Define the connective * for the Boolean variables X and Y as: X * Y = XY + X'…

2007

Define the connective * for the Boolean variables X and Y as: X * Y = XY + X' Y'. Let Z = X * Y.

Consider the following expressions P, Q and R.
P: X = Y⋆Z 
Q: Y = X⋆Z 
R: X⋆Y⋆Z=1

Which of the following is TRUE?

  1. A.

    Only P and Q are valid

  2. B.

    Only Q and R are valid.

  3. C.

    Only P and R are valid.

  4. D.

    All P, Q, R are valid.

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Correct answer: D

Key idea: The connective * is XNOR: X * Y = 1 when X = Y, and 0 when X ≠ Y. Given Z = X * Y.

P and Q:

  • For X = Y * Z: If Z = 1 then X = Y, so Y * Z = Y * 1 = Y = X. If Z = 0 then X ≠ Y, so Y * Z = Y XNOR 0 = NOT(Y) = X. Thus X = Y * Z holds in both cases.

  • For Y = X * Z: The argument is symmetric to the previous one, so Y = X * Z also holds for all X,Y.

R: (X * Y) * Z = Z * Z = 1 because Z = X * Y, and any value XNOR itself equals 1.

Conclusion: All three expressions are true for every assignment of X and Y, so all P, Q and R are valid.

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