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substitution

mathematics and logic

Quick Summary

Substitution, in mathematics and logic, is the act of replacing one entity with another of equal value. This process is fundamental in areas like combinatory logic, which specifically deals with substitution and the elimination of variables.12

In the context of algebraic equations, substitution is the method used to solve them. When a number or set of numbers is substituted for the variables in an equation, it should reduce the equation to an identity, meaning both sides are equal. A statement derived from a statement form by substituting constants for variables is known as a substitution instance in logic.34

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