6 - Boolean Algebra

The study of two state systems is called Boolean algebra in honor of George Boole who investigated and developed this area of mathematics. Boolean algebra is of special significance to computer engineering because two state systems are found in binary, logic, and digital circuits. The ideas of Boolean algebra are not limited to just one area, but instead it generalizes the concepts of two state systems to cover all the areas. This generalization allows for the application and transfer of ideas from one area to another. For example, it was evident in the previous chapters that circuits could be used to represent logic and perform binary calculations.