Can you Simplify These Boolean Expressions Using the Laws of Boolean Algebra?

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on simplifying Boolean expressions using the laws of Boolean algebra. Participants address specific expressions, pointing out errors in initial attempts, particularly regarding the application of DeMorgan's Theorem. They emphasize the importance of following each step carefully and suggest using Karnaugh maps or truth tables for verification. The conversation highlights the need to understand the algebraic properties of Boolean functions, reinforcing that NOT is a function that requires careful handling. Ultimately, the participants aim to master both algebraic simplification and verification methods for Boolean expressions.
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1. Homework Statement and attempted solutions
Simply each of the following Boolean expressions:
i)
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/4438/equa1.jpg

ii)
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/9907/equa2.jpg

iii)Expand the following SOP form to proper miniterms (don't forget to delete identical terms):
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/1740/equa3.jpg

Homework Equations


Laws of Boolean Algebra:

A + A = A A . A = A NOT NOT A = A
A + 0 = A A . 0 = 0
A + 1 = 1 A . 1 = A
A + NOT A = 1 A . NOT A = 0

(A + B) + C = A + (B + C) (A . B) . C = A . (B . C)
(A + B) = (B + A) (A . B) = (B . A)

A . (B + C) = (A . B) + (A . C) A + (B . C) = (A + B) . (A + C)

NOT (A . B) = NOT A + NOT B
NOT (A + B) = NOT A . NOT B

X . Y + X . NOTY

P.S
 
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in 1) you made the first step incorrectly
NOT (A + B) = NOT A . NOT B

same in ii)
 


so for question i) would the first line be NOT A . NOT A . B then i went A . NOT A(B) = B because A . NOT A = 0
i don't think this is correct.
 


Try to be very punctual about what you do, do one step at a time, and it helps to note the relevant equality while you are not sure.
You can check each step by drawing the Karnaugh table for it. I do the first step for you to see what I mean.

\overline{\overline{A} + A*\overline{B}}
Its table:
<br /> \halign{\hfil # &amp; # &amp; # &amp; #\hfil \cr<br /> &amp; &amp; A &amp; \cr<br /> &amp; &amp; 0 &amp; 1 \cr<br /> B &amp; 0&amp; 0 &amp; 0 \cr<br /> &amp; 1 &amp; 0 &amp; 1 \cr }

Now using \overline{x+y} = \overline{x} * \overline{y} we got:
\overline{\overline{A}} * (\overline{A*\overline{B}})
Now if you fill the table for it, you will see whether the transformation is done right.

Of course you can deliver a normal form, and a simplified expression directly from the table. However I recommend to master the algebraic solution also, because there are cases where the algebraic way is much easier.
 


Well by using the kmap or truth table i found out that

0 * 0 equals (A * \overline{A}B)
which equals to 0 so answer is (A* B)

Now how would you find this without using a kmap or truth table?
 


I believe you violated DeMorgan's Theorem in step one, like magwas said.

I see in i) you complemented the overall output, starting with the + as the outermost operation. Yet you complement A AND NOT B individually, instead of as a whole. Remember that (A . NOTB) is an input of itself. Once you change the operation inside of (A . NOT B) to (A + NOT B), then you can complement the inputs A and B individually.

Additionally, remember that when you complement output and inputs, you go from OR to AND, yet I see you never changed the OR.

Perhaps my explanation is confusing, so here is a picture.
http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/5554/boolean.jpg

Hopefully someone will back me up, as I am learning this as well.
 
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Paymemoney said:
Well by using the kmap or truth table i found out that

0 * 0 equals (A * \overline{A}B)
which equals to 0 so answer is (A* B)

Now how would you find this without using a kmap or truth table?

Using algebra. Bool algebra is very similar to usual algebra. Only we have one additional operator above + and *. Remember that NOT() is a function. For arbitrary f, you cannot do f(a + b) = f(a) + f(b), or any other meaningful thing like that.
With f being NOT, we have the luxury of having the DeMorgan rules:
\neg(a+b)=\neg(a)*\neg(b)
and
\neg(a*b) = \neg(a) + \neg(b).

So all you have to do is do simple algebra, and adhere to the rules.
 


yeh i got the answer thanks for help.
 
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