Proving x=z Using Boolean Algebra Properties

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around proving the equality x=z using properties of Boolean algebra. Participants explore various steps and transformations involved in the proof, expressing confusion over certain transitions and the origins of specific expressions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express uncertainty about the derivation of certain expressions, such as how x(y+z) leads to yz+xz.
  • There is mention of using truth tables as a potential method for proving x=z, although this approach is not fully developed in the discussion.
  • One participant suggests that the confusion arises from missing notes and proposes that understanding the underlying concepts is more beneficial than deciphering incomplete notes.
  • A later reply attempts to clarify that the initial statement x=z is crucial and that some transformations are valid based on this assumption, although this claim is not universally accepted.
  • Participants question the validity of certain steps and express confusion about the transitions between expressions, particularly regarding the rearrangement of terms.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally do not reach a consensus on the steps involved in the proof. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the transformations remain, with some participants expressing confusion and others attempting to clarify their understanding.

Contextual Notes

There are indications of missing assumptions and incomplete notes that may affect the clarity of the discussion. The reliance on specific transformations without clear justification contributes to the uncertainty expressed by participants.

sjaguar13
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I think I am missing part of my notes, or at least I don't understand them:

if x+y = y+z and xy = xz, then x=z

x = (y+z)x absorption (Don't really know where this is coming from)
x(y+z) Commutative
xy+xz Distributive
It stops here and starts again at:

yz+xz (I have no idea where this came from)
zy+zx Commutative
z(y+z) Distributive
(z+y)z Here is where it gets confusing. Where did the z+y come from?
z Proven previously
 
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sjaguar13 said:
I think I am missing part of my notes, or at least I don't understand them:

if x+y = y+z and xy = xz, then x=z
I think the easiest way of showing that is by using truth tables.

x = (y+z)x absorption (Don't really know where this is coming from)
x + y = y + z --> x(x + y) = x(y + z). Note that the left hand side simplifies to x, hence the result above.

yz+xz (I have no idea where this came from)
x + y = y + z --> (x + y)z = (y + z)z. The left hand side equals what you have above. Note that the right hand side simplifies to z.

zy+zx Commutative
z(y+z) Distributive
(z+y)z Here is where it gets confusing. Where did the z+y come from?
Just rearrange the terms from the previous step, i.e. z(y + z) = (z + y)z.

It's not clear to me what is going on here. Are these the steps from an exercise in a book?

[edit]I just noticed that these are supposedly notes. I've never taken any notes in any maths. class (or most classes for that matter). I think it would do you wonders to understand what's happening here rather than deciphering what notes you're missing.[/edit]
 
Last edited:
It was an example the teacher did on the board, but I couldn't copy it down fast enough before it was time to go, so some of the lines I just scribbled and I am pretty sure some of the stuff is missing.
 
The solution for this problem

sjaguar13 said:
I think I am missing part of my notes, or at least I don't understand them:

if x+y = y+z and xy = xz, then x=z

x = (y+z)x absorption (Don't really know where this is coming from)
x(y+z) Commutative
xy+xz Distributive
It stops here and starts again at:

yz+xz (I have no idea where this came from)
zy+zx Commutative
z(y+z) Distributive
(z+y)z Here is where it gets confusing. Where did the z+y come from?
z Proven previously


Here the first statement (x=z)it self is the place you all have missed. And it has the soution. Hence you might be starting this formula from the middle.
Becuse of that x=(y+z)x is your starting point.

xy+xz becomes yz+xz because (x=z;first statement) so you have put z instead of x for xy and you haven't chaned xz which is perfectly correct.

And zy+zx becomes (z+y)z because you can write zy+zx as (y+x)z and it can be written as (z+y)z just by replacing x with z (x=z;first statement)

If you have a doubt about this or if you have any problem regarding maths please mail me through the following e mail supundikadl@yahoo.co.uk
 

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