Originally posted by AThousandYoung
I thought Boolean algebra was what you used on a search engine. You know, Thousand AND Young OR FabianFnas kind of thing...
That's true.
Boolean algebra is used in googling, database filtering, programming conditional if-statements, constructing digital electronics, logic reasoning - and solving exam problems in boolean algebra.
In pure boolean algebra we use addition (+) and multiplication (*) and negation. In database filtering, and programming, we use OR, AND and NOT. In electronics also NOR, NAND and XOR are used.
The one who invented this algebra was George Boole (1914-64), publishing his new thoughts 1847, now implemented in elecronics and computer science. He was well before his time.
However, binary aritmetics was well before Boole. It is used by a Inca, using knots on a rope. (Perhaps I'm wrong.)