Show that L = {ww*w:w E {a, b}*} is not a context-free language.

Database System Concepts
7th Edition
ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Chapter1: Introduction
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1PE
icon
Related questions
Question
**Problem Statement:**

Show that the language \( L = \{ ww^R w : w \in \{a, b\}^* \} \) is not a context-free language.

**Explanation:**

The language \( L \) consists of strings that are in the form of \( ww^R w \), where \( w \) is any string composed of the characters 'a' and 'b'. The notation \( w^R \) signifies the reverse of the string \( w \).

To prove that this language is not context-free, you would typically use the Pumping Lemma for context-free languages. The essence of the argument involves demonstrating that for any sufficiently long string in the language, you cannot divide the string into parts that satisfy the conditions of the Pumping Lemma without breaking the properties needed to remain in the language.

**Detailed Steps for a Proof Idea (Pumping Lemma):**

1. **Assume \( L \) is context-free:**  
   Suppose, for contradiction, that \( L \) is context-free. By the Pumping Lemma, there exists some pumping length \( p \) such that any string \( s \) in \( L \) of length at least \( p \) can be split into five parts, \( s = uvxyz \), satisfying certain conditions.

2. **Choose a specific string:**  
   Consider the string \( s = a^p b^p a^p b^p \) which is clearly in \( L \) since it can be represented in the form \( ww^R w \).

3. **Apply the Pumping Lemma:**  
   - According to the lemma, we can write \( s = uvxyz \) with:
     - \( |vxy| \leq p \)
     - \( |vy| \geq 1 \)
     - And for all \( i \geq 0 \), the string \( uv^ixy^iz \) should also be in \( L \).
   
4. **Reach a contradiction:**  
   By considering different placements for \( vxy \) and \( u \) and \( z \), show that no matter how you pump (i.e., increase \( i \)), you cannot maintain the structure \( ww^R w \), leading to a contradiction.

Thus, the language \( L \) cannot be context-free.
Transcribed Image Text:**Problem Statement:** Show that the language \( L = \{ ww^R w : w \in \{a, b\}^* \} \) is not a context-free language. **Explanation:** The language \( L \) consists of strings that are in the form of \( ww^R w \), where \( w \) is any string composed of the characters 'a' and 'b'. The notation \( w^R \) signifies the reverse of the string \( w \). To prove that this language is not context-free, you would typically use the Pumping Lemma for context-free languages. The essence of the argument involves demonstrating that for any sufficiently long string in the language, you cannot divide the string into parts that satisfy the conditions of the Pumping Lemma without breaking the properties needed to remain in the language. **Detailed Steps for a Proof Idea (Pumping Lemma):** 1. **Assume \( L \) is context-free:** Suppose, for contradiction, that \( L \) is context-free. By the Pumping Lemma, there exists some pumping length \( p \) such that any string \( s \) in \( L \) of length at least \( p \) can be split into five parts, \( s = uvxyz \), satisfying certain conditions. 2. **Choose a specific string:** Consider the string \( s = a^p b^p a^p b^p \) which is clearly in \( L \) since it can be represented in the form \( ww^R w \). 3. **Apply the Pumping Lemma:** - According to the lemma, we can write \( s = uvxyz \) with: - \( |vxy| \leq p \) - \( |vy| \geq 1 \) - And for all \( i \geq 0 \), the string \( uv^ixy^iz \) should also be in \( L \). 4. **Reach a contradiction:** By considering different placements for \( vxy \) and \( u \) and \( z \), show that no matter how you pump (i.e., increase \( i \)), you cannot maintain the structure \( ww^R w \), leading to a contradiction. Thus, the language \( L \) cannot be context-free.
Expert Solution
steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Bare Bones Programming Language
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, computer-science and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Database System Concepts
Database System Concepts
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780078022159
Author:
Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Starting Out with Python (4th Edition)
Starting Out with Python (4th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780134444321
Author:
Tony Gaddis
Publisher:
PEARSON
Digital Fundamentals (11th Edition)
Digital Fundamentals (11th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780132737968
Author:
Thomas L. Floyd
Publisher:
PEARSON
C How to Program (8th Edition)
C How to Program (8th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780133976892
Author:
Paul J. Deitel, Harvey Deitel
Publisher:
PEARSON
Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Manag…
Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Manag…
Computer Science
ISBN:
9781337627900
Author:
Carlos Coronel, Steven Morris
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Programmable Logic Controllers
Programmable Logic Controllers
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780073373843
Author:
Frank D. Petruzella
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education