# Conjunctive normal form

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2010 Mathematics Subject Classification: Primary: 03B05 [MSN][ZBL]

A propositional formula of the form $$\label{eq1} \bigwedge_{i=1}^n \bigvee_{j=1}^{m_i} \, C_{ij}$$ where each $C_{ij}$, $i=1,\ldots,n$; $j = 1,\ldots,m_i$, is either an atomic formula (a variable or constant) or the negation of an atomic formula. The conjunctive normal form \ref{eq1} is a tautology if and only if for every $i$ one can find both formulas $p$ and $\neg p$ among the $C_{i1},\ldots,C_{im_i}$, for some atomic formula $p$. Given any propositional formula $A$, one can construct a conjunctive normal form $B$ equivalent to it and containing the same variables and constants as $A$. This $B$ is called the conjunctive normal form of $A$.

The dual of a conjunctive normal form is a disjunctive normal form. Both are also used in the theory of Boolean functions (cf. Boolean functions, normal forms of).

How to Cite This Entry:
Conjunctive normal form. Encyclopedia of Mathematics. URL: http://www.encyclopediaofmath.org/index.php?title=Conjunctive_normal_form&oldid=35078
This article was adapted from an original article by S.K. Sobolev (originator), which appeared in Encyclopedia of Mathematics - ISBN 1402006098. See original article