Boolean Algebra

George Boole was an British teacher who invented a type of algebra which only has two values.  These are said to the value "True" or "False".  He developed this form of mathematics more than 100 years ago.  It was a system of logic that has become very useful in the development of computer control.

Questions and Activities

1. When controlling an output, we can set the pin on the Arduino to "HIGH".  It just means that pin is now set to 5 volts. What is the voltage if a pin is set to "LOW".
2. Inputs, however, might be a range of values that are not easily represented as "True" or "1".  An example is the measurement of temperature.  In the case of a "Boolean" value input the voltage would go "HIGH" or 5 volts.  This can be seen as a "TRUE".  List 3 inputs that might be attached to your project that could be represented by 1, True or HIGH.   Look at this example if you are stuck.
3. Some control circuits do not use 5 volts.  What other voltage is becoming more common?
4. A Boolean logic circuit may also be represented by a Venn Diagram.  Draw a Venn diagram that represents an "OR" set.
5. List 3 sets of double AND inputs that you might use on your project.  ( Hint )
6. Give an example of two inputs where the OR logic would be appropriate