Solving Set Algebra Equations: Demorgan's and Distributive Law Explained

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving a set algebra equation involving De Morgan's laws and the distributive law. Participants explore the manipulation of the equation and clarify the meaning of symbols used in set algebra.

Discussion Character

  • Homework-related
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant presents the equation [(a' u b') n a'] = a and attempts various manipulations using De Morgan's laws and associative properties.
  • Another participant questions the meaning of a', suggesting it might refer to the complement of a, but expresses doubt about the equation being true.
  • A third participant asserts that [(a' u b') n a'] cannot equal a, proposing that it equals a' instead.
  • A later reply indicates that a missing complement sign was identified, which resolved the issue for the original poster.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the validity of the equation, with some questioning its correctness and others clarifying the notation used. The discussion includes both confusion and resolution regarding the missing complement sign.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights potential misunderstandings related to notation in set algebra, particularly regarding the complement symbol and its placement. There are unresolved aspects concerning the validity of the original equation before the clarification.

pauliedangerous
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could anyone help me with this equation?

[(a' u b') n a'] = a

ive tried the following

[(a n b)' n a'] usng demorgans
[(a' n a') n b] using associative

then stuck and

[(a' n b') u (a' n a')] using distributive
[(a' n b') u a'] using indempotent

then stuck

thanks for any help
 
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What exactly does a' mean? I first assumed you meant the complement of a but then [(a' u b') n a'] = a can't be true.
 
[(a' u b') n a'] can't equal a. Doesn't it equal a'?
 
teacher just let us know that there was a complement sign missing from the paper that was ment to be on the outside of the square brackets - i got it done ok now its possible
 

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