Using Boolean Algebra to Prove Equations

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SUMMARY

This discussion focuses on proving equations using Boolean algebra, specifically addressing three problems related to Boolean axioms and identities. The first problem proves that (x · y) + x = x using fundamental properties of Boolean algebra. The second problem involves demonstrating that x · ¬(y · ¬x + ¬y) = (x + x) · (y + 0) by applying DeMorgan's theorem and other identities. The third problem requires describing the canonical Disjunctive Normal Form (DNF) for the expression ¬(y · ¬x + ¬y), emphasizing the importance of truth tables in deriving normal forms.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Boolean algebra axioms and identities
  • Familiarity with DeMorgan's theorem
  • Ability to construct and interpret truth tables
  • Knowledge of canonical forms in Boolean algebra
NEXT STEPS
  • Study Boolean algebra axioms and their applications in proofs
  • Learn about DeMorgan's theorem and its implications in Boolean expressions
  • Practice constructing truth tables for various Boolean expressions
  • Explore canonical forms and simplification techniques in Boolean algebra
USEFUL FOR

Students studying discrete mathematics, computer science majors focusing on logic design, and anyone interested in mastering Boolean algebra for applications in digital circuit design.

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Homework Statement



There should be lines of some values to imply the "Not" form of them, however to make it easier, i'll just use the ¬ Symbol

(a) Let x, y be elements of a Boolean algebra. Prove from the axioms that (x · y) + x = x.

(b) Prove from the axioms of Boolean algebra that x · ¬( y · ¬x + ¬y ) = (x + x) · (y + 0). You can use DeMorgan’s and other identities we already derived in class.

(c) In the proof of completeness of Boolean algebra, we showed how to convert every formula to its “canonical DNF”: a normal form corresponding to the DNF obtained from the truth table without any simplifications.
Describe the normal form for the formula ¬( y · ¬x + ¬y )


Homework Equations



x + y = y + x
x · y = y · x
(x + y) + z = x + (y + z)
(x · y) · z = x · (y · z)
x · (y + z) = x · y + x · z
x + y · z = (x + y) · (x + z)
x + 0 = x
x · 1 = x
x + ¬x = 1
x · ¬x = 0
0 ≠ 1

The Attempt at a Solution



Part a, i don't even know how to start it. There doesn't seem to be anything i can do to it.

Part b, i have an attempt for
x * ¬(y * ¬x + ¬y) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
x * (¬y + x * y) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
x * (¬y + y * y + x) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
x * (1 * y + x) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
x * (x + 1) * (y + 1) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
x * x + x * 1 * (y + 1) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
0 + x * (y + 1) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
0 + (x * y) + (x * 1) = (x + x) * (y + 0)
0 + (x * y) + (x) = (x + x) * (y + 0)

but i get here and get stuck.

and part c, much like part a, i don't even know how to start it.
 
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a) You did not include into the relevant equations but you certainly know that x+1=1.
There are two more axioms: 1*x=x and the distributive law: a*(b+c)=a*b+a*c.
Write y*x+x in the form y*x+1*x, apply the reverse of the distributive law, (factor out x) ...

b)

¬(y * ¬x + ¬y) ≠(¬y + x * y).

The correct application of de Morgan rule is :

¬((y * ¬x) + ¬y) =¬(y * ¬x)*y=(¬y+x)*y=...

c)Set up the truth table of the expression. Collect what product of x and y result 1 and add them. For example, if you get 1 when x= 0 and y =1 and also when x=1 and y = 1, then the canonical form is ¬x*y + x*y.

ehild
 

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