT Advice How to Get a 180 on the LSAT -
Entertainment Revisiting Elle's LSAT Journey from Legally Blonde