Boolean Algebra Equations & Truth Tables

Boolean Algebra Equations & Truth Tables - RF CafeBritish mathematician George Boole developed a form of algebra that uses symbolic logic to define relationships in sets - unions and intersections to be precise. In electrical engineering, we do not usually bother ourselves with all the rigors and formalities of the pure mathematical application. Rather, since engineers actually build things that perform useful functions, most of us can get by with the basic operations presented below.

Venn Diagrams do not help much when designing a digital circuit where complex (or simple for that matter) conditional decisions must be made to determine the proper output of a multiplexer or an entire production line controller circuit. Instead, we use Truth Tables, State Machines and Karnaugh Maps.

There are three fundamental operators from which all other Boolean functions can be derived - the OR gate, the AND gate, and the NOT (negation) operator. The Exclusive OR gate is included even though it is not a fundamental function, but it is very commonly used. Venn Diagrams for each of the functions are give just for illustration. White regions are where the functions are True, and blue areas are False.

OR
Venn Diagram for logical "OR" (white region is True) - RF Cafe Logical Boolean OR gate equation - RF Cafe
x y x + y
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 1
The OR Symbol

AND
Venn Diagram for logical "AND" (white region is True) - RF CafeLogical Boolean AND gate equation - RF Cafe
x y x · y
0 0 0
0 1 0
1 0 0
1 1 1
The AND Symbols

+

Exclusive OR
Venn Diagram for logical "XOR" (white region is True) - RF Cafe Logical Boolean Exclusive OR gate equation ( XOR ) - RF Cafe
x y x y
0 0 0
0 1 1
1 0 1
1 1 0
Exclusive OR (XOR) equivalent circuit
NOT
Venn Diagram for logical "NOT" (white region is True) - RF Cafe

Logical Boolean NOT gate equation ( negation ) - RF Cafe

x x
0 1
1 0
The NOT Symbol

°

Identities
  x + 0 = x x · 1 = x
  x + x = 1 x · x = 0
  x + x = x x · x = x
  x + 1 = 1 x · 0 = 0
     
Theorems
Involution Logical Boolean involution equation  
Commutative x + y = y + x x · y = y · x
Associative x + (y + z) = (x + y) + z  
Distributive x · (y + z) = x · y + x · z x + y · z = (x + y) · (x + z)
DeMorgan (x + y) = x · y (x · y) = x + y
Absorption x + x · y = x x · (x + y) = x