Engineering Constructing a circuit from a Boolean expression

AI Thread Summary
The discussion focuses on constructing a circuit from the Boolean expression P v (~P ^ ~Q). The user seeks clarification on the correct approach to solving the expression, specifically whether to start from the outermost or innermost parts. They outline their understanding of the circuit components, which include one OR gate, one AND gate, and two NOT gates. The user expresses concern about visualizing the circuit and mentions using WolframAlpha for generating logic gate diagrams and truth tables. Ultimately, they confirm their understanding and express gratitude for the assistance received.
Jim01
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Homework Statement



Construct a circuit from the Boolean equation:

Homework Equations



P v (~P ^ ~Q)


The Attempt at a Solution



According to the textbook, I am supposed to go from right to left, working on the outermost part of the expression to the innermost part. I read this as saying that even though the outermost part of the expression is on the far left, it is where I begin. Is this correct? I come up with one OR gate, one AND gate and two NOT gates. I tried to draw this out using the keyboard but it doesn't format properly and so is incomprehensible. Here is what I came up with:


P goes into a NOT and comes out ~P. ~P goes into AND and comes out ~P ^ Q.
P goes into OR and comes out P v (~P ^ ~Q)

Q goes into NOT and comes out ~Q. ~Q goes into AND and comes out ~P ^ Q.

~P ^ Q goes into OR and comes out P v (~P ^ ~Q)

Am I on the right track?
 
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Is there a way of adding gates to my thread? I attempted to cut and paste my Viso drawing but that didn't work. It is a lot easier to see the circuit rather than read and try to visualize it.
 
jegues said:
If you use the proper syntax, wolframalpha will provide with a picture of the logic gates as well as a truth table.

For example,

http://www.wolframalpha.com/input/?i=(x or y) and (x or !y)

Outstanding! Thank you for the information. After checking it I was right! I'm on the right track then. I was unsure whether or not I was interpreting the instructions correctly since most math has you doing everything inside the parenthesis first. It's counter-intuitive to do it last, so I was afraid I was misunderstanding.

Once again, thank you for your help.
 
Of course you can make it simpler using the identity

a + a'b = a + b
 

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