Final answer:
The purpose of converting a predicate with relational expressions to a boolean expression is to simplify the predicate, allowing for easier manipulation and analysis of logical structures in computer algorithms.
Step-by-step explanation:
Converting Predicates to Boolean Expressions
In computer science, the purpose of converting a predicate with relational expressions to a boolean expression by replacing each relational expression with a distinct boolean variable is to simplify the predicate. By doing this, complex relationships can be more easily manipulated and analyzed within algorithms, especially during conceptual analysis where the clarification of relationships between predicates is essential. Simplifying predicates into boolean variables assists in reducing confusion and making logical structures more clear, which is valuable in both theoretical and practical applications. Therefore, the correct answer is a) To simplify the predicate.
Rather than introducing complexity or ambiguity, or performing arithmetic operations, simplification allows for more efficient processing and decision-making within computational systems. Eliminating terms where possible helps streamline the algebra involved, making both the computation more efficient and the results easier to check for reasonableness.