Boolean functions and points (Q2645404)

This paper is a contribution to Boolean Algebra (i.e., essentially, algebra of the type developed in Schröder's Vorlesungen über die Algebra der Logik). The problem is to determine when there exists in such an algebra a function \(f(x_1,\ldots,x_n)\) such that the \(r\) equations \[ f(a_{i1}, a_{i2}, \ldots, a_{in}) = b_i,\qquad i = 1, 2, \ldots, r\] are satisfied for given \(a_{i1}, a_{i2}, \ldots, a_{in}, b_i\); also under what circumstances such a function \(f\) is uniquely determined. The author finds necessary and sufficient conditions for both of these occurrences. He shows further that a function \(f\) always exists when \(r =1\), and also for \(r > 1\) if the Boolean algebra is a two-element algebra and the \(r\) \(n\)-ads \((a_{i1}, \ldots, a_{in})\) are all distinct; otherwise such an \(f\) may or may not exist. Likewise he shows that for \(f\) to be uniquely determined it is necessary, but not sufficient for \(r\) to be \(\ge 2^n\) (The author calls an ordered set of \(n+1\) Boolean elements an \(n\) space Boolean point; this terminology, though convenient for his proofs and suggesting his title, is not necessary for the statement of his results.)