DeMorgans Theorems

Handout
Dr. Pang

DeMorgans
DeMorgan
s Theorems
DeMorgans Theorems are two additional
simplification techniques that can be used to
simplify Boolean expressions. Again, the simpler
the Boolean expression
expression, the simpler the resulting
logic.

A B A B
A B A B
2

DeMorgans
DeMorgan
s Theorem #1
A B A B
Proof
A B

A B

A B

A
B

A B

A B

A B

A B

A B

The truth-tables are equal; therefore,

the Boolean equations must be equal.

DeMorgans
DeMorgan
s Theorem #2
A B A B
Proof
A B

A B
A

A B

A
B

A B

A B A B

A B

A B

1
1

The truth-tables are equal; therefore,

the Boolean equations must be equal.

Summary
Boolean & DeMorgans Theorems
1)

X 0 0

10A)

X Y Y X

2)

X 1 X

10B)

XYY X

3)

XX X

11A)

XYZ XY Z

4)

XX0

11B)

X Y Z X Y Z

5)

X0 X

12A)

XY Z XY XZ

6)

X 1 1

12B)

X Y W Z XW XZ YW YZ

7)

XXX

13A)

X XY X Y

8)

X X 1

13B)

X XY X Y

9)

XX

13C)

X XY X Y

13D)

X XY X Y

14A)

XYXY

14B)

XYX Y

Commutative
Law
Associative
Law
Distributive
Law

Consensus
Theorem

DeMorgans
5

DeMorgan Shortcut
BREAK THE LINE, CHANGE THE SIGN
Break the LINE over the two variables,
and change the SIGN directly under the line.

A B A B

A B A B

For Theorem #14A, break the line, and

change the AND function to an OR function.
Be sure to keep the lines over the variables.

For Theorem #14B, break the line, and

change the OR function to an AND function.
Be sure to keep the lines over the variables.
6

DeMorgans:
DeMorgan
s: Example #1
Example
Simplify the following Boolean expression and note
the Boolean or DeMorgans theorem used at each
step. Put the answer in SOP form.
F1 ( X Y ) ( Y Z )

DeMorgans:
DeMorgan
s: Example #1
Example
Simplify the following Boolean expression and note the
Boolean or DeMorgans theorem used at each step. Put
the answer in SOP form.

F1 ( X Y ) ( Y Z )
Solution

F1 ( X Y ) ( Y Z )
F1 ( X Y ) ( Y Z ) ; Theorem #14A
F1 ( X Y ) ( Y Z )

; Theorem #9 & #14B

F1 ( X Y ) ( Y Z )

; Theorem #9

F1 X Y Y Z

; Rewritten without AND symbols

and parentheses

DeMorgans:
DeMorgan
s: Example #2
So, where would such an odd Boolean expression come from?
Take a look at the VERY p
poorly
y designed
g
logic
g circuit shown
below. If you were to analyze this circuit to determine the output
function F2, you would obtain the results shown.
X
Y

XY

XY

( X Z )( XY )

F2 ( X Z )( XY )

X
Z

XZ

Example
Simplify the output function F2. Be sure to note the Boolean or
DeMorgans theorem used at each step. Put the answer in
SOP form.
9

DeMorgans:
DeMorgan
s: Example #2
Solution

F 2 ( X Z )( XY )
F 2 ( X Z ) ( XY ) ; Theorem
Th
#14A
F 2 ( X Z ) ( XY ) ; Theorem #9
F 2 ( X Z ) ( XY )

; Theorem #14B

F 2 ( X Z ) ( XY )

; Theorem #9

F2 X Z X Y

; Rewritten without AND symbols

10