Interpreting De Morgan’s theorem Given the theorem (A * B)' = A' + B', which pair of gate descriptions are logically equivalent according to this statement?
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Aa NOR and an AND gate with inverted inputs
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Ba NAND and an OR gate with inverted inputs
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Can AND and a NOR gate with inverted inputs
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Da NOR and a NAND gate with inverted inputs
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Ea NAND and an AND gate with inverted inputs
Answer
Correct Answer: a NAND and an OR gate with inverted inputs
Explanation
Introduction / Context:De Morgan’s theorems are fundamental identities used to transform logic expressions and convert between gate types. They allow designers to swap between NAND/NOR implementations and AND/OR structures with input or output inversions, which is crucial for technology mapping and minimizing parts in practical circuits.
Given Data / Assumptions:
- Use positive logic (1 = HIGH, 0 = LOW).
- De Morgan’s theorem provided: (A * B)' = A' + B'.
- Symbol * denotes logical AND; + denotes logical OR; ' denotes inversion.
Concept / Approach:
The given identity states that the complement of an AND equals the OR of the complements. In gate terms, an AND followed by an inverter (i.e., a NAND) is equivalent to an OR gate whose inputs are both inverted. This is the classic translation used to realize functions with only NAND gates, or to interpret bubble-logic schematics correctly.
Step-by-Step Solution:
Start with: Y = (A * B)'.Apply De Morgan: Y = A' + B'.Gate interpretation: left side is NAND; right side is an OR gate with inverted inputs (bubbles on A and B).Thus, a NAND gate has identical logic behavior to an OR gate with input inversions.Verification / Alternative check:
Build a 2-input truth table for both expressions. For all four input combinations of A and B, (A * B)' and A' + B' match exactly. A quick logic simulator test or simple gate-level substitution confirms the equivalence in practical circuits.
Why Other Options Are Wrong:
- NOR equals an AND with inverted inputs per the other De Morgan identity (A + B)' = A' * B', not the one given here.
- “AND and NOR with inverted inputs” mismatches the provided form.
- “NOR and NAND with inverted inputs” is not a direct De Morgan pair for this identity.
- “NAND and AND with inverted inputs” confuses complement placement; an AND with inverted inputs corresponds to a NOR under the other identity.
Common Pitfalls:
- Confusing which De Morgan form you are using. Remember: complement of AND becomes OR of complements; complement of OR becomes AND of complements.
- Misreading bubble logic: bubbles on the inputs of an OR create a NAND-equivalent; bubbles on the inputs of an AND create a NOR-equivalent.
Final Answer:
a NAND and an OR gate with inverted inputs