Minimize the following boolean equation.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around minimizing a given Boolean equation, specifically focusing on the simplification process and the validity of different approaches to reach a simplified formula in Sum of Products (SOP) form.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the original Boolean equation and attempts to simplify it, arriving at a final expression of \(wz + xy\).
  • Another participant questions the manipulation of terms, specifically the transition from addition to multiplication between subexpressions, seeking clarification on the operations involved.
  • A third participant expresses confusion about the overall solution and requests further clarification.
  • A fourth participant provides a step-by-step simplification using distribution and absorption laws, ultimately concluding with the expression \(w + xy\).
  • A fifth participant expresses gratitude for the assistance provided in the discussion.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

There is no consensus on the final simplified form of the Boolean equation, as different participants propose varying results and methods of simplification.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not fully resolved the implications of their manipulations, and there are differing interpretations of the operations involved in the simplification process.

shamieh
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Minimize the following Boolean Equation. Write out the simplified formula (SOP FORM).

Need someone to check this. I got the answer wrong somehow.

$f${w,x,y,z) = $$w*x + w * \bar{x} + w * z + x * y$$

My answer:
$$=(wx + w\bar{x})(wz + xy)
=w(x + \bar{x})
=w * 1 = w(wz + xy) = wz + xy$$
 
Last edited:
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shamieh said:
$f${w,x,y,z) = $$w*x + w * \bar{x} + w * z + x * y$$

My answer:
$$=(wx + w\bar{x})(wz + xy)[/math]
I don't understand why you replaced + between $(wx+w\bar{x})$ and $(wz+xy)$ in the original expression with * in the second expression. Which operation is in the problem statement?

shamieh said:
$$=w(x + \bar{x})
=w * 1$$
What happened to $(wz+xy)$? When you write =, it should indeed mean "equal", not "I will work on one subexpression and later return to the other one".

shamieh said:
$$w(wz + xy) = wz + xy$$
Here you return the second factor $(wz+xy)$.
 
So what's the solution? Because I'm lost.
 
I would do
\begin{align*}
f&=wx + w \bar{x} + wz + xy \qquad \text{(original expression)} \\
&=w(x+ \bar{x})+wz+xy \qquad \text{(distribution law)} \\
&=w \cdot 1+wz+xy \qquad \text{(complementation or excluded middle)} \\
&=w+wz+xy \qquad \text{(identity for $\cdot$)} \\
&=w+xy \qquad \text{(absorption law)}.
\end{align*}
 
Wow ach, thank you so much!
 

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