Boolean Algebra (structure) - Boolean Rings

Boolean Rings

Every Boolean algebra (A, ∧, ∨) gives rise to a ring (A, +, ·) by defining a + b := (a ∧ ¬b) ∨ (b ∧ ¬a) = (ab) ∧ ¬(ab) (this operation is called symmetric difference in the case of sets and XOR in the case of logic) and a · b := ab. The zero element of this ring coincides with the 0 of the Boolean algebra; the multiplicative identity element of the ring is the 1 of the Boolean algebra. This ring has the property that a · a = a for all a in A; rings with this property are called Boolean rings.

Conversely, if a Boolean ring A is given, we can turn it into a Boolean algebra by defining xy := x + y + (x · y) and xy := x · y. Since these two constructions are inverses of each other, we can say that every Boolean ring arises from a Boolean algebra, and vice versa. Furthermore, a map f : AB is a homomorphism of Boolean algebras if and only if it is a homomorphism of Boolean rings. The categories of Boolean rings and Boolean algebras are equivalent.

Read more about this topic:  Boolean Algebra (structure)

Famous quotes containing the word rings:

    Ye say they all have passed away,
    That noble race and brave;
    That their light canoes have vanished
    From off the crested wave;
    That, mid the forests where they roamed,
    There rings no hunters’ shout;
    But their name is on your waters,
    Ye may not wash it out.
    Lydia Huntley Sigourney (1791–1865)