Canonical Form (Boolean Algebra) - Maxterms

Maxterms

For a boolean function of variables, a sum term in which each of the variables appears once (in either its complemented or uncomplemented form) is called a maxterm. Thus, a maxterm is a logical expression of n variables that employs only the complement operator and the disjunction operator. Maxterms are a dual of the minterm idea (i.e., exhibiting a complementary symmetry in all respects). Instead of using ANDs and complements, we use ORs and complements and proceed similarly.

For example, the following are two of the eight maxterms of three variables:

a+b'+c

a'+b+c

There are again 2n maxterms of n variables, since a variable in the maxterm expression can also be in either its direct or its complemented form—two choices per n variables.