I Understanding Absorption Laws (Boolean Algebras)

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The discussion revolves around understanding the absorption law in Boolean algebra, specifically the expression a ∨ (a ∧ b). The original poster struggles to derive the conclusion a from their steps, particularly in obtaining the expression a ∧ (⊤ ∨ b). Other participants suggest using the distribution law to simplify the equation correctly. They also recommend utilizing a truth table to verify the equality of the expressions. The conversation highlights the importance of correctly applying Boolean algebra laws to reach the desired result.
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I cannot apply distribution law
I can't understand how absorption law is obtained. I get following steps.##a∨(a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##=(a∨a)∧(a∨b)∧(⊤∨a)∧(⊤∨b)##
then,

I come up with ##=a∧(a∨b)∧⊤∧⊤## so ##=a∧(a∨b)##

But, I cannot get ##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)##, as shown on here, therefore ##a##.

Can you help me? I cannot obtain ##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)## Some people say in other answers in different questions, it is obtained by distribution law. However, what I got by this is the first equation.
[1]: https://proofwiki.org/wiki/Absorption_Laws_(Boolean_Algebras)
 
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mathrookie said:
TL;DR Summary: I cannot apply distribution law

I can't understand how absorption law is obtained. I get following steps.##a∨(a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##=(a∨a)∧(a∨b)∧(⊤∨a)∧(⊤∨b)##
Your expression above doesn't help.
Follow the logic in your link to get this:
##a ∨ (a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##= a ∧ (T ∨ b) ## ∧ distributes over ∨
## = a ∧ T = a## T ∨ b = T
Edited to fix earlier typo.
mathrookie said:
then,

I come up with ##=a∧(a∨b)∧⊤∧⊤## so ##=a∧(a∨b)##

But, I cannot get
##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)##, as shown on here, therefore ##a##.

Can you help me? I cannot obtain
##a∧(⊤∨𝑏)## Some people say in other answers in different questions, it is obtained by distribution law. However, what I got by this is the first equation.
[1]: https://proofwiki.org/wiki/Absorption_Laws_(Boolean_Algebras)
 
Last edited:
Mark44 said:
Your expression above doesn't help.
Follow the logic in your link to get this:
##a ∨ (a∧𝑏) = (a∧⊤)∨(a∧𝑏)##
##= a ∧ (T ∧ b) ## ∧ distributes over ∨
## = a ∧ T = a## T ∨ b = T
Slight typo here, should be ##a\wedge(\top\vee b)##
OP, you can also use a truth table to see that the two expressions must be equal to a.
 
TeethWhitener said:
Slight typo here, should be ##a\wedge(\top\vee b)##
Right. I've fixed it in my post.
 
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