In a Karnaugh map, which simplification technique allows cells on opposite…
2025
In a Karnaugh map, which simplification technique allows cells on opposite edges of the drawn map to be grouped because those edges are logically adjacent in Gray-code order?
Answer: D. Wrap-around grouping — ConceptA Karnaugh map arranges minterms in Gray-code order. Cells that differ in only one variable are adjacent; the left and right edges, and likewise the…
- A.
Pair simplification
- B.
Quad simplification
- C.
Octet simplification
- D.
Wrap-around grouping
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Correct answer: D
Concept
A Karnaugh map arranges minterms in Gray-code order. Cells that differ in only one variable are adjacent; the left and right edges, and likewise the top and bottom edges, are therefore adjacent even though the drawing separates them.
Application
For cells lying across opposite edges, the map is treated as wrapping around. Those boundary cells may form a valid power-of-two group when they differ in only one variable.
Contrast
Pair simplification names a group size of two; it does not name the boundary relationship.
Quad simplification names a group size of four; it does not name the boundary relationship.
Octet simplification names a group size of eight; it does not name the boundary relationship.
Wrap-around grouping names the logical adjacency of opposite map edges.
Cross-check
If the map is visualized as rolled so that opposite edges touch, each boundary cell meets its Gray-code neighbor. This confirms the wrap-around adjacency rule.
Therefore, the technique is wrap-around grouping.