Creating an XOR function
I can write a function that replicates the output of an XOR gate.
Creating an XOR function
I can write a function that replicates the output of an XOR gate.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- A logic gate is a fundamental component of a digital circuit.
- A truth table shows all possible combinations of inputs and the output that a circuit will produce.
- An XOR logic gate is True when either input is True, but not both.
- Unlike AND, OR and NOT, Python does not have a built-in operator for XOR.
Keywords
Logic gate - an electronic component that carries out a logical operation
Truth table - a table showing the outputs for all possible combinations of inputs to a logic gate
XOR - a Boolean operation that outputs True if either, but not both, of the input values are True
Common misconception
Python has a built-in XOR operator in the same way that it has AND, OR and NOT.
Unlike AND, OR and NOT, Python does not have a built-in operator for XOR and instead must be designed as part of and program that uses it.
To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Creating an XOR function, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 computer science lesson on: Creating an XOR function, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 computer science lessons from the Programming: subroutines unit, dive into the full secondary computer science curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
Pupils need acces to software that allows them to write and run Python code. Links to examples in the Raspberry Pi Code Editor are provided as one such option.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
When programmers write code, they use a special tool called an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). In an IDE, different colours are used to help programmers understand the code:
- • Blue - numbers and boolean values
- • Green - strings
- • Purple - keywords
When programmers write code, they use a special tool called an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). In an IDE, different colours are used to help programmers understand the code:
- • Blue - numbers and boolean values
- • Green - strings
- • Purple - keywords
the section of a program where a variable can be accessed and modified
only defined and visible for use in specific parts of a program
accessible from all parts of a program
When programmers write code, they use a special tool called an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). In an IDE, different colours are used to help programmers understand the code:
- • Blue - numbers and boolean values
- • Green - strings
- • Purple - keywords
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
When programmers write code, they use a special tool called an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). In an IDE, different colours are used to help programmers understand the code:
- • Blue - numbers and boolean values
- • Green - strings
- • Purple - keywords
When programmers write code, they use a special tool called an IDE (Integrated Development Environment). In an IDE, different colours are used to help programmers understand the code:
- • Blue - numbers and boolean values
- • Green - strings
- • Purple - keywords
