Understanding Absorption Laws (Boolean Algebras)

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In summary: Thanks.In summary, the absorption law is obtained by using the distributive law in Boolean Algebras. This allows for the expression to be simplified to ##a∧(a∨b)## and ultimately to ##a##. Some people may refer to it as distribution law, but it is the same concept.
  • #1
mathrookie
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TL;DR Summary
I cannot apply distribution law
I can't understand how absorption law is obtained. I get following steps.##a∨(a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##=(a∨a)∧(a∨b)∧(⊤∨a)∧(⊤∨b)##
then,

I come up with ##=a∧(a∨b)∧⊤∧⊤## so ##=a∧(a∨b)##

But, I cannot get ##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)##, as shown on here, therefore ##a##.

Can you help me? I cannot obtain ##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)## Some people say in other answers in different questions, it is obtained by distribution law. However, what I got by this is the first equation.
[1]: https://proofwiki.org/wiki/Absorption_Laws_(Boolean_Algebras)
 
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  • #2
mathrookie said:
TL;DR Summary: I cannot apply distribution law

I can't understand how absorption law is obtained. I get following steps.##a∨(a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##=(a∨a)∧(a∨b)∧(⊤∨a)∧(⊤∨b)##
Your expression above doesn't help.
Follow the logic in your link to get this:
##a ∨ (a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##= a ∧ (T ∨ b) ## ∧ distributes over ∨
## = a ∧ T = a## T ∨ b = T
Edited to fix earlier typo.
mathrookie said:
then,

I come up with ##=a∧(a∨b)∧⊤∧⊤## so ##=a∧(a∨b)##

But, I cannot get
##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)##, as shown on here, therefore ##a##.

Can you help me? I cannot obtain
##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)## Some people say in other answers in different questions, it is obtained by distribution law. However, what I got by this is the first equation.
[1]: https://proofwiki.org/wiki/Absorption_Laws_(Boolean_Algebras)
 
Last edited:
  • #3
Mark44 said:
Your expression above doesn't help.
Follow the logic in your link to get this:
##a ∨ (a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##= a ∧ (T ∧ b) ## ∧ distributes over ∨
## = a ∧ T = a## T ∨ b = T
Slight typo here, should be ##a\wedge(\top\vee b)##
OP, you can also use a truth table to see that the two expressions must be equal to a.
 
  • #4
TeethWhitener said:
Slight typo here, should be ##a\wedge(\top\vee b)##
Right. I've fixed it in my post.
 
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FAQ: Understanding Absorption Laws (Boolean Algebras)

What are Absorption Laws in Boolean Algebra?

Absorption laws in Boolean algebra are identities that simplify expressions by absorbing one term into another. The laws are: A + (A·B) = A and A·(A + B) = A. These laws help in reducing the complexity of Boolean expressions, making them easier to work with in various applications such as digital circuit design.

Why are Absorption Laws important in Boolean Algebra?

Absorption laws are crucial because they provide a method to simplify Boolean expressions, which can lead to more efficient digital circuits. Simplified expressions often result in fewer logic gates being used, which can reduce cost, power consumption, and increase the speed of digital systems.

How can you prove the Absorption Laws?

To prove the absorption laws, you can use truth tables or algebraic manipulation. For example, to prove A + (A·B) = A, you can show that both sides of the equation yield the same result for all possible values of A and B. Similarly, for A·(A + B) = A, you can demonstrate that both sides produce the same outcome under all conditions.

Can Absorption Laws be applied to any Boolean expression?

Yes, absorption laws can be applied to any Boolean expression. They are universal identities in Boolean algebra, meaning they hold true regardless of the specific values of the variables involved. This universality makes them a powerful tool for simplifying complex Boolean expressions.

What are some practical applications of Absorption Laws?

Practical applications of absorption laws include simplifying logic circuits in digital electronics, optimizing algorithms in computer science, and reducing the complexity of software code involving Boolean logic. By applying these laws, engineers and scientists can create more efficient and effective systems.

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