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

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around simplifying Boolean expressions using the laws of Boolean algebra. Participants are attempting to solve specific homework problems that involve expanding and simplifying given expressions, while also addressing potential errors in their approaches.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents multiple Boolean expressions to simplify and provides relevant laws of Boolean algebra.
  • Another participant points out an error in the application of DeMorgan's Theorem in the first step of the simplification process.
  • A different participant questions the correctness of a proposed simplification step, expressing uncertainty about the outcome.
  • One participant suggests using a Karnaugh map to verify each step of the simplification, emphasizing the importance of mastering algebraic solutions as well.
  • Another participant claims to have found a result using a Karnaugh map and seeks guidance on achieving the same result through algebraic methods.
  • One participant reiterates the importance of adhering to the rules of Boolean algebra, particularly in relation to DeMorgan's Theorem.
  • A later reply indicates that a participant has successfully arrived at an answer, thanking others for their help.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the correctness of specific steps in the simplification process, indicating that there is no consensus on the methods used or the results obtained. Some participants agree on the importance of using Karnaugh maps for verification, while others focus on algebraic methods.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight potential misunderstandings regarding the application of Boolean algebra laws, particularly DeMorgan's Theorem, and the necessity of careful step-by-step simplification. There are unresolved questions about the validity of certain simplifications and the best methods to achieve the desired outcomes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be useful for students learning Boolean algebra, particularly those working on homework problems related to simplifying Boolean expressions and understanding the application of algebraic laws and theorems.

Paymemoney
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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.

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

Now using [tex]\overline{x+y} = \overline{x} * \overline{y}[/tex] we got:
[tex]\overline{\overline{A}} * (\overline{A*\overline{B}})[/tex]
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 [tex](A * \overline{A}B)[/tex]
which equals to 0 so answer is [tex](A* B)[/tex]

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

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:
[tex]\neg(a+b)=\neg(a)*\neg(b)[/tex]
and
[tex]\neg(a*b) = \neg(a) + \neg(b)[/tex].

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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