Maths WorkshopMaths problems with full solutions
Exercise 560Logic, sets and proofs › Quantifiers and negationHigh schoolAdded 3 Nov 2026

Negating an existential statement

#negation#existential#exists

Statement

Negate the statement: ∃x∈R, x2=−1\exists x\in\mathbb{R},\ x^2=-1. Is the negation true?

Hint

¬(∃x, P(x))≡∀x, ¬P(x)\neg(\exists x,\ P(x))\equiv\forall x,\ \neg P(x).

Show solutionHide solution

Solution

Negation. ∀x∈R, x2≠−1\forall x\in\mathbb{R},\ x^2\neq-1.

Truth value. True: no real number squares to −1-1.

Conclusion. The original statement is false; its negation is true.