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Simplify the following functional expressions using Boolean algebra and its identities. List the identity used at each step.

a)(ab + c + df)ef
b) x + xy
c) (xy'+ x'z)(wx'+ yz')

User Nfirvine
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The question involves simplifying Boolean algebra expressions by applying laws like distribution, absorption, and idempotent laws to get simplified expressions:

a) (ab + c + df)ef simplifies to abf + cef,

b) x + xy simplifies to x, and

c) (xy'+ x'z)(wx'+ yz') remains unchanged.

Step-by-step explanation:

The question is about simplifying functional expressions using Boolean algebra and its identities. Let's simplify each expression step by step:

a. (ab + c + df)ef

Using the identity for distribution: (A+B)C = AC + BC

(ab)ef + cef + dfef

Since efef=ef (using the identity idempotent law), the expression simplifies to:

abf + cef + dfef

Now, eliminate the irrelevant term dfef by using absorption law: A+AB = A

Final simplified expression is: abf + cef

b. x + xy

Using the absorption law: A+AB = A,

The simplified expression is x

c. (xy'+ x'z)(wx'+ yz')

First, distribute the terms (using distributive law), but you'll find that this expression can be left as is due to the presence of complement terms (xy' and yz' for instance, where y and y' are complements).

As such, the expression remains as: (xy'+ x'z)(wx'+ yz')

Always remain vigilant to check if the final answer makes sense and adheres to Boolean algebra laws.

User Kevintechie
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