Boolean Logic & Logic Gates
Explore AND, OR, NOT, XOR gates with interactive truth tables and circuit-style visualizations.
Category: Math
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Step 1 of 6
Step 1: What is Boolean Logic?
At the heart of every computer is Boolean logic -- a system where every value is either true (1) or false (0). Named after mathematician George Boole, this binary system is how computers make every decision.
Key Terms
- Boolean -- A value that is either true (1) or false (0)
- Operand -- An input value (e.g. A or B)
- Operator -- A logical function applied to operands (AND, OR, NOT)
- Truth Table -- A table listing all possible input combinations and their outputs
The Three Fundamental Gates
AND -- Output is 1 only when both inputs are 1
| A | B | A AND B |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 1 | 0 |
| 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
OR -- Output is 1 when at least one input is 1
| A | B | A OR B |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 1 | 1 | 1 |
NOT -- Inverts a single input (1 becomes 0, 0 becomes 1)
| A | NOT A |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1 |
| 1 | 0 |
Real-world analogy: AND is like two switches in series (both must be ON). OR is like two switches in parallel (either can be ON). NOT is like an inverter that flips the switch.
About This Lab
Boolean logic is the foundation of all digital computing. In this lab, you'll learn about logical operators (AND, OR, NOT, XOR, NAND, NOR), build truth tables interactively, visualize gate circuits, combine gates into expressions, and understand how computers make decisions at the lowest level.
How It Works
- Read each step's explanation of boolean concepts
- Toggle inputs on the interactive gates
- Build and test logic expressions
- Watch truth tables update in real time
- Complete the quiz to test your understanding