Truth Table

A truth table is a logically-based mathematical table that illustrates the possible outcomes of a scenario. The truth table contains the truth values that would occur under the premises of a given scenario. As a result, the table helps visualize whether an argument is logical (true) in the scenario.

The rows of a basic truth table contain the Boolean logic true or false values, while the columns list the premises of a scenario as well as the conclusion. A simple truth table contains a single scenario and lists the valid statement and its negation.

How to Create a Truth Table

The first step in creating a truth table is to determine the number of variables and rows needed for the table and then write down all the possible combinations (typically diagrammed as “p” and “q“).

For creating a basic “And” (conjunction) truth table, we’ll use the following example:

“If you get accepted into State University, you’ll get a six-figure job once you graduate.”

In this example, “p” represents the first premise in which you get accepted into State University and “q” represents getting a six-figure job upon graduating.

The truth table will have a column for each of these premises and a third for the logical conclusion, with each row containing a logical result from the combination of the two premises, as shown in the illustration below:

Simple Truth Table
p q Result
T T T
T F F
F T F
F F F

The Five Basic Operations in Truth Tables

Truth tables use five basic operations:

1. Conjunction: An “and” operation where both arguments must be true in order for the statement itself to be true

2. Disjunction: An “or” operation where both arguments must be false in order for the statement itself to be false

3. Negation: A “not” operation is one that is the opposite (or complement) of the original value

4. Conditional: An “if – then” operation where the statement is false only when the first premise is true and the second is false

5. Bi-Conditional: An “if and only if” operation wherein the statement is true only when the premises share the same truth value (they’re both either true or false)

Forrest Stroud
Forrest Stroud
Forrest is a writer for Webopedia. Experienced, entrepreneurial, and well-rounded, he has 15+ years covering technology, business software, website design, programming, and more.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.
Get the Free Newsletter
Subscribe to Daily Tech Insider for top news, trends & analysis
This email address is invalid.

Related Articles

Embedded Analytics

Embedded analytics brings self-service business intelligence to everyday application users.

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their workforce operations. They provide a central platform for human resources professionals...

Complete List of Cybersecurity Acronyms

Cybersecurity news and best practices are full of acronyms and abbreviations. Without understanding what each one means, it's difficult to comprehend the significance of...

Human Resources Management System

A Human Resources Management System (HRMS) is a software application that supports many functions of a company's Human Resources department, including benefits administration, payroll,...

ScalaHosting

ScalaHosting is a leading managed hosting provider that offers secure, scalable, and affordable...

HRIS

Human resources information system (HRIS) solutions help businesses manage multiple facets of their...

Best Managed Service Providers...

In today's business world, managed services are more critical than ever. They can...