Proving x=z Using Boolean Algebra Properties

AI Thread Summary
The discussion revolves around proving that if x+y = y+z and xy = xz, then x=z using Boolean algebra properties. Participants express confusion about specific steps in the proof, particularly regarding the transitions between expressions like x = (y+z)x and the emergence of terms like z+y. Clarifications are provided that some steps can be derived by substituting x with z based on the initial condition. The importance of understanding the underlying principles rather than just deciphering notes is emphasized. Overall, the conversation highlights the complexities of Boolean algebra and the need for clear notation in mathematical proofs.
sjaguar13
Messages
49
Reaction score
0
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 Absorbtion (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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
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 Absorbtion (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 Absorbtion (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
 
I was reading documentation about the soundness and completeness of logic formal systems. Consider the following $$\vdash_S \phi$$ where ##S## is the proof-system making part the formal system and ##\phi## is a wff (well formed formula) of the formal language. Note the blank on left of the turnstile symbol ##\vdash_S##, as far as I can tell it actually represents the empty set. So what does it mean ? I guess it actually means ##\phi## is a theorem of the formal system, i.e. there is a...

Similar threads

Replies
7
Views
1K
Replies
10
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
8
Views
342
Back
Top