Reduce boolean expression to 3 literals

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around reducing a boolean expression to three literals, exploring various methods and approaches to achieve this simplification. Participants engage with both theoretical and practical aspects of boolean algebra, including potential exam strategies and the use of Karnaugh maps.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express difficulty in reducing the boolean expression and seek guidance on their approach.
  • One participant shares a step-by-step solution, indicating a lengthy process and questioning the efficiency of trial and error in finding solutions.
  • Another participant inquires about the use of Karnaugh maps, expressing uncertainty about whether they will be allowed to use them in exams.
  • Some participants suggest that understanding the underlying principles of boolean algebra is essential, even if Karnaugh maps are more convenient for simplification.
  • A later reply emphasizes the importance of learning to simplify expressions without relying solely on mapping techniques.
  • There are multiple proposed methods for reducing the expression, with some participants providing alternative approaches and corrections to earlier claims.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best method for reducing the boolean expression, and various viewpoints and approaches are presented throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention the potential limitations of Karnaugh maps in handling larger variables and the importance of understanding the foundational principles of boolean algebra. There is also uncertainty regarding exam expectations and whether specific methods must be demonstrated.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students studying boolean algebra, particularly those preparing for exams or seeking to understand different methods of expression simplification.

success2be
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Reduce the following to 3 literals
A'C' + ABC + AC'
C'(A'+A) + ABC
C' + ABC

or
A'C' + ABC + AC'
A'C' + A(BC + C')
A'C' + A(BC + C'(B + B'))
A'C' + A(BC + BC' + B'C'))

I can't go any further. What am I doing wrong?
The book has the answer as AB + C'
 
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Figured it out. Man this is long.

From the second solution

A'C' + A (BC + BC' + B'C')
A'C' + A (B (C+C') + B'C')
A'C' + A ( B + B'C' )
A'C' + A ( (B + B') (B + C') )
A'C' + A ( B + C' )
A'C' + AB + AC'
C' (A' + A) + AB
C' + AB

I wonder is it always a trial and error process in getting the solution? Wonder if I'll ever have enough time during an exam to complete.
 
Are you familiar with Karnaugh maps? (I hope I spelled that right)
 
Hurkyl said:
Are you familiar with Karnaugh maps? (I hope I spelled that right)

The professor have talked about the K map. The chapter I'm working on have not discussed it officially yet. It'll be the next chapter.

I'm wondering if I'll be forced to not use the K map to solve a problem on an exam. Don't know if they only care as long as the solution is correct or that the student must know every method to the solution.

I think I'll just move on to the next chapter and come back to the previous chapter question when I understand K map. Thanks.
 
I believe that the point of this is to give some understanding of the underlying principles and axioms. As convenient and time-saving as K-maps are, they don't really readily show why they work. In addition, most people can only apply K-maps to minimization problems of up to four or six variables. (In reality, if ordered K-maps are used, they can solve problems of as many variables as the user can practically map onto paper. This, however means the possibility of having to draw very large maps. As examples, a four-variable minimization problem requires a 16-cell map, but a ten-variable problem would require a 1024-cell map. Imagine how big that would be (but it can be done).

I'd suggest that you learn this approach well before worrying about mapping.

KM
 
success2be said:
Reduce the following to 3 literals
A'C' + ABC + AC'
C'(A'+A) + ABC
C' + ABC

or
A'C' + ABC + AC'
A'C' + A(BC + C')
A'C' + A(BC + C'(B + B'))
A'C' + A(BC + BC' + B'C'))

I can't go any further. What am I doing wrong?
The book has the answer as AB + C'

I am continuing on your steps but first you need to START looking at the 'and' , 'or' signs as 'plus' and 'multiply' and to start solving the problems by means of both Boolean algebra and regular algebra


A'C' + ABC + AC'
C'(A'+A) + ABC
C' + ABC
(C'+A)*(C'+B)*(C+C')
since (C+C')=1
(C'+A)*(C'+B)
(C'*C')+(C'*B)+(A*C')+(A*B)
(C'*(1+B))+(AC')+(AB)
C'+AC'+AB
C'(A+1)+AB
AB+C'
 
I wonder is it always a trial and error process in getting the solution? Wonder if I'll ever have enough time during an exam to complete.

No i don't think that this is the way to think about i'd rather think about it as simplifying it as possible
I can tell that this is your first course on this,
I took this course last year and I solved your problem by just looking at it ,so don't worry you'll get better at it soon...
 
ur solution

success2be said:
Reduce the following to 3 literals
A'C' + ABC + AC'
C'(A'+A) + ABC
C' + ABC

or
A'C' + ABC + AC'
A'C' + A(BC + C')
A'C' + A(BC + C'(B + B'))
A'C' + A(BC + BC' + B'C'))

I can't go any further. What am I doing wrong?
The book has the answer as AB + C'


hey u wer solving it wrnd
di like this
ur eq. wz A'C'+ABC+AC'
it will be reduced like this
C'(A'+A)+ABC
C'+ABC
NOW CONSIDER AB AS 1 TERM AND C AS SECOND
THEN (AB+C')(C+C')
C+C'=1
SO UR ANS IS AB+C'
okieeeeeeeeeee
all the bst
 
that's our assignment too :)
i guess these problems are nice .. much better than electronics :biggrin:
 

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