How Do You Simplify This Boolean Expression Using DeMorgan's Law?

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on simplifying the Boolean expression S=z ⊕ (x ⊕ y) using DeMorgan's Law. The transformation involves applying both of DeMorgan's laws: (x+y)' = x'y' and (xy)' = x' + y'. The final simplified expression is x'y' + xy, confirmed through a truth table that verifies the equivalence of the original and simplified forms. The step-by-step breakdown emphasizes the importance of understanding negation in Boolean algebra.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Boolean algebra concepts
  • Familiarity with DeMorgan's Laws
  • Ability to construct and interpret truth tables
  • Knowledge of XOR (exclusive OR) operations
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the application of DeMorgan's Laws in more complex Boolean expressions
  • Learn how to construct truth tables for various logical operations
  • Explore simplification techniques for Boolean expressions using Karnaugh maps
  • Investigate the implications of XOR operations in digital circuit design
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Students studying digital logic design, computer science enthusiasts, and anyone looking to deepen their understanding of Boolean algebra and its applications in circuit simplification.

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Homework Statement



I'm trying to understand an example in the book. They're simplifying the following expression:

<br /> S=z \oplus (x \oplus y)
=z&#039;(xy&#039;+x&#039;y)+z(xy&#039;+x&#039;y)&#039;
I don't get how they go to this from the above
=z&#039;(xy&#039;+x&#039;y)+z(xy+x&#039;y&#039;)
=xy&#039;z&#039;+x&#039;yz&#039;+xyz+x&#039;y&#039;z

Homework Equations



DeMorgan law: (x+y)' = x'y'

The Attempt at a Solution


By DeMorgan's law, negating that last term should give z(z'y'*xy)
 
Last edited:
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Draw a truth table for X XOR Y, and then put an extra output that is NOT X XOR Y, and you should see that anything that isn't x'y + xy' is x'y' + xy.

*Edit: An explanation

DeMorgan law: (x+y)' = x'y'

You need to use both of DeMorgans laws in this case:

1. (x+y)' = x'y'
2. (xy)' = x' + y'

You have [xy' + x'y]'. You need to think of it as [xy']' + [x'y]'. This becomes [x'+y''] + [x''+y'] by 2. You need to think of as [x+y']' + [x'+y]' and then as [(x+y') + (x'+y)]'. This becomes (x+y')'(x'+y)' by 1. Simplify a bit and it becomes (x'+y)(x+y') which becomes x'x + x'y' + xy + yy' = 0 + x'y' + xy + 0 = x'y' + xy.

The truth table is a quick way (in this instance) of verifying the math.
 
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