Classify the Boolean expression Y = pM(0, 1, 3, 4): which canonical form does this notation represent?

Introduction / Context:Canonical Boolean forms are written either as a Sum of Minterms (SOP) or a Product of Maxterms (POS). Recognizing standard notations helps in translating between forms and using Karnaugh maps or algebraic simplifications.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The expression is annotated as pM(0, 1, 3, 4).
• Lowercase/uppercase style may vary, but “M” denotes Maxterms.
• No additional variables or don’t-cares provided.

Concept / Approach:

Notation guide: Σm(…) usually denotes a sum of minterms (SOP), while ΠM(…) or pM(…) denotes a product of maxterms (POS). The indices refer to the maxterm numbers for which the output is zero; POS multiplies these maxterms to specify the function compactly.

Step-by-Step Reasoning:

Verification / Alternative check:

Standard digital logic texts and tool notations align with this: Σm(…) ↔ SOP; ΠM(…) ↔ POS.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• SOP: would be Σm, not ΠM/pM.
• Hybrid / none / NOR-only: not a standard canonical notation interpretation here.

Common Pitfalls:

• Confusing minterm vs. maxterm indices and their meaning (1-output vs. 0-output positions).
• Overlooking that POS lists the zero terms, not the ones.

Final Answer:

POS