Boolean reductions and canonical forms: Most Boolean simplifications reduce an expression to only one canonical form (for example, only SOP or only POS) for a given function.

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Incorrect

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
Boolean reduction aims to represent a logic function as simply as possible. However, “one form only” is misleading because a single function can be written in different, equally valid canonical or minimal forms (e.g., SOP and POS), and even multiple minimal SOP realizations can exist depending on don’t-cares or grouping choices.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • We are talking about algebraic reduction of a Boolean function.
  • Canonical forms include SOP (sum of minterms) and POS (product of maxterms).
  • Minimization may yield multiple equivalent minimal expressions.


Concept / Approach:
A Boolean function has unique truth behavior but may admit many algebraic expressions. Canonical SOP and POS are both valid for the same function. Minimization (via algebra/K-maps/Quine–McCluskey) often yields alternative but equivalent minimal expressions differing by implicant choice when symmetry or don’t-cares exist.


Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recognize that canonical SOP and POS both represent the same function.Step 2: Note that minimization does not force a single unique algebraic result.Step 3: Conclude that “only one form” is incorrect.


Verification / Alternative check:
Construct a simple function with multiple prime implicant covers; different valid covers produce distinct minimal SOP expressions with identical truth tables.


Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Correct: Conflicts with existence of SOP and POS for the same function.Only true for two-variable functions: Not generally true even for two variables.Ambiguous / Insufficient information: The claim is clear enough to evaluate.


Common Pitfalls:
Confusing uniqueness of a truth table with uniqueness of an algebraic expression.


Final Answer:
Incorrect

Discussion & Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to comment!
Join Discussion