A minterm is an AND term containing every variable exactly once, either normal or inverted. It selects one truth-table row where the output is one. A maxterm is an OR term that is zero for one specific row. Canonical forms collect these complete terms.
Worked example
For variables A and B, minterm m2 is A AND NOT B because row 2 is binary 10. Maxterm M2 is (NOT A) OR B, which is zero on that same row. A function that is one only on rows 1 and 2 is written as sum of minterms Σm(1,2).
What to watch for
For a maxterm, the literal polarity is opposite to a minterm's polarity for the same row. Keep the variable order explicit when numbering rows.
Try it yourself
Write minterm m5 for variable order A, B, C.
Answer: 5 is binary 101, so m5 is A AND NOT B AND C.
How to study this topic
Read one operation at a time and use parentheses generously. Check a simplification with every truth-table row, not just a convenient example. A useful simpler expression must preserve the complete specified function.
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