Simplification Guidelines for K-maps
Each cell of an n-variable K-map has n logically adjacent cells.
Cells may be combined in groups of 2,4,8,…,2k.
A group of cells can be combined only if all cells in the group have the same value for some set of variables.
Always combine as many cells in a group as possible. This will result in the fewest number of literals in the term that represents the group.
Make as few groupings as possible to cover all minterms. This will result in the fewest product terms.
Always begin with the “loneliest” cells.