Boolean logic

Satisfiable

Having at least one assignment that makes all constraints true.

Definition

Satisfiable

A formula is satisfiable if some assignment makes the complete formula true.

A solver normally reports this result as sat and may return a model. One valid model establishes satisfiability.

01

Example

x > 2 and x < 4 is satisfiable over integers because x = 3 works.

02

Important distinction

Many failed assignments do not establish unsat; one untested assignment may still work.

After reading this article, you should be able to

  • Define Satisfiable in the sense used on this site.
  • Establish satisfiability by giving and checking one model.