Boolean Algebra

Boolean algebra is a type of algebra first developed by George Boole. It differs from regular algebra in that it uses only two values, usually denoted 0 and 1. It has many different applications in logic, computer hardware and software development, and set theory.

There are three basic operators:

• Conjunction, similar to multiplication in ordinary algebra. The conjunction of x and y is denoted x · y or xy.
• Disjunction, similar to addition in ordinary algebra. The disjunction of x and y is denoted x + y.
• Negation, which is denoted !x. !0 = 1 and !1 = 0.

Since there are only two values, the "addition" and "multiplication" tables are much simpler than they are for ordinary calculations:

·	0	1
0	0	0
0	0	1

+	0	1
0	0	1
0	1	1