Everyday Uses for Boolean Algebra

Boolean Basics

• Boolean algebra is unique in that it is applicable for both numbers and problem solving. The basic concept that every outcome has one of two possibilities: true and false or open and closed. In a computer system, the numbers are either 0 or 1. In an electronic system of a light switch, flipping the switch on opens the gate and flipping it off closes it.

Math

• Often when you go to the supermarket and add up prices in your head, you are using the principals of Boolean algebra. The associative property where (A x B) x C = A x (B x C) is a creation of Boolean algebra as well as the commutative property of A x B = B x A. So, when you multiply 3 x 2, you also realize that is the same as multiplying 2 x 3.

Internet Searching

• When Internet search engines, such as Google and Yahoo!, developed ways to get more specific search results, it incorporated Boolean algebra. When you want to include two words in a search, they are joined by "and." If you want one or the other, they are joined by "or." These are Boolean expressions.

Problem Solving

• Deductive reasoning is based on Boolean algebra and expressions. A statement is either true or false with no gray areas. For example, you state that the month of June has 30 days. Today is a Saturday. Today is the last day of June. We can deduce that today is Saturday, June 30. You used true statements to deductively reason the day of the month.