Can you Simplify These Boolean Expressions Using the Laws of Boolean Algebra?

In summary, Magwas explained that the homework statement and attempted solutions use the laws of boolean algebra. The first step is to make the equation correctly, but Magwas said that the student made the first step incorrectly. He also said the same thing happened in the second step. Magwas recommended that the student master the algebraic solution as well. Finally, Magwas explained that using the kmap or truth table, he found that 0 * 0 equals (A * \overline{A}B) which equals to 0. He also explained that you can find this answer without using a kmap or truth table.
  • #1
Paymemoney
175
0
1. Homework Statement and attempted solutions
Simply each of the following Boolean expressions:
i)
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4438/equa1.jpg

ii)
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9907/equa2.jpg

iii)Expand the following SOP form to proper miniterms (don't forget to delete identical terms):
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1740/equa3.jpg

Homework Equations


Laws of Boolean Algebra:

A + A = A A . A = A NOT NOT A = A
A + 0 = A A . 0 = 0
A + 1 = 1 A . 1 = A
A + NOT A = 1 A . NOT A = 0

(A + B) + C = A + (B + C) (A . B) . C = A . (B . C)
(A + B) = (B + A) (A . B) = (B . A)

A . (B + C) = (A . B) + (A . C) A + (B . C) = (A + B) . (A + C)

NOT (A . B) = NOT A + NOT B
NOT (A + B) = NOT A . NOT B

X . Y + X . NOTY

P.S
 
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  • #2


in 1) you made the first step incorrectly
NOT (A + B) = NOT A . NOT B

same in ii)
 
  • #3


so for question i) would the first line be NOT A . NOT A . B then i went A . NOT A(B) = B because A . NOT A = 0
i don't think this is correct.
 
  • #4


Try to be very punctual about what you do, do one step at a time, and it helps to note the relevant equality while you are not sure.
You can check each step by drawing the Karnaugh table for it. I do the first step for you to see what I mean.

[tex]\overline{\overline{A} + A*\overline{B}}[/tex]
Its table:
[tex]
\halign{\hfil # & # & # & #\hfil \cr
& & A & \cr
& & 0 & 1 \cr
B & 0& 0 & 0 \cr
& 1 & 0 & 1 \cr }[/tex]

Now using [tex] \overline{x+y} = \overline{x} * \overline{y}[/tex] we got:
[tex]\overline{\overline{A}} * (\overline{A*\overline{B}})[/tex]
Now if you fill the table for it, you will see whether the transformation is done right.

Of course you can deliver a normal form, and a simplified expression directly from the table. However I recommend to master the algebraic solution also, because there are cases where the algebraic way is much easier.
 
  • #5


Well by using the kmap or truth table i found out that

0 * 0 equals [tex](A * \overline{A}B)[/tex]
which equals to 0 so answer is [tex](A* B)[/tex]

Now how would you find this without using a kmap or truth table?
 
  • #6


I believe you violated DeMorgan's Theorem in step one, like magwas said.

I see in i) you complemented the overall output, starting with the + as the outermost operation. Yet you complement A AND NOT B individually, instead of as a whole. Remember that (A . NOTB) is an input of itself. Once you change the operation inside of (A . NOT B) to (A + NOT B), then you can complement the inputs A and B individually.

Additionally, remember that when you complement output and inputs, you go from OR to AND, yet I see you never changed the OR.

Perhaps my explanation is confusing, so here is a picture.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5554/boolean.jpg

Hopefully someone will back me up, as I am learning this as well.
 
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  • #7


Paymemoney said:
Well by using the kmap or truth table i found out that

0 * 0 equals [tex](A * \overline{A}B)[/tex]
which equals to 0 so answer is [tex](A* B)[/tex]

Now how would you find this without using a kmap or truth table?

Using algebra. Bool algebra is very similar to usual algebra. Only we have one additional operator above + and *. Remember that NOT() is a function. For arbitrary f, you cannot do f(a + b) = f(a) + f(b), or any other meaningful thing like that.
With f being NOT, we have the luxury of having the DeMorgan rules:
[tex]\neg(a+b)=\neg(a)*\neg(b) [/tex]
and
[tex]\neg(a*b) = \neg(a) + \neg(b)[/tex].

So all you have to do is do simple algebra, and adhere to the rules.
 
  • #8


yeh i got the answer thanks for help.
 

FAQ: Can you Simplify These Boolean Expressions Using the Laws of Boolean Algebra?

What are the basic laws of Boolean Algebra?

The basic laws of Boolean Algebra are the commutative law, associative law, distributive law, identity law, and complement law.

How do these laws apply to logic gates?

These laws can be used to simplify complex logic gate circuits and reduce them to a more simplified form, making it easier to analyze and understand the logic being performed.

What is the difference between AND and OR operations in Boolean Algebra?

The AND operation is represented by a dot (•) and results in a true output only when both inputs are true. The OR operation is represented by a plus (+) and results in a true output when at least one input is true.

How do the laws of Boolean Algebra relate to De Morgan's laws?

De Morgan's laws are a set of rules that show the relationship between AND and OR operations and their corresponding complement operations. They can be derived from the laws of Boolean Algebra.

How are the laws of Boolean Algebra used in computer programming?

Boolean Algebra is the foundation of digital logic and is used extensively in computer programming to represent logical operations and conditions. It is also used in the design and analysis of digital circuits and algorithms.

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