Exclusive-OR behavior (2-input XOR): Assess the statement: “An exclusive-OR provides a LOW output if one input or the other input is HIGH.”

Introduction / Context:
The exclusive-OR (XOR) gate is fundamental in digital electronics for parity, addition (sum bit), and data comparison. Its defining property is that the output is HIGH when the inputs are different and LOW when they are the same. The given statement claims the output is LOW when exactly one input is HIGH, which contradicts the XOR truth table.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• XOR has two inputs A, B and output X.
• Definition: X = 1 when A ≠ B; X = 0 when A = B.
• Standard positive-logic symbols are assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Check the XOR truth table for the two cases where exactly one input is HIGH: (A, B) = (1, 0) and (0, 1). In both cases, inputs differ, so XOR must output HIGH. Therefore, the statement that it outputs LOW is incorrect.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Use the Boolean form: X = ĀB + AB̄ (read as (NOT A)*B + A*(NOT B)). When exactly one input is 1, one of the two product terms equals 1, so X = 1.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing XOR with XNOR or with OR; forgetting XOR outputs HIGH when inputs differ.

Final Answer:
Incorrect