Is There a Mistake in This Boolean Algebra Simplification?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the simplification of a boolean expression: A'C + A'C'D + ABC + ABC'D. Participants are examining the steps taken in the simplification process and comparing results with an online boolean algebra simplifier, raising questions about potential mistakes in the reasoning.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Mathematical reasoning
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents a step-by-step simplification but questions its validity after comparing it with an online tool.
  • Another participant challenges a specific step, arguing that the expression A' + AB does not simplify as claimed.
  • A different participant suggests an alternative simplification, proposing that A' + AB can be rewritten as A' + B.
  • There is a mention of a potential mistake in the final answer, with one participant asserting that the expression can be rewritten as (A' + B)(C + D).
  • Participants express uncertainty about how to further simplify the expression and question the correctness of various proposed answers.
  • Some participants provide counterexamples to challenge the validity of certain simplifications presented by others.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the correct simplification of the boolean expression. Multiple competing views and interpretations of the simplification steps remain present throughout the discussion.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the application of boolean algebra rules, and participants express confusion about specific simplification steps and their implications.

bd411
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Homework Statement



Simplify the following boolean expression:

A'C + A'C'D + ABC + ABC'D

I have a solution but when I checked against a boolean algebra simplifier online it gave me a different answer... is there a glaring mistake below ?

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



A'C + A'C'D + ABC + ABC'D
= A'(C + C'D) + AB(C + C'D)

= A'(C + D) + AB(C + D) = A'C + A'D + ABC + ABD

= C(A' + AB) + D(A' + AB)
= C(A'B + 1) + D(A'B + 1)

= C(1) + D(1) = C + D.

Any help would be much appreciated !
 
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bd411 said:
= C(A' + AB) + D(A' + AB)
= C(A'B + 1) + D(A'B + 1)

This isn't correct. Consider that if A is true and B is false, then A' + AB is false, while A'B + 1 is always true.
 
bd411 said:

Homework Statement



Simplify the following boolean expression:

A'C + A'C'D + ABC + ABC'D

I have a solution but when I checked against a boolean algebra simplifier online it gave me a different answer... is there a glaring mistake below ?

Homework Equations



None.

The Attempt at a Solution



C(A' + AB) + D(A' + AB)
= C(A'B + 1) + D(A'B + 1) ??

Any help would be much appreciated !

You did so well with (C + C'D) = (C + D) at the start; use the same deal here.
 
Hmm right so I could say that (A' + AB) = (A' + B)

In which case C(A' + B) + D(A'+B) = A'C + BC + A'D + BD.

I'm a little stumped as to how this simplifies further.

Any help would be much appreciated !

Sorry the answer should be BC + BD + A'C'D !
 
Last edited:
bd411 said:
Hmm right so I could say that (A' + AB) = (A' + B)

In which case C(A' + B) + D(A'+B) = A'C + BC + A'D + BD.

I'm a little stumped as to how this simplifies further. The answer in front of me says it should be BC + BD + A'B'. I have two of those terms, but I'm having a little trouble extracting A'B' out of A'C + A'D !

Any help would be much appreciated !

I think the answer you have in front of you is wrong. I get the same thing as you, which can be rewritten as (A'+B)(C+D). Wolfram Alpha also agrees.
 
Great, thanks so much !
 
You're welcome!:smile:

P.S. To see why BC + BD + A'C'D is incorrect, consider the case where A is false and C is true. To see why BC + BD + A'B' is incorrect, consider the case where both A and C are false.
 

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