Matlab simplify boolean expression

I want to simplify a boolean algebra expression. I have taken this example from matlab online help but it does not work:

simplify((a and b) or (a and (not b)), logic)

Any suggestion?

I am using matlab R2012a (7.14.0.739)

Answer 1

[Geoff]

The expression:

(A && B) || (A && ~B)

Is logically equivalent to:

A

The reason is that both terms require A to be true, and the whole expression evaluates to true regardless of whether B is true or false. If you drew up a truth table for this, it'd be immediately obvious.

[EDIT] Hadn't clicked that the poster was talking about the symbolic math toolbox.

syms a,b;
simplify( (a & b) | (a & ~b) )

[Oleg Komarov]

I confirm that the code in the comment works.

Please post it here so that the OP can accept your answer.

[Geoff]

Cheers.. I should stop answering outside my area of experience. =)

[Oleg Komarov]

But that's how you learn new things!

Answer 2

[Alexander]

You have copied a MuPAD command. Did you use it inside a MuPAD Notebook? If not, type this at the MATLAB command prompt:

 mupad

This will open a MuPAD Notebook. There, paste the input near the bracket (red text should appear) and press enter:

 [ simplify((a and b) or (a and (not b)), logic)
 a

If you don't want to open a MuPAD notebook, try this in MATLAB:

 evalin(symengine, 'simplify((a and b) or (a and (not b)), logic)')

Though if you prefer to stay in MATLAB, you should take what Geoff suggests:

 syms a b;
 simplify((a & b) | (a & ~b))

(For some reason it did not work for me with the comma between a and b).

[ket]

Very comprehensive answer. Thanks!

[Ibrahim Elewah]

Thank You @Alexander

Answer 3

[ket]

Ok, but how do use matlab to simplify a boolean expression? Also, it there a method where I can see the intermediate steps?

[Geoff]

I don't have the symbolic math toolbox.. Does this work?

syms a,b;

simplify( (a & b) | (a & ~b) )