logical equivalence

Logical equivalence is a type of relationship between two statements or sentences in propositional logic or Boolean algebra. The relation translates verbally into "if and only if" and is symbolized by a double-lined, double arrow pointing to the left and right ( ). If A and B represent statements, then A B means "A if and only if B."

The statement A B is exactly the same as

(A B) * (B A)

where the asterisk (*) represents the logical AND operation, and the right-pointing, double-lined arrow ( ) represents logical implication.

Logical equivalence works both ways. Thus,

(A B) (B A)

Logical equivalence is important in the design of digital circuits. Several circuits may be logically equivalent, in that they all have identical truth table s. The goal of the engineer is to find the circuit that performs the desired logical function using the least possible number of gates. This will result in optimal operating efficiency, reliability, and speed.

Also see Mathematical Symbols .

Last updated on: Sep 21, 2005

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