COMP 335

Introduction to
Theoretical Computer Science
Section G

Instructor: G. Grahne

Lectures: Tuesdays and Thursdays,

11:45 – 13:00, H 521

Office hours: Tuesdays,

14:00 - 15:00, LB 903-11

• All slides shown here are on the web.

1
Thanks to David Ford for TEX assistance.

Thanks to the following students of comp335

Winter 2002, for spotting errors in previous
versions of the slides: Omar Khawajkie, Charles
de Weerdt, Wayne Jang, Keith Kang, Bei Wang,
Yapeng Fan, Monzur Chowdhury, Pei Jenny
Tse, Tao Pan, Shahidur Molla, Bartosz Adam-
czyk, Hratch Chitilian, Philippe Legault.

Tutor: TBA

Tutorial: Tuesdays, 13:15 – 14:05, H 411

• Tutorials are an integral part of this course.

2
 Course organization

Textbook: J. E. Hopcroft, R. Motwani, and

J. D. Ullman Introduction to Automata The-
ory, Languages, and Computation, Second Edi-
tion, Addison-Wesley, New York, 2001.

Sections: There are two parallel sections. The

material covered by each instructor is roughly
the same. There are four common assign-
ments and a common final exam. Each section
will have different midterm tests.

Assignments: There will be four assignments.

Each student is expected to solve the assign-
ments independently, and submit a solution for
every assigned problem.

3
Examinations: There will be three midterm
examinations, each lasting thirty minutes and
covering the material of the most recent as-
signment. The final examination will be a three-
hour examination at the end of the term.

Weight distribution:
Midterm examinations: 3 × 15% = 45%,
Final examination: = 55%.

• At the end of the term, any midterm exam

mark lower than your final exam mark will be
replaced by your final exam mark. To pass
the course you must submit solutions for all
assigned problems.

4
Important: COMP 238 and COMP 239 are
prerequisites. For a quick refresher course,
read Chapter 1 in the textbook.

• Spend some time every week on:

(1) learning the course content,
(2) solving exercises.

• Visit the course web site regularly for up-

dated information.

5
 Motivation

• Automata = abstract computing devices

• Turing studied Turing Machines (= comput-

ers) before there were any real computers

• We will also look at simpler devices than

Turing machines (Finite State Automata, Push-
down Automata, . . . ), and specification means,
such as grammars and regular expressions.

• NP-hardness = what cannot be efficiently

computed

6
 Finite Automata

Finite Automata are used as a model for

• Software for designing digital cicuits

• Lexical analyzer of a compiler

• Searching for keywords in a file or on the

web.

• Software for verifying finite state systems,

such as communication protocols.

7
• Example: Finite Automaton modelling an
on/off switch

Push

Start
off on

Push

• Example: Finite Automaton recognizing the

string then

Start t h e n
t th the then

8
 Structural Representations

These are alternative ways of specifying a ma-

chine

Grammars: A rule like E ⇒ E + E specifies an

arithmetic expression

• Lineup ⇒ P erson.Lineup

says that a lineup is a person in front of a

lineup.

Regular Expressions: Denote structure of data,

e.g.

’[A-Z][a-z]*[][A-Z][A-Z]’

matches Ithaca NY

does not match Palo Alto CA

Question: What expression would match

Palo Alto CA
9
 Central Concepts

Alphabet: Finite, nonempty set of symbols

Example: Σ = {0, 1} binary alphabet

Example: Σ = {a, b, c, . . . , z} the set of all lower

case letters

Example: The set of all ASCII characters

Strings: Finite sequence of symbols from an

alphabet Σ, e.g. 0011001

Empty String: The string with zero occur-

rences of symbols from Σ

• The empty string is denoted 

10
Length of String: Number of positions for
symbols in the string.

|w| denotes the length of string w

|0110| = 4, || = 0

Powers of an Alphabet: Σk = the set of

strings of length k with symbols from Σ

Example: Σ = {0, 1}

Σ1 = {0, 1}

Σ2 = {00, 01, 10, 11}

Σ0 = {}

Question: How many strings are there in Σ3

11
The set of all strings over Σ is denoted Σ∗

Σ∗ = Σ0 ∪ Σ1 ∪ Σ2 ∪ · · ·

Also:

Σ+ = Σ1 ∪ Σ2 ∪ Σ3 ∪ · · ·

Σ∗ = Σ+ ∪ {}

Concatenation: If x and y are strings, then

xy is the string obtained by placing a copy of
y immediately after a copy of x

x = a1a2 . . . ai, y = b1b2 . . . bj

xy = a1a2 . . . aib1b2 . . . bj

Example: x = 01101, y = 110, xy = 01101110

Note: For any string x

x = x = x
12
Languages:

If Σ is an alphabet, and L ⊆ Σ∗
then L is a language

Examples of languages:

• The set of legal English words

• The set of legal C programs

• The set of strings consisting of n 0’s followed

by n 1’s

{, 01, 0011, 000111, . . .}

13
• The set of strings with equal number of 0’s
and 1’s

{, 01, 10, 0011, 0101, 1001, . . .}

• LP = the set of binary numbers whose value

is prime

{10, 11, 101, 111, 1011, . . .}

• The empty language ∅

• The language {} consisting of the empty

string

Note: ∅ 6= {}

Note2: The underlying alphabet Σ is always

finite
14
Problem: Is a given string w a member of a
language L?

Example: Is a binary number prime = is it a

meber in LP

Is 11101 ∈ LP ? What computational resources

are needed to answer the question.

Usually we think of problems not as a yes/no

decision, but as something that transforms an
input into an output.

Example: Parse a C-program = check if the

program is correct, and if it is, produce a parse
tree.

Let LX be the set of all valid programs in prog

lang X. If we can show that determining mem-
bership in LX is hard, then parsing programs
written in X cannot be easier.

Question: Why?
15
 Finite Automata Informally

Protocol for e-commerce using e-money

Allowed events:

1. The customer can pay the store (=send

the money-file to the store)

2. The customer can cancel the money (like

putting a stop on a check)

3. The store can ship the goods to the cus-

tomer

4. The store can redeem the money (=cash

the check)

5. The bank can transfer the money to the

store

16
 e-commerce

The protocol for each participant:

Start pay redeem transfer

a b d f

ship ship ship

(a) Store
c e g
redeem transfer

2
cancel
pay cancel

1 3 4
redeem transfer

Start Start

(b) Customer (c) Bank

17
Completed protocols:

cancel pay,cancel pay,cancel pay,cancel

Start
a b d f
pay redeem transfer
ship ship ship
(a) Store redeem transfer
c e g

pay,cancel pay,cancel pay,cancel

pay, ship

2
ship. redeem, transfer, pay,redeem, pay,redeem,
pay, cancel cancel cancel, ship cancel, ship
pay, 1 3 4
ship redeem transfer

Start Start

(b) Customer (c) Bank

18
The entire system as an Automaton:

Start
a b c d e f g
P P P P P P
P S S S
1
R
C C C C C C C
R
P S S S
2
P P P P P P

R P,C P,C P,C

P S R S S
3

C P,C P,C P,C T

R T
P S S S
4 R

C P,C P,C P,C P,C P,C P,C

19
 Deterministic Finite Automata

A DFA is a quintuple

A = (Q, Σ, δ, q0, F )

• Q is a finite set of states

• Σ is a finite alphabet (=input symbols)

• δ is a transition function (q, a) 7→ p

• q0 ∈ Q is the start state

• F ⊆ Q is a set of final states

20
Example: An automaton A that accepts

L = {x01y : x, y ∈ {0, 1}∗}

The automaton A = ({q0, q1, q2}, {0, 1}, δ, q0, {q1})

as a transition table:

0 1
→ q0 q2 q0
?q1 q1 q1
q2 q2 q1

The automaton as a transition diagram:

1 0
Start 0 1
q0 q2 q1 0, 1

21
An FA accepts a string w = a1a2 · · · an if there
is a path in the transition diagram that

1. Begins at a start state

2. Ends at an accepting state

3. Has sequence of labels a1a2 · · · an

Example: The FA

0, 1
Start q0 0 q1 1 q2

accepts e.g. the string 01101

22
• The transition function δ can be extended
to δ̂ that operates on states and strings (as
opposed to states and symbols)

Basis: δ̂(q, ) = q

Induction: δ̂(q, xa) = δ(δ̂(q, x), a)

• Now, fomally, the language accepted by A

is
L(A) = {w : δ̂(q0, w) ∈ F }

• The languages accepted by FA:s are called

regular languages

23
Example: DFA accepting all and only strings
with an even number of 0’s and an even num-
ber of 1’s

1
Start q0 q1
1
0
0

0 0
q2 1 q3

Tabular representation of the Automaton

0 1
? → q0 q2 q1
q1 q3 q0
q2 q0 q3
q3 q1 q2

24
 Example

Marble-rolling toy from p. 53 of textbook

A B

x1 x3

x2

C D

25
A state is represented as sequence of three bits
followed by r or a (previous input rejected or
accepted)

For instance, 010a, means

left, right, left, accepted

Tabular representation of DFA for the toy

A B
→ 000r 100r 011r
?000a 100r 011r
?001a 101r 000a
010r 110r 001a
?010a 110r 001a
011r 111r 010a
100r 010r 111r
?100a 010r 111r
101r 011r 100a
?101a 011r 100a
110r 000a 101a
?110a 000a 101a
111r 001a 110a
26
 Nondeterministic Finite Automata

A NFA can be in several states at once, or,

viewded another way, it can “guess” which
state to go to next

Example: An automaton that accepts all and

only strings ending in 01.

0, 1
Start q0 0 q1 1 q2

Here is what happens when the NFA processes

the input 00101

q0 q0 q0 q0 q0 q0

q1 q1 q1
(stuck)

q2 q2
(stuck)

0 0 1 0 1
27
Formally, a NFA is a quintuple

A = (Q, Σ, δ, q0, F )

• Q is a finite set of states

• Σ is a finite alphabet

• δ is a transition function from Q × Σ to the

powerset of Q

• q0 ∈ Q is the start state

• F ⊆ Q is a set of final states

28
Example: The NFA from the previous slide is

({q0, q1, q2}, {0, 1}, δ, q0, {q2})

where δ is the transition function

0 1
→ q0 {q0, q1} {q0}
q1 ∅ {q2}
?q2 ∅ ∅

29
Extended transition function δ̂.

Basis: δ̂(q, ) = {q}

Induction:
[
δ̂(q, xa) = δ(p, a)
p∈δ̂(q,x)

Example: Let’s compute δ̂(q0, 00101) on the

blackboard

• Now, fomally, the language accepted by A is

L(A) = {w : δ̂(q0, w) ∩ F 6= ∅}

30
Let’s prove formally that the NFA

0, 1
Start q0 0 q1 1 q2

accepts the language {x01 : x ∈ Σ∗}. We’ll do

a mutual induction on the three statements
below

0. w ∈ Σ∗ ⇒ q0 ∈ δ̂(q0, w)

1. q1 ∈ δ̂(q0, w) ⇔ w = x0

2. q2 ∈ δ̂(q0, w) ⇔ w = x01

31
Basis: If |w| = 0 then w = . Then statement
(0) follows from def. For (1) and (2) both
sides are false for 

Induction: Assume w = xa, where a ∈ {0, 1},

|x| = n and statements (0)–(2) hold for x. We
will show on the blackboard in class that the
statements hold for xa.

32
 Equivalence of DFA and NFA

• NFA’s are usually easier to “program” in.

• Surprisingly, for any NFA N there is a DFA D,

such that L(D) = L(N ), and vice versa.

• This involves the subset construction, an im-

portant example how an automaton B can be
generically constructed from another automa-
ton A.

• Given an NFA

N = (QN , Σ, δN , q0, FN )
we will construct a DFA

D = (QD , Σ, δD , {q0}, FD )
such that
L(D) = L(N )
.
33
The details of the subset construction:

• QD = {S : S ⊆ QN }.

Note: |QD | = 2|QN |, although most states in

QD are likely to be garbage.

• FD = {S ⊆ QN : S ∩ FN 6= ∅}

• For every S ⊆ QN and a ∈ Σ,

[
δD (S, a) = δN (p, a)
p∈S

34
Let’s construct δD from the NFA on slide 27

0 1
∅ ∅ ∅
→ {q0} {q0, q1} {q0}
{q1} ∅ {q2}
?{q2} ∅ ∅
{q0, q1} {q0, q1} {q0, q2}
?{q0, q2} {q0, q1} {q0}
?{q1, q2} ∅ {q2}
?{q0, q1, q2} {q0, q1} {q0, q2}

35
Note: The states of D correspond to subsets
of states of N , but we could have denoted the
states of D by, say, A − F just as well.

0 1
A A A
→B E B
C A D
?D A A
E E F
?F E B
?G A D
?H E F

36
We can often avoid the exponential blow-up
by constructing the transition table for D only
for accessible states S as follows:

Basis: S = {q0} is accessible in D

Induction: If state S is accessible, so are the

S
states in a∈Σ δD (S, a).

Example: The “subset” DFA with accessible

states only.

1 0

Start
0 1
{q0} {q0, q1} {q0, q2}

37
Theorem 2.11: Let D be the “subset” DFA
of an NFA N . Then L(D) = L(N ).

Proof: First we show on an induction on |w|

that
δ̂D ({q0}, w) = δ̂N (q0, w)

Basis: w = . The claim follows from def.

38
Induction:
def
δ̂D ({q0}, xa) = δD (δ̂D ({q0}, x), a)

i.h.
= δD (δ̂N (q0, x), a)

cst [
= δN (p, a)
p∈δ̂N (q0 ,x)

def
= δ̂N (q0, xa)

Now (why?) it follows that L(D) = L(N ).

39
Theorem 2.12: A language L is accepted by
some DFA if and only if L is accepted by some
NFA.

Proof: The “if” part is Theorem 2.11.

For the “only if” part we note that any DFA

can be converted to an equivalent NFA by mod-
ifying the δD to δN by the rule

• If δD (q, a) = p, then δN (q, a) = {p}.

By induction on |w| it will be shown in the

tutorial that if δ̂D (q0, w) = p, then δ̂N (q0, w) =
{p}.

The claim of the theorem follows.

40
 Exponential Blow-Up

There is an NFA N with n + 1 states that has

no equivalent DFA with fewer than 2n states
0, 1

1 0, 1 0, 1 0, 1 0, 1
q0 q1 q2 qn
Start

L(N ) = {x1c2c3 · · · cn : x ∈ {0, 1}∗, ci ∈ {0, 1}}

Suppose an equivalent DFA D with fewer than

2n states exists.

D must remember the last n symbols it has

read.

There are 2n bitsequences a1a2 · · · an

∃ q, a1a2 · · · an, b1b2 · · · bn : q ∈ δ̂N (q0, a1a2 · · · an),

q ∈ δ̂N (q0, b1b2 · · · bn),
a1a2 · · · an 6= b1b2 · · · bn
41
Case 1:

1a2 · · · an
0b2 · · · bn

Then q has to be both an accepting and a

nonaccepting state.

Case 2:

a1 · · · ai−11ai+1 · · · an
b1 · · · bi−10bi+1 · · · bn

Now δ̂N (q0, a1 · · · ai−11ai+1 · · · an0i−1) =

δ̂N (q0, b1 · · · bi−10bi+1 · · · bn0i−1)

and δ̂N (q0, a1 · · · ai−11ai+1 · · · an0i−1) ∈ FD

δ̂N (q0, b1 · · · bi−10bi+1 · · · bn0i−1) ∈

/ FD

42
 FA’s with Epsilon-Transitions

An -NFA accepting decimal numbers consist-

ing of:

1. An optional + or - sign

2. A string of digits

3. a decimal point

4. another string of digits

One of the strings (2) are (4) are optional

0,1,...,9 0,1,...,9
Start
q0 ε,+,- q1 q2 q3 ε q5
. 0,1,...,9

0,1,...,9 .
q4

43
Example:

-NFA accepting the set of keywords {ebay, web}

e b
Σ 2 3 4
w

e
5 6 7 8
Start b a y

44
An -NFA is a quintuple (Q, Σ, δ, q0, F ) where δ
is a function from Q × Σ ∪ {} to the powerset
of Q.

Example: The -NFA from the previous slide

E = ({q0, q1, . . . , q5}, {., +, −, 0, 1, . . . , 9} δ, q0, {q5})

where the transition table for δ is

 +,- . 0, . . . , 9
→ q0 {q1} {q1} ∅ ∅
q1 ∅ ∅ {q2} {q1, q4}
q2 ∅ ∅ ∅ {q3}
q3 {q5} ∅ ∅ {q3}
q4 ∅ ∅ {q3} ∅
?q5 ∅ ∅ ∅ ∅

45
 ECLOSE

We close a state by adding all states reachable

by a sequence  · · · 

Inductive definition of ECLOSE(q)

Basis:

q ∈ ECLOSE(q)

Induction:

p ∈ ECLOSE(q) and r ∈ δ(p, ) ⇒

r ∈ ECLOSE(q)

46
Example of -closure

ε ε
2 3 6
ε

1 b

ε
4 5 7
a ε

For instance,

ECLOSE(1) = {1, 2, 3, 4, 6}

47
• Inductive definition of δ̂ for -NFA’s

Basis:

δ̂(q, ) = ECLOSE(q)

Induction:

[
δ̂(q, xa) = ECLOSE(p)
p∈δ(δ̂(q,x),a)

Let’s compute on the blackboard in class

δ̂(q0, 5.6) for the NFA on slide 43

48
Given an -NFA

E = (QE , Σ, δE , q0, FE )
we will construct a DFA

D = (QD , Σ, δD , qD , FD )
such that
L(D) = L(E)

Details of the construction:

• QD = {S : S ⊆ QE and S = ECLOSE(S)}

• qD = ECLOSE(q0)

• FD = {S : S ∈ QD and S ∩ FE 6= ∅}

• δD (S, a) =
[
{ECLOSE(p) : p ∈ δ(t, a) for some t ∈ S}

49
Example: -NFA E

0,1,...,9 0,1,...,9
Start
q0 ε,+,- q1 q2 q3 ε q5
. 0,1,...,9

0,1,...,9 .
q4

DFA D corresponding to E

0,1,...,9 0,1,...,9

+,-
{q0, q } {q } {q , q } {q2, q3, q5}
1 1 0,1,...,9 1 4 .

. 0,1,...,9
.
Start {q2} {q3, q5}
0,1,...,9

0,1,...,9
50
Theorem 2.22: A language L is accepted by
some -NFA E if and only if L is accepted by
some DFA.

Proof: We use D constructed as above and

show by induction that δ̂D (q0, w) = δ̂E (qD , w)

Basis: δ̂E (q0, ) = ECLOSE(q0) = qD = δ̂(qD , )

51
Induction:
[
δ̂E (q0, xa) = ECLOSE(p)
p∈δE (δ̂E (q0 ,x),a)

[
= ECLOSE(p)
p∈δD (δ̂D (qD ,x),a)

[
= ECLOSE(p)
p∈δ̂D (qD ,xa)

= δ̂D (qD , xa)

52
 Regular expressions

A FA (NFA or DFA) is a “blueprint” for con-

tructing a machine recognizing a regular lan-
guage.

A regular expression is a “user-friendly,” declar-

ative way of describing a regular language.

Example: 01∗ + 10∗

Regular expressions are used in e.g.

1. UNIX grep command

2. UNIX Lex (Lexical analyzer generator) and

Flex (Fast Lex) tools.

53
 Operations on languages

Union:

L ∪ M = {w : w ∈ L or w ∈ M }

Concatenation:

L.M = {w : w = xy, x ∈ L, y ∈ M }

Powers:

L0 = {}, L1 = L, Lk+1 = L.Lk

Kleene Closure:

∞
L∗ = Li
[

i=0

Question: What are ∅0, ∅i, and ∅∗

54
 Building regex’s

Inductive definition of regex’s:

Basis:  is a regex and ∅ is a regex.

L() = {}, and L(∅) = ∅.

If a ∈ Σ, then a is a regex.
L(a) = {a}.

Induction:

If E is a regex’s, then (E) is a regex.

L((E)) = L(E).

If E and F are regex’s, then E + F is a regex.

L(E + F ) = L(E) ∪ L(F ).

If E and F are regex’s, then E.F is a regex.

L(E.F ) = L(E).L(F ).

If E is a regex’s, then E ? is a regex.

L(E ?) = (L(E))∗.
55
Example: Regex for

L = {w ∈ {0, 1}∗ : 0 and 1 alternate in w}

(01)∗ + (10)∗ + 0(10)∗ + 1(01)∗

or, equivalently,

( + 1)(01)∗( + 0)

Order of precedence for operators:

1. Star
2. Dot
3. Plus

Example: 01∗ + 1 is grouped (0(1)∗) + 1

56
 Equivalence of FA’s and regex’s

We have already shown that DFA’s, NFA’s,

and -NFA’s all are equivalent.

ε-NFA NFA

RE DFA

To show FA’s equivalent to regex’s we need to

establish that

1. For every DFA A we can find (construct,

in this case) a regex R, s.t. L(R) = L(A).

2. For every regex R there is a -NFA A, s.t.

L(A) = L(R).

57
Theorem 3.4: For every DFA A = (Q, Σ, δ, q0, F )
there is a regex R, s.t. L(R) = L(A).

Proof: Let the states of A be {1, 2, . . . , n},

with 1 being the start state.

(k)
• Let Rij be a regex describing the set of
labels of all paths in A from state i to state
j going through intermediate states {1, . . . , k}
only.

i
j

58
 (k)
Rij will be defined inductively. Note that
 

R1j (n) = L(A)

M
L
j∈F

Basis: k = 0, i.e. no intermediate states.

• Case 1: i 6= j

(0) M
Rij = a
{a∈Σ:δ(i,a)=j}

• Case 2: i = j

 
(0) M
Rii = 

a
+
{a∈Σ:δ(i,a)=i}

59
Induction:

(k)
Rij

=
(k−1)
Rij

+
(k−1) (k−1) ∗ (k−1)
 
Rik Rkk Rkj

i k k k k j

In R (k-1)
ik In R (k-1)
Zero or more strings in R (k-1)
kk
kj

60
Example: Let’s find R for A, where
L(A) = {x0y : x ∈ {1}∗ and y ∈ {0, 1}∗}

1
Start 0 0,1
1 2

(0)
R11 +1
(0)
R12 0
(0)
R21 ∅
(0)
R22 +0+1

61
We will need the following simplification rules:

• ( + R)∗ = R∗

• R + RS ∗ = RS ∗

• ∅R = R∅ = ∅ (Annihilation)

• ∅ + R = R + ∅ = R (Identity)

62
 (0)
R11 +1
(0)
R12 0
(0)
R21 ∅
(0)
R22 +0+1

(1) (0) (0) (0) ∗ (0)

 
Rij = Rij + Ri1 R11 R1j

By direct substitution Simplified

(1)
R11  + 1 + ( + 1)( + 1)∗( + 1) 1∗
(1)
R12 0 + ( + 1)( + 1)∗0 1∗0
(1)
R21 ∅ + ∅( + 1)∗( + 1) ∅
(1)
R22  + 0 + 1 + ∅( + 1)∗0 +0+1

63
 Simplified
(1)
R11 1∗
(1)
R12 1∗0
(1)
R21 ∅
(1)
R22 +0+1

(2) (1) (1) (1) ∗ (1)

 
Rij = Rij + Ri2 R22 R2j

By direct substitution
(2)
R11 1∗ + 1∗0( + 0 + 1)∗∅
(2)
R12 1∗0 + 1∗0( + 0 + 1)∗( + 0 + 1)
(2)
R21 ∅ + ( + 0 + 1)( + 0 + 1)∗∅
(2)
R22  + 0 + 1 + ( + 0 + 1)( + 0 + 1)∗( + 0 + 1)

64
 By direct substitution
(2)
R11 1∗ + 1∗0( + 0 + 1)∗∅
(2)
R12 1∗0 + 1∗0( + 0 + 1)∗( + 0 + 1)
(2)
R21 ∅ + ( + 0 + 1)( + 0 + 1)∗∅
(2)
R22  + 0 + 1 + ( + 0 + 1)( + 0 + 1)∗( + 0 + 1)

Simplified
(2)
R11 1∗
(2)
R12 1∗0(0 + 1)∗
(2)
R21 ∅
(2)
R22 (0 + 1)∗

The final regex for A is

(2)
R12 = 1∗0(0 + 1)∗

65
 Observations

(k)
There are n3 expressions Rij

Each inductive step grows the expression 4-fold

(n)
Rij could have size 4n

(k) (k−1)
For all {i, j} ⊆ {1, . . . , n}, Rij uses Rkk
(k−1)
so we have to write n2 times the regex Rkk

We need a more efficient approach:

the state elimination technique

66
 The state elimination technique

Let’s label the edges with regex’s instead of

symbols

R 1m

R 11

q1 p1

Q1
S P1

Pm
Qk

qk pm
R km

R k1

67
Now, let’s eliminate state s.

R 11 + Q 1 S* P1
q1 p1

R 1m + Q 1 S* Pm

R k1 + Q k S* P1
qk pm
R km + Q k S* Pm

For each accepting state q eliminate from the

original automaton all states exept q0 and q.

68
For each q ∈ F we’ll be left with an Aq that
looks like

R U
S
Start

that corresponds to the regex Eq = (R+SU ∗T )∗SU ∗

or with Aq looking like

Start

corresponding to the regex Eq = R∗

• The final expression is

M
Eq
q∈F

69
Example: A, where L(A) = {W : w = x1b, or w =
x1bc, x ∈ {0, 1}∗, {b, c} ⊆ {0, 1}}

0,1

Start 1 0,1 0,1

A B C D

We turn this into an automaton with regex

labels

0+1

Start 1 0+1 0+1

A B C D

70
 0+1

Start 1 0+1 0+1

A B C D

Let’s eliminate state B

0+1

Start 1( 0 + 1) 0+1
A C D

Then we eliminate state C and obtain AD

0+1

Start 1( 0 + 1) ( 0 + 1)
A D

with regex (0 + 1)∗1(0 + 1)(0 + 1)

71
From

0+1

Start 1( 0 + 1) 0+1
A C D

we can eliminate D to obtain AC

0+1

Start 1( 0 + 1)
A C

with regex (0 + 1)∗1(0 + 1)

• The final expression is the sum of the previ-

ous two regex’s:

(0 + 1)∗1(0 + 1)(0 + 1) + (0 + 1)∗1(0 + 1)

72
 From regex’s to -NFA’s

Theorem 3.7: For every regex R we can con-

struct and -NFA A, s.t. L(A) = L(R).

Proof: By structural induction:

Basis: Automata for , ∅, and a.

(a)

(b)

(c)

73
Induction: Automata for R + S, RS, and R∗

ε R ε

ε ε
S

(a)

ε
R S

(b)

ε ε
R

ε
(c)

74
Example: We convert (0 + 1)∗1(0 + 1)

ε 0 ε

ε ε
1
(a)

ε
ε 0 ε
ε ε

ε ε ε
1

(b)

ε
ε 0 ε
Start ε ε
ε

ε ε ε
1

ε 0 ε
1 ε

ε ε
1
(c)

75
 Algebraic Laws for languages

• L ∪ M = M ∪ L.

Union is commutative.

• (L ∪ M ) ∪ N = L ∪ (M ∪ N ).

Union is associative.

• (LM )N = L(M N ).

Concatenation is associative

Note: Concatenation is not commutative, i.e.,

there are L and M such that LM 6= M L.

76
• ∅ ∪ L = L ∪ ∅ = L.

∅ is identity for union.

• {}L = L{} = L.

{} is left and right identity for concatenation.

• ∅L = L∅ = ∅.

∅ is left and right annihilator for concatenation.

77
• L(M ∪ N ) = LM ∪ LN .

Concatenation is left distributive over union.

• (M ∪ N )L = M L ∪ N L.

Concatenation is right distributive over union.

• L ∪ L = L.

Union is idempotent.

• ∅∗ = {}, {}∗ = {}.

• L+ = LL∗ = L∗L, L∗ = L+ ∪ {}

78
• (L∗)∗ = L∗. Closure is idempotent

Proof:
∞ ∞ !i
w ∈ (L∗)∗ ⇐⇒ w ∈ Lj
[ [

i=0 j=0

⇐⇒ ∃k, m ∈ N : w ∈ (Lm)k

⇐⇒ ∃p ∈ N : w ∈ Lp
∞
Li
[
⇐⇒ w ∈
i=0

⇐⇒ w ∈ L∗ 

79
 Algebraic Laws for regex’s

Evidently e.g. L((0 + 1)1) = L(01 + 11)

Also e.g. L((00 + 101)11) = L(0011 + 10111).

More generally

L((E + F )G) = L(EG + F G)

for any regex’s E, F , and G.

• How do we verify that a general identity like

above is true?

1. Prove it by hand.

2. Let the computer prove it.

80
In Chapter 4 we will learn how to test auto-
matically if E = F , for any concrete regex’s
E and F .

We want to test general identities, such as

E + F = F + E, for any regex’s E and F .

Method:

1. “Freeze” E to a1, and F to a2

2. Test automatically if the frozen identity is

true, e.g. if L(a1 + a2) = L(a2 + a1)

Question: Does this always work?

81
Answer: Yes, as long as the identities use only
plus, dot, and star.

Let’s denote a generalized regex, such as (E + F )E

by
E(E, F )

Now we can for instance make the substitution

S = {E/0, F /11} to obtain

S (E(E, F )) = (0 + 11)0

82
Theorem 3.13: Fix a “freezing” substitution
♠ = {E1/a1, E2/a2, . . . , Em/am}.

Let E(E1, E2, . . . , Em) be a generalized regex.

Then for any regex’s E1, E2, . . . , Em,

w ∈ L(E(E1, E2, . . . , Em))

if and only if there are strings wi ∈ L(Ei), s.t.

w = wj1 wj2 · · · wjk

and

aj1 aj2 · · · ajk ∈ L(E(a1, a2, . . . , am))

83
For example: Suppose the alphabet is {1, 2}.
Let E(E1, E2) be (E1 + E2)E1, and let E1 be 1,
and E2 be 2. Then

w ∈ L(E(E1, E2)) = L((E1 + E2)E1) =

({1} ∪ {2}){1} = {11, 21}

if and only if

∃w1 ∈ L(E1) = {1}, ∃w2 ∈ L(E2) = {2} : w = wj1 wj2

and

aj1 aj2 ∈ L(E(a1, a2))) = L((a1+a2)a1) = {a1a1, a2a1}

if and only if
j1 = j2 = 1, or j1 = 1, and j2 = 2

84
Proof of Theorem 3.13: We do a structural
induction of E.

Basis: If E = , the frozen expression is also .

If E = ∅, the frozen expression is also ∅.

If E = a, the frozen expression is also a. Now

w ∈ L(E) if and only if there is u ∈ L(a), s.t.
w = u and u is in the language of the frozen
expression, i.e. u ∈ {a}.

85
Induction:

Case 1: E = F + G.

Then ♠(E) = ♠(F) + ♠(G), and

L(♠(E)) = L(♠(F)) ∪ L(♠(G))

Let E and and F be regex’s. Then w ∈ L(E + F )

if and only if w ∈ L(E) or w ∈ L(F ), if and only
if a1 ∈ L(♠(F)) or a2 ∈ L(♠(G)), if and only if
a1 ∈ ♠(E), or a2 ∈ ♠(E).

Case 2: E = F.G.

Then ♠(E) = ♠(F).♠(G), and

L(♠(E)) = L(♠(F)).L(♠(G))

Let E and and F be regex’s. Then w ∈ L(E.F )

if and only if w = w1w2, w1 ∈ L(E) and w2 ∈ L(F ),
and a1a2 ∈ L(♠(F)).L(♠(G)) = ♠(E)

Case 3: E = F∗.

Prove this case at home.

86
Examples:

To prove (L + M)∗ = (L∗M∗)∗ it is enough to

determine if (a1 + a2)∗ is equivalent to (a∗1a∗2)∗

To verify L∗ = L∗L∗ test if a∗1 is equivalent to

a∗1a∗1.

Question: Does L + ML = (L + M)L hold?

87
Theorem 3.14: E(E1, . . . , Em) = F(E1, . . . , Em) ⇔
L(♠(E)) = L(♠(F))

Proof:

(Only if direction) E(E1, . . . , Em) = F(E1, . . . , Em)

means that L(E(E1, . . . , Em)) = L(F(E1, . . . , Em))
for any concrete regex’s E1, . . . , Em. In partic-
ular then L(♠(E)) = L(♠(F))

(If direction) Let E1, . . . , Em be concrete regex’s.

Suppose L(♠(E)) = L(♠(F)). Then by Theo-
rem 3.13,

w ∈ L(E(E1, . . . Em)) ⇔

∃wi ∈ L(Ei), w = wj1 · · · wjm , aj1 · · · ajm ∈ L(♠(E)) ⇔

∃wi ∈ L(Ei), w = wj1 · · · wjm , aj1 · · · ajm ∈ L(♠(F)) ⇔

w ∈ L(F(E1, . . . Em))

88
 Properties of Regular Languages

• Pumping Lemma. Every regular language

satisfies the pumping lemma. If somebody
presents you with fake regular language, use
the pumping lemma to show a contradiction.

• Closure properties. Building automata from

components through operations, e.g. given L
and M we can build an automaton for L ∩ M .

• Decision properties. Computational analysis

of automata, e.g. are two automata equiva-
lent.

• Minimization techniques. We can save money

since we can build smaller machines.

89
 The Pumping Lemma Informally

Suppose L01 = {0n1n : n ≥ 1} were regular.

Then it would be recognized by some DFA A,

with, say, k states.

Let A read 0k . On the way it will travel as

follows:

 p0
0 p1
00 p2
... ...
0k pk

⇒ ∃i < j : pi = pj Call this state q.

90
Now you can fool A:

If δ̂(q, 1i) ∈ F the machine will foolishly ac-

cept 0j 1i.

If δ̂(q, 1i) ∈
/ F the machine will foolishly re-
ject 0i1i.

Therefore L01 cannot be regular.

• Let’s generalize the above reasoning.

91
Theorem 4.1.

The Pumping Lemma for Regular Languages.

Let L be regular.

Then ∃n, ∀w ∈ L : |w| ≥ n ⇒ w = xyz such that

1. y 6= 

2. |xy| ≤ n

3. ∀k ≥ 0, xy k z ∈ L

92
Proof: Suppose L is regular

The L is recognized by some DFA A with, say,

n states.

Let w = a1a2 . . . am ∈ L, m > n.

Let pi = δ̂(q0, a1a2 · · · ai).

⇒ ∃i < j : pi = pj

93
Now w = xyz, where

1. x = a1a2 · · · ai

2. y = ai+1ai+2 · · · aj

3. z = aj+1aj+2 . . . am

y=
ai+1 . . . aj

x= z=
Start a1 . . . ai aj+1 . . . am
p0 pi

Evidently xy k z ∈ L, for any k ≥ 0. Q.E.D.

94
Example: Let Leq be the language of strings
with equal number of zero’s and one’s.

Suppose Leq is regular. Then w = 0n1n ∈ L.

By the pumping lemma w = xyz, |xy| ≤ n,

y 6=  and xy k z ∈ Leq

| {z· · }· ·| ·{z
w = 000 · 0} 0111
| {z· · · 11}
x y z

In particular, xz ∈ Leq , but xz has fewer 0’s

than 1’s.

95
Suppose Lpr = {1p : p is prime } were regular.

Let n be given by the pumping lemma.

Choose a prime p ≥ n + 2.

p
z }| {
| {z· · }· ·| ·{z
w = 111 · 1} 1111
| {z· · · 11}
x y z
|y|=m

Now xy p−mz ∈ Lpr

|xy p−mz| = |xz| + (p − m)|y| =

p − m + (p − m)m = (1 + m)(p − m)
which is not prime unless one of the factors
is 1.

• y 6=  ⇒ 1 + m > 1

• m = |y| ≤ |xy| ≤ n, p ≥ n + 2
⇒ p − m ≥ n + 2 − n = 2.
96
 Closure Properties of Regular Languages

Let L and M be regular languages. Then the

following languages are all regular:

• Union: L ∪ M

• Intersection: L ∩ M

• Complement: N

• Difference: L \ M

• Reversal: LR = {wR : w ∈ L}

• Closure: L∗.

• Concatenation: L.M

• Homomorphism:
h(L) = {h(w) : w ∈ L, h is a homom. }

• Inverse homomorphism:
h−1(L) = {w ∈ Σ : h(w) ∈ L, h : Σ → ∆ is a homom. }
97
Theorem 4.4. For any regular L and M , L∪M
is regular.

Proof. Let L = L(E) and M = L(F ). Then

L(E + F ) = L ∪ M by definition.

Theorem 4.5. If L is a regular language over

Σ, then so is L = Σ∗ \ L.

Proof. Let L be recognized by a DFA

A = (Q, Σ, δ, q0, F ).
Let B = (Q, Σ, δ, q0, Q \ F ). Now L(B) = L.

98
Example:

Let L be recognized by the DFA below

1 0

Start
0 1
{q0} {q0, q1} {q0, q2}

Then L is recognized by

1 0

Start
0 1
{q0} {q0, q1} {q0, q2}

Question: What are the regex’s for L and L

99
Theorem 4.8. If L and M are regular, then
so is L ∩ M .

Proof. By DeMorgan’s law L ∩ M = L ∪ M .

We already that regular languages are closed
under complement and union.

We shall shall also give a nice direct proof, the

Cartesian construction from the e-commerce
example.

100
Theorem 4.8. If L and M are regular, then
so in L ∩ M .

Proof. Let L be the language of

AL = (QL, Σ, δL, qL, FL)

and M be the language of

AM = (QM , Σ, δM , qM , FM )

We assume w.l.o.g. that both automata are

deterministic.

We shall construct an automaton that simu-

lates AL and AM in parallel, and accepts if and
only if both AL and AM accept.

101
If AL goes from state p to state s on reading a,
and AM goes from state q to state t on reading
a, then AL∩M will go from state (p, q) to state
(s, t) on reading a.

Input a

AL

Start AND Accept

AM

102
Formally

AL∩M = (QL × QM , Σ, δL∩M , (qL, qM ), FL × FM ),

where

δL∩M ((p, q), a) = (δL(p, a), δM (q, a))

It will be shown in the tutorial by and induction

on |w| that
 
δ̂L∩M ((qL, qM ), w) = δ̂L(qL, w), δ̂M (qM , w)

The claim then follows.

Question: Why?

103
Example: (c) = (a) × (b)

Start 0 0,1
p q

(a)
0

Start 1 0,1
r s

(b)

1
Start 1
pr ps

0 0

0,1
qr qs
1
0
(c)

104
Theorem 4.10. If L and M are regular lan-
guages, then so in L \ M .

Proof. Observe that L \ M = L ∩ M . We

already know that regular languages are closed
under complement and intersection.

105
Theorem 4.11. If L is a regular language,
then so is LR .

Proof 1: Let L be recognized by an FA A.

Turn A into an FA for LR , by

1. Reversing all arcs.

2. Make the old start state the new sole ac-

cepting state.

3. Create a new start state p0, with δ(p0, ) = F

(the old accepting states).

106
Theorem 4.11. If L is a regular language,
then so is LR .

Proof 2: Let L be described by a regex E.

We shall construct a regex E R , such that
L(E R ) = (L(E))R .

We proceed by a structural induction on E.

Basis: If E is , ∅, or a, then E R = E.

Induction:
1. E = F + G. Then E R = F R + GR

2. E = F.G. Then E R = GR .F R

3. E = F ∗. Then E R = (F R )∗

We will show by structural induction on E on

blackboard in class that

L(E R ) = (L(E))R
107
 Homomorphisms

A homomorphism on Σ is a function h : Σ∗ → Θ∗,

where Σ and Θ are alphabets.

Let w = a1a2 · · · an ∈ Σ∗. Then

h(w) = h(a1)h(a2) · · · h(an)

and
h(L) = {h(w) : w ∈ L}

Example: Let h : {0, 1}∗ → {a, b}∗ be defined by

h(0) = ab, and h(1) = . Now h(0011) = abab.

Example: h(L(10∗1)) = L((ab)∗).

108
Theorem 4.14: h(L) is regular, whenever L
is.

Proof:

Let L = L(E) for a regex E. We claim that

L(h(E)) = h(L).

Basis: If E is  or ∅. Then h(E) = E, and

L(h(E)) = L(E) = h(L(E)).

If E is a, then L(E) = {a}, L(h(E)) = L(h(a)) =

{h(a)} = h(L(E)).

Induction:

Case 1: L = E + F . Now L(h(E + F )) =

L(h(E)+h(F )) = L(h(E))∪L(h(F )) = h(L(E))∪
h(L(F )) = h(L(E) ∪ L(F )) = h(L(E + F )).

Case 2: L = E.F . Now L(h(E.F )) = L(h(E)).L(h(F ))

= h(L(E)).h(L(F )) = h(L(E).L(F ))

Case 3: L = E ∗. Now L(h(E ∗)) = L(h(E)∗) =

L(h(E))∗ = h(L(E))∗ = h(L(E ∗)).
109
 Inverse Homomorphism

Let h : Σ∗ → Θ∗ be a homom. Let L ⊆ Θ∗,

and define

h−1(L) = {w ∈ Σ∗ : h(w) ∈ L}

L h h(L)

(a)

h-1 (L) h L

(b)

110
Example: Let h : {a, b} → {0, 1}∗ be defined by
h(a) = 01, and h(b) = 10. If L = L((00 + 1)∗),
then h−1(L) = L((ba)∗).

Claim: h(w) ∈ L if and only if w = (ba)n

Proof: Let w = (ba)n. Then h(w) = (1001)n ∈

L.

/ L((ba)∗). There
Let h(w) ∈ L, and suppose w ∈
are four cases to consider.

1. w begins with a. Then h(w) begins with

/ L((00 + 1)∗).
01 and ∈

2. w ends in b. Then h(w) ends in 10 and

/ L((00 + 1)∗).
∈

3. w = xaay. Then h(w) = z0101v and ∈

/
L((00 + 1)∗).

4. w = xbby. Then h(w) = z1010v and ∈

/
L((00 + 1)∗).

111
Theorem 4.16: Let h : Σ∗ → Θ∗ be a ho-
mom., and L ⊆ Θ∗ regular. Then h−1(L) is
regular.

Proof: Let L be the language of A = (Q, Θ, δ, q0, F ).

We define B = (Q, Σ, γ, q0, F ), where

γ(q, a) = δ̂(q, h(a))

It will be shown by induction on |w| in the tu-
torial that γ̂(q0, w) = δ̂(q0, h(w))

Input a

h
Input
Start h(a) to A

Accept/reject
A

112
 Decision Properties

We consider the following:

1. Converting among representations for reg-

ular languages.

2. Is L = ∅?

3. Is w ∈ L?

4. Do two descriptions define the same lan-

guage?

113
 From NFA’s to DFA’s

Suppose the -NFA has n states.

To compute ECLOSE(p) we follow at most n2

arcs.

The DFA has 2n states, for each state S and

each a ∈ Σ we compute δD (S, a) in n3 steps.
Grand total is O(n32n) steps.

If we compute δ for reachable states only, we

need to compute δD (S, a) only s times, where s
is the number of reachable states. Grand total
is O(n3s) steps.

114
From DFA to NFA

All we need to do is to put set brackets around

the states. Total O(n) steps.

From FA to regex

We need to compute n3 entries of size up to

4n. Total is O(n34n).

The FA is allowed to be a NFA. If we first

wanted to convert the NFA to a DFA, the total
time would be doubly exponential

From regex to FA’s We can build an expres-

sion tree for the regex in n steps.

We can construct the automaton in n steps.

Eliminating -transitions takes O(n3) steps.

If you want a DFA, you might need an expo-

nential number of steps.
115
Testing emptiness

L(A) 6= ∅ for FA A if and only if a final state

is reachable from the start state in A. Total
O(n2) steps.

Alternatively, we can inspect a regex E and tell

if L(E) = ∅. We use the following method:

E = F + G. Now L(E) is empty if and only if

both L(F ) and L(G) are empty.

E = F.G. Now L(E) is empty if and only if

either L(F ) or L(G) is empty.

E = F ∗. Now L(E) is never empty, since  ∈

L(E).

E = . Now L(E) is not empty.

E = a. Now L(E) is not empty.

E = ∅. Now L(E) is empty.

116
Testing membership

To test w ∈ L(A) for DFA A, simulate A on w.

If |w| = n, this takes O(n) steps.

If A is an NFA and has s states, simulating A

on w takes O(ns2) steps.

If A is an -NFA and has s states, simulating

A on w takes O(ns3) steps.

If L = L(E), for regex E of length s, we first

convert E to an -NFA with 2s states. Then we
simulate w on this machine, in O(ns3) steps.

117
 Equivalence and Minimization of Automata

Let A = (Q, Σ, δ, q0, F ) be a DFA, and {p, q} ⊆ Q.

We define

p ≡ q ⇔ ∀w ∈ Σ∗ : δ̂(p, w) ∈ F iff δ̂(q, w) ∈ F

• If p ≡ q we say that p and q are equivalent

• If p 6≡ q we say that p and q are distinguish-

able

IOW (in other words) p and q are distinguish-

able iff

∃w : δ̂(p, w) ∈ F and δ̂(q, w) ∈

/ F, or vice versa

118
Example:

0 1

Start 0 1 0
A B C D

1 0 1

0 1
1 1 0
E F G H
1 0

δ̂(C, ) ∈ F, δ̂(G, ) ∈
/ F ⇒ C 6≡ G

δ̂(A, 01) = C ∈ F, δ̂(G, 01) = E ∈

/ F ⇒ A 6≡ G

119
What about A and E?

0 1

Start 0 1 0
A B C D

1 0 1

0 1
1 1 0
E F G H
1 0

δ̂(A, ) = A ∈
/ F, δ̂(E, ) = E ∈
/F

δ̂(A, 1) = F = δ̂(E, 1)

Therefore δ̂(A, 1x) = δ̂(E, 1x) = δ̂(F, x)

δ̂(A, 00) = G = δ̂(E, 00)

δ̂(A, 01) = C = δ̂(E, 01)

Conclusion: A ≡ E.
120
We can compute distinguishable pairs with the
following inductive table filling algorithm:

Basis: If p ∈ F and q 6∈ F , then p 6≡ q.

Induction: If ∃a ∈ Σ : δ(p, a) 6≡ δ(q, a),

then p 6≡ q.

Example: Applying the table filling algo to A:

B x
C x x
D x x x
E x x x
F x x x x
G x x x x x x
H x x x x x x

A B C D E F G

121
Theorem 4.20: If p and q are not distin-
guished by the TF-algo, then p ≡ q.

Proof: Suppose to the contrary that that there

is a bad pair {p, q}, s.t.

1. ∃w : δ̂(p, w) ∈ F, δ̂(q, w) ∈
/ F , or vice versa.

2. The TF-algo does not distinguish between

p and q.

Let w = a1a2 · · · an be the shortest string that

identifies a bad pair {p, q}.

Now w 6=  since otherwise the TF-algo would

in the basis distinguish p from q. Thus n ≥ 1.

122
Consider states r = δ(p, a1) and s = δ(q, a1).
Now {r, s} cannot be a bad pair since {r, s}
would be indentified by a string shorter than w.
Therefore, the TF-algo must have discovered
that r and s are distinguishable.

But then the TF-algo would distinguish p from

q in the inductive part.

Thus there are no bad pairs and the theorem

is true.

123
 Testing Equivalence of Regular Languages

Let L and M be reg langs (each given in some

form).

To test if L = M

1. Convert both L and M to DFA’s.

2. Imagine the DFA that is the union of the

two DFA’s (never mind there are two start
states)

3. If TF-algo says that the two start states

are distinguishable, then L 6= M , otherwise
L = M.

124
Example:
0 1

Start 1
A B

0
0

Start 0
C D

1 0
1

We can “see” that both DFA accept

L( + (0 + 1)∗0). The result of the TF-algo is

B x
C x
D x
E x x x

A B C D

Therefore the two automata are equivalent.

125
 Minimization of DFA’s

We can use the TF-algo to minimize a DFA

by merging all equivalent states. IOW, replace
each state p by p/≡ .

Example: The DFA on slide 119 has equiva-

lence classes {{A, E}, {B, H}, {C}, {D, F }, {G}}.

The “union” DFA on slide 125 has equivalence

classes {{A, C, D}, {B, E}}.

Note: In order for p/≡ to be an equivalence

class, the relation ≡ has to be an equivalence
relation (reflexive, symmetric, and transitive).

126
Theorem 4.23: If p ≡ q and q ≡ r, then p ≡ r.

Proof: Suppose to the contrary that p 6≡ r.

Then ∃w such that δ̂(p, w) ∈ F and δ̂(r, w) 6∈ F ,
or vice versa.

OTH, δ̂(q, w) is either accpeting or not.

Case 1: δ̂(q, w) is accepting. Then q 6≡ r.

Case 1: δ̂(q, w) is not accepting. Then p 6≡ q.

The vice versa case is proved symmetrically

Therefore it must be that p ≡ r.

127
To minimize a DFA A = (Q, Σ, δ, q0, F ) con-
struct a DFA B = (Q/≡ , Σ, γ, q0/≡ , F/≡ ), where

γ(p/≡ , a) = δ(p, a)/≡

In order for B to be well defined we have to
show that

If p ≡ q then δ(p, a) ≡ δ(q, a)

If δ(p, a) 6≡ δ(q, a), then the TF-algo would con-
clude p 6≡ q, so B is indeed well defined. Note
also that F/≡ contains all and only the accept-
ing states of A.

128
Example: We can minimize

0 1

Start 0 1 0
A B C D

1 0 1

0 1
1 1 0
E F G H
1 0

to obtain
1

0
1
G D,F
1

Start
A,E 0 0

1
B,H C

1
0

129
NOTE: We cannot apply the TF-algo to NFA’s.

For example, to minimize

0,1

Start 0
A B

1 0

we simply remove state C.

However, A 6≡ C.

130
 Why the Minimized DFA Can’t Be Beaten

Let B be the minimized DFA obtained by ap-

plying the TF-algo to DFA A.

We already know that L(A) = L(B).

What if there existed a DFA C, with

L(C) = L(B) and fewer states than B?

Then run the TF-algo on B “union” C.

Since L(B) = L(C) we have q0B ≡ q0C .

Also, δ(q0B , a) ≡ δ(q0C , a), for any a.

131
Claim: For each state p in B there is at least
one state q in C, s.t. p ≡ q.

Proof of claim: There are no inaccessible states,

so p = δ̂(q0B , a1a2 · · · ak ), for some string a1a2 · · · ak .
Now q = δ̂(q0C , a1a2 · · · ak ), and p ≡ q.

Since C has fewer states than B, there must be

two states r and s of B such that r ≡ t ≡ s, for
some state t of C. But then r ≡ s (why?)
which is a contradiction, since B was con-
structed by the TF-algo.

132
 Context-Free Grammars and Languages

• We have seen that many languages cannot

be regular. Thus we need to consider larger
classes of langs.

• Contex-Free Languages (CFL’s) played a cen-

tral role natural languages since the 1950’s,
and in compilers since the 1960’s.

• Context-Free Grammars (CFG’s) are the ba-

sis of BNF-syntax.

• Today CFL’s are increasingly important for

XML and their DTD’s.

We’ll look at: CFG’s, the languages they gen-

erate, parse trees, pushdown automata, and
closure properties of CFL’s.
133
 Informal example of CFG’s

Consider Lpal = {w ∈ Σ∗ : w = wR }

For example otto ∈ Lpal , madamimadam ∈ Lpal .

In Finnish language e.g. saippuakauppias ∈ Lpal

(“soap-merchant”)

Let Σ = {0, 1} and suppose Lpal were regular.

Let n be given by the pumping lemma. Then

0n10n ∈ Lpal . In reading 0n the FA must make
a loop. Omit the loop; contradiction.

Let’s define Lpal inductively:

Basis: , 0, and 1 are palindromes.

Induction: If w is a palindrome, so are 0w0

and 1w1.

Circumscription: Nothing else is a palindrome.

134
CFG’s is a formal mechanism for definitions
such as the one for Lpal .

1. P → 
2. P → 0
3. P → 1
4. P → 0P 0
5. P → 1P 1

0 and 1 are terminals

P is a variable (or nonterminal, or syntactic

category)

P is in this grammar also the start symbol.

1–5 are productions (or rules)

135
 Formal definition of CFG’s

A context-free grammar is a quadruple

G = (V, T, P, S)

where

V is a finite set of variables.

T is a finite set of terminals.

P is a finite set of productions of the form

A → α, where A is a variable and α ∈ (V ∪ T )∗

S is a designated variable called the start symbol.

136
Example: Gpal = ({P }, {0, 1}, A, P ), where A =
{P → , P → 0, P → 1, P → 0P 0, P → 1P 1}.

Sometimes we group productions with the same

head, e.g. A = {P → |0|1|0P 0|1P 1}.

Example: Regular expressions over {0, 1} can

be defined by the grammar

Gregex = ({E}, {0, 1}, A, E)

where A =

{E → 0, E → 1, E → E.E, E → E+E, E → E ?, E → (E)}

137
Example: (simple) expressions in a typical prog
lang. Operators are + and *, and arguments
are identfiers, i.e. strings in
L((a + b)(a + b + 0 + 1)∗)

The expressions are defined by the grammar

G = ({E, I}, T, P, E)
where T = {+, ∗, (, ), a, b, 0, 1} and P is the fol-
lowing set of productions:

1. E →I
2. E →E+E
3. E →E∗E
4. E → (E)
5. I →a
6. I →b
7. I → Ia
8. I → Ib
9. I → I0
10. I → I1

138
 Derivations using grammars

• Recursive inference, using productions from

body to head

• Derivations, using productions from head to

body.

Example of recursive inference:

String Lang Prod String(s) used

(i) a I 5 -
(ii) b I 6 -
(iii) b0 I 9 (ii)
(iv) b00 I 9 (iii)
(v) a E 1 (i)
(vi) b00 E 1 (iv)
(vii) a + b00 E 2 (v), (vi)
(viii) (a + b00) E 4 (vii)
(ix) a ∗ (a + b00) E 3 (v), (viii)

139
Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a CFG, A ∈ V ,
{α, β} ⊂ (V ∪ T )∗, and A → γ ∈ P .

Then we write

αAβ ⇒ αγβ
G

or, if G is understood

αAβ ⇒ αγβ
and say that αAβ derives αγβ.

∗
We define ⇒ to be the reflexive and transitive
closure of ⇒, IOW:

∗
Basis: Let α ∈ (V ∪ T )∗. Then α ⇒ α.

∗ ∗
Induction: If α ⇒ β, and β ⇒ γ, then α ⇒ γ.

140
Example: Derivation of a ∗ (a + b00) from E in
the grammar of slide 138:

E ⇒ E ∗ E ⇒ I ∗ E ⇒ a ∗ E ⇒ a ∗ (E) ⇒

a∗(E+E) ⇒ a∗(I+E) ⇒ a∗(a+E) ⇒ a∗(a+I) ⇒

a ∗ (a + I0) ⇒ a ∗ (a + I00) ⇒ a ∗ (a + b00)

Note: At each step we might have several rules

to choose from, e.g.
I ∗ E ⇒ a ∗ E ⇒ a ∗ (E), versus
I ∗ E ⇒ I ∗ (E) ⇒ a ∗ (E).

Note2: Not all choices lead to successful deriva-

tions of a particular string, for instance

E ⇒E+E
won’t lead to a derivation of a ∗ (a + b00).
141
 Leftmost and Rightmost Derivations

Leftmost derivation ⇒: Always replace the left-

lm
most variable by one of its rule-bodies.

Rightmost derivation ⇒: Always replace the

rm
rightmost variable by one of its rule-bodies.

Leftmost: The derivation on the previous slide.

Rightmost:
E ⇒E∗E ⇒
rm rm

E∗(E) ⇒ E∗(E+E) ⇒ E∗(E+I) ⇒ E∗(E+I0)

rm rm rm

⇒ E ∗ (E + I00) ⇒ E ∗ (E + b00) ⇒ E ∗ (I + b00)

rm rm rm

⇒ E ∗ (a + b00) ⇒ I ∗ (a + b00) ⇒ a ∗ (a + b00)

rm rm rm

∗
We can conclude that E ⇒ a ∗ (a + b00)
rm

142
 The Language of a Grammar

If G(V, T, P, S) is a CFG, then the language of

G is
∗
L(G) = {w ∈ T ∗ : S ⇒ w}
G

i.e. the set of strings over T ∗ derivable from

the start symbol.

If G is a CFG, we call L(G) a

context-free language.

Example: L(Gpal ) is a context-free language.

Theorem 5.7:

L(Gpal ) = {w ∈ {0, 1}∗ : w = wR }

Proof: (⊇-direction.) Suppose w = wR . We

show by induction on |w| that w ∈ L(Gpal )

143
Basis: |w| = 0, or |w| = 1. Then w is , 0,
or 1. Since P → , P → 0, and P → 1 are
∗
productions, we conclude that P ⇒ w in all
G
base cases.

Induction: Suppose |w| ≥ 2. Since w = wR ,

we have w = 0x0, or w = 1x1, and x = xR .

∗
If w = 0x0 we know from the IH that P ⇒ x.
Then
∗
P ⇒ 0P 0 ⇒ 0x0 = w
Thus w ∈ L(Gpal ).

The case for w = 1x1 is similar.

144
(⊆-direction.) We assume that w ∈ L(Gpal )
and must show that w = wR .
∗
Since w ∈ L(Gpal ), we have P ⇒ w.

∗
We do an induction of the length of ⇒.
∗
Basis: The derivation P ⇒ w is done in one
step.

Then w must be , 0, or 1, all palindromes.

Induction: Let n ≥ 1, and suppose the deriva-

tion takes n + 1 steps. Then we must have
∗
w = 0x0 ⇐ 0P 0 ⇐ P
or
∗
w = 1x1 ⇐ 1P 1 ⇐ P
where the second derivation is done in n steps.

By the IH x is a palindrome, and the inductive

proof is complete.
145
 Sentential Forms

Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a CFG, and α ∈ (V ∪T )∗.

If
∗
S⇒α
we say that α is a sentential form.

If S ⇒ α we say that α is a left-sentential form,

lm
and if S ⇒ α we say that α is a right-sentential
rm
form

Note: L(G) is those sentential forms that are

in T ∗.

146
Example: Take G from slide 138. Then E ∗ (I + E)
is a sentential form since

E ⇒ E ∗E ⇒ E ∗(E) ⇒ E ∗(E +E) ⇒ E ∗(I +E)

This derivation is neither leftmost, nor right-
most

Example: a ∗ E is a left-sentential form, since

E ⇒E∗E ⇒I ∗E ⇒a∗E
lm lm lm

Example: E ∗(E +E) is a right-sentential form,

since

E ⇒ E ∗ E ⇒ E ∗ (E) ⇒ E ∗ (E + E)
rm rm rm

147
 Parse Trees

• If w ∈ L(G), for some CFG, then w has a

parse tree, which tells us the (syntactic) struc-
ture of w

• w could be a program, a SQL-query, an XML-

document, etc.

• Parse trees are an alternative representation

to derivations and recursive inferences.

• There can be several parse trees for the same

string

• Ideally there should be only one parse tree

(the “true” structure) for each string, i.e. the
language should be unambiguous.

• Unfortunately, we cannot always remove the

ambiguity.
148
 Constructing Parse Trees

Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a CFG. A tree is a parse

tree for G if:

1. Each interior node is labelled by a variable

in V .

2. Each leaf is labelled by a symbol in V ∪ T ∪ {}.

Any -labelled leaf is the only child of its
parent.

3. If an interior node is lablelled A, and its

children (from left to right) labelled

X1, X2, . . . , Xk ,
then A → X1X2 . . . Xk ∈ P .

149
Example: In the grammar

1. E → I
2. E → E + E
3. E → E ∗ E
4. E → (E)
·
·
·

the following is a parse tree:

E + E

∗
This parse tree shows the derivation E ⇒ I +E

150
Example: In the grammar

1. P → 
2. P → 0
3. P → 1
4. P → 0P 0
5. P → 1P 1

the following is a parse tree:

0 P 0

1 P 1

∗
It shows the derivation of P ⇒ 0110.
151
 The Yield of a Parse Tree

The yield of a parse tree is the string of leaves

from left to right.

Important are those parse trees where:

1. The yield is a terminal string.

2. The root is labelled by the start symbol

We shall see the the set of yields of these

important parse trees is the language of the
grammar.

152
Example: Below is an important parse tree

E * E

I ( E )

a E + E

I I

a I 0

I 0

The yield is a ∗ (a + b00).

Compare the parse tree with the derivation on

slide 141.
153
Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a CFG, and A ∈ V .
We are going to show that the following are
equivalent:

1. We can determine by recursive inference

that w is in the language of A
∗
2. A ⇒ w
∗ ∗
3. A ⇒ w, and A ⇒ w
lm rm

4. There is a parse tree of G with root A and

yield w.

To prove the equivalences, we use the following

plan.
Parse
Leftmost tree
derivation

Rightmost
Derivation derivation Recursive
inference

154
 From Inferences to Trees

Theorem 5.12: Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a

CFG, and suppose we can show w to be in
the language of a variable A. Then there is a
parse tree for G with root A and yield w.

Proof: We do an induction of the length of

the inference.

Basis: One step. Then we must have used a

production A → w. The desired parse tree is
then

155
Induction: w is inferred in n + 1 steps. Sup-
pose the last step was based on a production

A → X1X2 · · · Xk ,
where Xi ∈ V ∪ T . We break w up as

w1 w2 · · · wk ,
where wi = Xi, when Xi ∈ T , and when Xi ∈ V,
then wi was previously inferred being in Xi, in
at most n steps.

By the IH there are parse trees i with root Xi

and yield wi. Then the following is a parse tree
for G with root A and yield w:

X1 X2 ... Xk

w1 w2 ... wk

156
 From trees to derivations

We’ll show how to construct a leftmost deriva-

tion from a parse tree.

Example: In the grammar of slide 6 there clearly

is a derivation

E ⇒ I ⇒ Ib ⇒ ab.
Then, for any α and β there is a derivation

αEβ ⇒ αIβ ⇒ αIbβ ⇒ αabβ.

For example, suppose we have a derivation

E ⇒ E + E ⇒ E + (E).
The we can choose α = E + ( and β =) and
continue the derivation as

E + (E) ⇒ E + (I) ⇒ E + (Ib) ⇒ E + (ab).

This is why CFG’s are called context-free.

157
Theorem 5.14: Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a
CFG, and suppose there is a parse tree with
∗
root labelled A and yield w. Then A ⇒ w in G.
lm

Proof: We do an induction on the height of

the parse tree.

Basis: Height is 1. The tree must look like

Consequently A → w ∈ P , and A ⇒ w.
lm

158
Induction: Height is n + 1. The tree must
look like

X1 X2 ... Xk

w1 w2 ... wk

Then w = w1w2 · · · wk , where

1. If Xi ∈ T , then wi = Xi.

∗
2. If Xi ∈ V , then Xi ⇒ wi in G by the IH.
lm

159
 ∗
Now we construct A ⇒ w by an (inner) induc-
lm
tion by showing that
∗
∀i : A ⇒ w1w2 · · · wiXi+1Xi+2 · · · Xk .
lm

Basis: Let i = 0. We already know that

A ⇒ X1Xi+2 · · · Xk .
lm

Induction: Make the IH that

∗
A ⇒ w1w2 · · · wi−1XiXi+1 · · · Xk .
lm

(Case 1:) Xi ∈ T . Do nothing, since Xi = wi

gives us
∗
A ⇒ w1w2 · · · wiXi+1 · · · Xk .
lm

160
(Case 2:) Xi ∈ V . By the IH there is a deriva-
tion Xi ⇒ α1 ⇒ α2 ⇒ · · · ⇒ wi. By the contex-
lm lm lm lm
free property of derivations we can proceed
with
∗
A⇒
lm

w1w2 · · · wi−1XiXi+1 · · · Xk ⇒
lm

w1w2 · · · wi−1α1Xi+1 · · · Xk ⇒
lm

w1w2 · · · wi−1α2Xi+1 · · · Xk ⇒
lm

···

w1w2 · · · wi−1wiXi+1 · · · Xk

161
Example: Let’s construct the leftmost deriva-
tion for the tree
E

E * E

I ( E )

a E + E

I I

a I 0

I 0

Suppose we have inductively constructed the

leftmost derivation
E⇒I⇒a
lm lm

corresponding to the leftmost subtree, and the

leftmost derivation
E ⇒ (E) ⇒ (E + E) ⇒ (I + E) ⇒ (a + E) ⇒
lm lm lm lm lm

(a + I) ⇒ (a + I0) ⇒ (a + I00) ⇒ (a + b00)

lm lm lm

corresponding to the righmost subtree.

162
For the derivation corresponding to the whole
tree we start with E ⇒ E ∗ E and expand the
lm
first E with the first derivation and the second
E with the second derivation:

E⇒
lm
E∗E ⇒
lm
I ∗E ⇒
lm
a∗E ⇒
lm
a ∗ (E) ⇒
lm
a ∗ (E + E) ⇒
lm
a ∗ (I + E) ⇒
lm
a ∗ (a + E) ⇒
lm
a ∗ (a + I) ⇒
lm
a ∗ (a + I0) ⇒
lm
a ∗ (a + I00) ⇒
lm
a ∗ (a + b00)

163
 From Derivations to Recursive Inferences

∗
Observation: Suppose that A ⇒ X1X2 · · · Xk ⇒ w.
∗
Then w = w1w2 · · · wk , where Xi ⇒ wi
∗
The factor wi can be extracted from A ⇒ w by
looking at the expansion of Xi only.

Example: E ⇒ a ∗ b + a, and
E ⇒ |{z} ∗ |{z}
E |{z} E |{z}
+ |{z}
E
X1 X2 X3 X4 X5

We have
E ⇒E∗E ⇒E∗E+E ⇒I ∗E+E ⇒I ∗I +E ⇒
I ∗I +I ⇒a∗I +I ⇒a∗b+I ⇒a∗b+a

By looking at the expansion of X3 = E only,

we can extract
E ⇒ I ⇒ b.
164
Theorem 5.18: Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a
∗
CFG. Suppose A ⇒ w, and that w is a string
G
of terminals. Then we can infer that w is in
the language of variable A.

Proof: We do an induction on the length of

∗
the derivation A ⇒ w.
G

Basis: One step. If A ⇒ w there must be a

G
production A → w in P . The we can infer that
w is in the language of A.

165
 ∗
Induction: Suppose A ⇒ w in n + 1 steps.
G
Write the derivation as
∗
A ⇒ X1X2 · · · Xk ⇒ w
G G

The as noted on the previous slide we can

∗
break w as w1w2 · · · wk where Xi ⇒ wi. Fur-
G
∗
thermore, Xi ⇒ wi can use at most n steps.
G

Now we have a production A → X1X2 · · · Xk ,

and we know by the IH that we can infer wi to
be in the language of Xi.

Therefore we can infer w1w2 · · · wk to be in the

language of A.

166
 Ambiguity in Grammars and Languages

In the grammar

1. E →I
2. E →E+E
3. E →E∗E
4. E → (E)
···
the sentential form E + E ∗ E has two deriva-
tions:
E ⇒E+E ⇒E+E∗E
and
E ⇒E∗E ⇒E+E∗E
This gives us two parse trees:
E E

E + E E * E

E * E E + E

(a) (b)
167
The mere existence of several derivations is not
dangerous, it is the existence of several parse
trees that ruins a grammar.

Example: In the same grammar

5. I → a
6. I → b
7. I → Ia
8. I → Ib
9. I → I0
10. I → I1
the string a + b has several derivations, e.g.

E ⇒E+E ⇒I +E ⇒a+E ⇒a+I ⇒a+b

and

E ⇒E+E ⇒E+I ⇒I +I ⇒I +b⇒a+b

However, their parse trees are the same, and
the structure of a + b is unambiguous.
168
Definition: Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a CFG. We
say that G is ambiguous is there is a string in
T ∗ that has more than one parse tree.

If every string in L(G) has at most one parse

tree, G is said to be unambiguous.

Example: The terminal string a + a ∗ a has two

parse trees:

E E

E + E E * E

I E * E E + E I

a I I I I a

a a a a

(a) (b)

169
 Removing Ambiguity From Grammars

Good news: Sometimes we can remove ambi-

guity “by hand”

Bad news: There is no algorithm to do it

More bad news: Some CFL’s have only am-

biguous CFG’s

We are studying the grammar

E → I | E + E | E ∗ E | (E)
I → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1

There are two problems:

1. There is no precedence between * and +

2. There is no grouping of sequences of op-

erators, e.g. is E + E + E meant to be
E + (E + E) or (E + E) + E.

170
Solution: We introduce more variables, each
representing expressions of same “binding strength.”

1. A factor is an expresson that cannot be

broken apart by an adjacent * or +. Our
factors are

(a) Identifiers

(b) A parenthesized expression.

2. A term is an expresson that cannot be bro-

ken by +. For instance a ∗ b can be broken
by a1∗ or ∗a1. It cannot be broken by +,
since e.g. a1 + a ∗ b is (by precedence rules)
same as a1 + (a ∗ b), and a ∗ b + a1 is same
as (a ∗ b) + a1.

3. The rest are expressions, i.e. they can be

broken apart with * or +.

171
We’ll let F stand for factors, T for terms, and E
for expressions. Consider the following gram-
mar:

1. I → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
2. F → I | (E)
3. T →F |T ∗F
4. E →T |E+T

Now the only parse tree for a + a ∗ a will be

E + T

T T * F

F F I

I I a

a a
172
Why is the new grammar unambiguous?

Intuitive explanation:

• A factor is either an identifier or (E), for

some expression E.

• The only parse tree for a sequence

f1 ∗ f2 ∗ · · · ∗ fn−1 ∗ fn
of factors is the one that gives f1 ∗ f2 ∗ · · · ∗ fn−1
as a term and fn as a factor, as in the parse
tree on the next slide.

• An expression is a sequence

t1 + t2 + · · · + tn−1 + tn
of terms ti. It can only be parsed with
t1 + t2 + · · · + tn−1 as an expression and tn as
a term.
173
 T

T * F

T * F
. .
.
T

T * F

174
 Leftmost derivations and Ambiguity

The two parse trees for a + a ∗ a

E E

E + E E * E

I E * E E + E I

a I I I I a

a a a a

(a) (b)
give rise to two derivations:
E ⇒E+E ⇒I +E ⇒a+E ⇒a+E∗E
lm lm lm lm
⇒a+I ∗E ⇒a+a∗E ⇒a+a∗I ⇒a+a∗a
lm lm lm lm

and
E ⇒ E ∗E ⇒ E +E ∗E ⇒ I +E ∗E ⇒ a+E ∗E
lm lm lm lm
⇒a+I ∗E ⇒a+a∗E ⇒a+a∗I ⇒a+a∗a
lm lm lm lm

175
In General:

• One parse tree, but many derivations

• Many leftmost derivation implies many parse

trees.

• Many rightmost derivation implies many parse

trees.

Theorem 5.29: For any CFG G, a terminal

string w has two distinct parse trees if and only
if w has two distinct leftmost derivations from
the start symbol.

176
Sketch of Proof: (Only If.) If the two parse
trees differ, they have a node a which dif-
ferent productions, say A → X1X2 · · · Xk and
B → Y1Y2 · · · Ym. The corresponding leftmost
derivations will use derivations based on these
two different productions and will thus be dis-
tinct.

(If.) Let’s look at how we construct a parse

tree from a leftmost derivation. It should now
be clear that two distinct derivations gives rise
to two different parse trees.

177
 Inherent Ambiguity

A CFL L is inherently ambiguous if all gram-

mars for L are ambiguous.

Example: Consider L =

{anbncmdm : n ≥ 1, m ≥ 1}∪{anbmcmdn : n ≥ 1, m ≥ 1}.

A grammar for L is

S → AB | C
A → aAb | ab
B → cBd | cd
C → aCd | aDd
D → bDc | bc

178
Let’s look at parsing the string aabbccdd.

S S

A B C

a A b c B d a C d

a b c d a D d

b D c

b c

(a) (b)

179
From this we see that there are two leftmost
derivations:

S ⇒ AB ⇒ aAbB ⇒ aabbB ⇒ aabbcBd ⇒ aabbccdd

lm lm lm lm lm

and

S ⇒ C ⇒ aCd ⇒ aaDdd ⇒ aabDcdd ⇒ aabbccdd

lm lm lm lm lm

It can be shown that every grammar for L be-

haves like the one above. The language L is
inherently ambiguous.

180
 Pushdown Automata

A pushdown automata (PDA) is essentially an

-NFA with a stack.

On a transition the PDA:

1. Consumes an input symbol.

2. Goes to a new state (or stays in the old).

3. Replaces the top of the stack by any string

(does nothing, pops the stack, or pushes a
string onto the stack)

Finite
Input state Accept/reject
control

Stack

181
Example: Let’s consider

Lwwr = {wwR : w ∈ {0, 1}∗},

with “grammar” P → 0P 0, P → 1P 1, P → .
A PDA for Lwwr has tree states, and operates
as follows:

1. Guess that you are reading w. Stay in

state 0, and push the input symbol onto
the stack.

2. Guess that you’re in the middle of wwR .

Go spontanteously to state 1.

3. You’re now reading the head of wR . Com-

pare it to the top of the stack. If they
match, pop the stack, and remain in state 1.
If they don’t match, go to sleep.

4. If the stack is empty, go to state 2 and

accept.

182
The PDA for Lwwr as a transition diagram:

0 , Z 0 /0 Z 0
1 , Z 0 /1 Z 0
0 , 0 /0 0
0 , 1 /0 1
1 , 0 /1 0 0, 0/ ε
1 , 1 /1 1 1, 1/ ε

Start
q0 q q2
1
ε, Z 0 / Z 0 ε , Z 0 /Z 0
ε, 0 / 0
ε, 1 / 1

183
 PDA formally

A PDA is a seven-tuple:

P = (Q, Σ, Γ, δ, q0, Z0, F ),

where

• Q is a finite set of states,

• Σ is a finite input alphabet,

• Γ is a finite stack alphabet,

∗
• δ : Q × Σ ∪ {} × Γ → 2Q×Γ is the transition
function,

• q0 is the start state,

• Z0 ∈ Γ is the start symbol for the stack,

and

• F ⊆ Q is the set of accepting states.

184
 Example: The PDA

0 , Z 0 /0 Z 0
1 , Z 0 /1 Z 0
0 , 0 /0 0
0 , 1 /0 1
1 , 0 /1 0 0, 0/ ε
1 , 1 /1 1 1, 1/ ε

Start
q0 q q2
1
ε, Z 0 / Z 0 ε , Z 0 /Z 0
ε, 0 / 0
ε, 1 / 1

is actually the seven-tuple

P = ({q0, q1, q2}, {0, 1}, {0, 1, Z0}, δ, q0, Z0, {q2}),
where δ is given by the following table (set
brackets missing):

0, Z0 1, Z0 0,0 0,1 1,0 1,1 , Z0 , 0 , 1

→ q0 q0 , 0Z0 q0 , 1Z0 q0 , 00 q0 , 01 q0 , 10 q0 , 11 q 1 , Z0 q1 , 0 q1 , 1
q1 q1 ,  q1 ,  q 2 , Z0
?q2

185
 Instantaneous Descriptions

A PDA goes from configuration to configura-

tion when consuming input.

To reason about PDA computation, we use

instantaneous descriptions of the PDA. An ID
is a triple
(q, w, γ)
where q is the state, w the remaining input,
and γ the stack contents.

Let P = (Q, Σ, Γ, δ, q0, Z0, F ) be a PDA. Then

∀w ∈ Σ∗, β ∈ Γ∗ :

(p, α) ∈ δ(q, a, X) ⇒ (q, aw, Xβ) ` (p, w, αβ).

∗
We define ` to be the reflexive-transitive clo-
sure of `.
186
Example: On input 1111 the PDA

0 , Z 0 /0 Z 0
1 , Z 0 /1 Z 0
0 , 0 /0 0
0 , 1 /0 1
1 , 0 /1 0 0, 0/ ε
1 , 1 /1 1 1, 1/ ε

Start
q0 q q2
1
ε, Z 0 / Z 0 ε , Z 0 /Z 0
ε, 0 / 0
ε, 1 / 1

has the following computation sequences:

187
( q0 , 1111, Z 0 )

( q0 , 111, 1Z 0 ) ( q , 1111, Z 0 ) ( q2 , 1111, Z 0 )

1

( q0 , 11, 11Z 0 ) ( q , 111, 1Z 0 ) ( q , 11, Z 0 )

1 1

( q0 , 1, 111Z 0 ) ( q , 11, 11Z 0 ) ( q2 , 11, Z 0 )

1

( q0 , ε , 1111Z 0 ) ( q , 1, 111Z 0 ) ( q , 1, 1 Z 0 )
1 1

( q , ε , 1111Z 0 ) ( q , ε , 11 Z 0 ) ( q , ε , Z0 )
1 1 1

( q2 , ε , Z 0 )

188
The following properties hold:

1. If an ID sequence is a legal computation for

a PDA, then so is the sequence obtained
by adding an additional string at the end
of component number two.

2. If an ID sequence is a legal computation for

a PDA, then so is the sequence obtained by
adding an additional string at the bottom
of component number three.

3. If an ID sequence is a legal computation

for a PDA, and some tail of the input is
not consumed, then removing this tail from
all ID’s result in a legal computation se-
quence.

189
Theorem 6.5: ∀w ∈ Σ∗, β ∈ Γ∗ :
∗ ∗
(q, x, α) ` (p, y, β) ⇒ (q, xw, αγ) ` (p, yw, βγ).

Proof: Induction on the length of the sequence

to the left.

Note: If γ =  we have proerty 1, and if w = 

we have property 2.

Note2: The reverse of the theorem is false.

For property 3 we have

Theorem 6.6:
∗ ∗
(q, xw, α) ` (p, yw, β) ⇒ (q, x, α) ` (p, y, β).

190
 Acceptance by final state

Let P = (Q, Σ, Γ, δ, q0, Z0, F ) be a PDA. The

language accepted by P by final state is
∗
L(P ) = {w : (q0, w, Z0) ` (q, , α), q ∈ F }.

Example: The PDA on slide 183 accepts ex-

actly Lwwr .

Let P be the machine. We prove that L(P ) =

Lwwr .

(⊇-direction.) Let x ∈ Lwwr . Then x = wwR ,

and the following is a legal computation se-
quence
∗ ∗
(q0, wwR , Z0) ` (q0, wR , wR Z0) ` (q1, wR , wR Z0) `

(q1, , Z0) ` (q2, , Z0).

191
(⊆-direction.)

Observe that the only way the PDA can enter

q2 is if it is in state q1 with an empty stack.

∗
Thus it is sufficient to show that if (q0, x, Z0) `
(q1, , Z0) then x = wwR , for some word w.

We’ll show by induction on |x| that

∗
(q0, x, α) ` (q1, , α) ⇒ x = wwR .

Basis: If x =  then x is a palindrome.

Induction: Suppose x = a1a2 · · · an, where n > 0,

and the IH holds for shorter strings.

Ther are two moves for the PDA from ID (q0, x, α):

192
Move 1: The spontaneous (q0, x, α) ` (q1, x, α).
∗
Now (q1, x, α) ` (q1, , β) implies that |β| < |α|,
which implies β 6= α.

Move 2: Loop and push (q0, a1a2 · · · an, α) `

(q0, a2 · · · an, a1α).

In this case there is a sequence

(q0, a1a2 · · · an, α) ` (q0, a2 · · · an, a1α) ` · · · `

(q1, an, a1α) ` (q1, , α).

Thus a1 = an and
∗
(q0, a2 · · · an, a1α) ` (q1, an, a1α).
By Theorem 6.6 we can remove an. Therefore
∗
(q0, a2 · · · an−1, a1α ` (q1, , a1α).
Then, by the IH a2 · · · an−1 = yy R . Then x =
a1yy R an is a palindrome.

193
 Acceptance by Empty Stack

Let P = (Q, Σ, Γ, δ, q0, Z0, F ) be a PDA. The

language accepted by P by empty stack is
∗
N (P ) = {w : (q0, w, Z0) ` (q, , )}.
Note: q can be any state.

Question: How to modify the palindrome-PDA

to accept by empty stack?

194
 From Empty Stack to Final State

Theorem 6.9: If L = N (PN ) for some PDA

PN = (Q, Σ, Γ, δN , q0, Z0), then ∃ PDA PF , such
that L = L(PF ).

Proof: Let
PF = (Q ∪ {p0, pf }, Σ, Γ ∪ {X0}, δF , p0, X0, {pf })
where δF (p0, , X0) = {(q0, Z0X0)}, and for all
q ∈ Q, a ∈ Σ∪{}, Y ∈ Γ : δF (q, a, Y ) = δN (q, a, Y ),
and in addition (pf , ) ∈ δF (q, , X0).

ε, X 0 / ε

ε, X 0 / ε

Start ε, X 0 / Z 0X 0
p0 q0 PN pf

ε, X 0 / ε

ε, X 0 / ε

195
We have to show that L(PF ) = N (PN ).

(⊇direction.) Let w ∈ N (PN ). Then

∗
(q0, w, Z0) `
N
(q, , ),
for some q. From Theorem 6.5 we get
∗
(q0, w, Z0X0) `
N
(q, , X0).
Since δN ⊂ δF we have
∗
(q0, w, Z0X0) `
F
(q, , X0).
We conclude that
∗
(p0, w, X0) `
F
(q0, w, Z0X0) `
F
(q, , X0) `
F
(pf , , ).

(⊆direction.) By inspecting the diagram.

196
Let’s design PN for for cathing errors in strings
meant to be in the if-else-grammar G

S → |SS|iS|iSe.
Here e.g. {ieie, iie, iei} ⊆ G, and e.g. {ei, ieeii} ∩ G = ∅.
The diagram for PN is

e, Z/ ε
i, Z/ZZ

Start
q

Formally,

PN = ({q}, {i, e}, {Z}, δN , q, Z),

where δN (q, i, Z) = {(q, ZZ)},
and δN (q, e, Z) = {(q, )}.

197
From PN we can construct

PF = ({p, q, r}, {i, e}, {Z, X0}, δF , p, X0, {r}),

where
δF (p, , X0) = {(q, ZX0)},
δF (q, i, Z) = δN (q, i, Z) = {(q, ZZ)},
δF (q, e, Z) = δN (q, e, Z) = {(q, )}, and
δF (q, , X0) = {(r, )}

The diagram for PF is

e, Z/ ε
i, Z/ZZ

Start ε, X 0/ZX 0 ε, X 0 / ε
p q r

198
 From Final State to Empty Stack

Theorem 6.11: Let L = L(PF ), for some

PDA PF = (Q, Σ, Γ, δF , q0, Z0, F ). Then ∃ PDA
Pn, such that L = N (PN ).

Proof: Let

PN = (Q ∪ {p0, p}, Σ, Γ ∪ {X0}, δN , p0, X0)

where δN (p0, , X0) = {(q0, Z0X0)}, δN (p, , Y )
= {(p, )}, for Y ∈ Γ ∪ {X0}, and for all q ∈ Q,
a ∈ Σ ∪ {}, Y ∈ Γ : δN (q, a, Y ) = δF (q, a, Y ),
and in addition ∀q ∈ F , and Y ∈ Γ ∪ {X0} :
(p, ) ∈ δN (q, , Y ).

ε, any/ ε ε, any/ ε
Start ε, X 0 / Z 0X 0 PF
p0 q0 p

ε, any/ ε

199
We have to show that N (PN ) = L(PF ).

(⊆-direction.) By inspecting the diagram.

(⊇-direction.) Let w ∈ L(PF ). Then

∗
(q0, w, Z0) `
F
(q, , α),
for some q ∈ F, α ∈ Γ∗. Since δF ⊆ δN , and
Theorem 6.5 says that X0 can be slid under
the stack, we get
∗
(q0, w, Z0X0) `
N
(q, , αX0).
The PN can compute:
∗ ∗
(p0, w, X0) `
N
(q0, w, Z0X0) `
N
(q, , αX0) `
N
(p, , ).

200
 Equivalence of PDA’s and CFG’s

A language is

generated by a CFG

if and only if it is

accepted by a PDA by empty stack

if and only if it is

accepted by a PDA by final state

PDA by PDA by
Grammar
empty stack final state

We already know how to go between null stack

and final state.
201
 From CFG’s to PDA’s

∗
Given G, we construct a PDA that simulates ⇒.
lm

We write left-sentential forms as

xAα
where A is the leftmost variable in the form.
For instance,

(a+ E )
| {z } |{z} |{z}
x | A {z α }
tail

Let xAα ⇒ xβα. This corresponds to the PDA

lm
first having consumed x and having Aα on the
stack, and then on  it pops A and pushes β.

More fomally, let y, s.t. w = xy. Then the PDA

goes non-deterministically from configuration
(q, y, Aα) to configuration (q, y, βα).
202
At (q, y, βα) the PDA behaves as before, un-
less there are terminals in the prefix of β. In
that case, the PDA pops them, provided it can
consume matching input.

If all guesses are right, the PDA ends up with

empty stack and input.

Formally, let G = (V, T, Q, S) be a CFG. Define

PG as
({q}, T, V ∪ T, δ, q, S),
where

δ(q, , A) = {(q, β) : A → β ∈ Q},

for A ∈ V , and

δ(q, a, a) = {(q, )},

for a ∈ T .

Example: On blackboard in class.

203
Theorem 6.13: N (PG) = L(G).

Proof:

(⊇-direction.) Let w ∈ L(G). Then

S = γ1 ⇒ γ2 ⇒ · · · ⇒ γn = w
lm lm lm

Let γi = xiαi. We show by induction on i that

if
∗
S ⇒ γi ,
lm

then
∗
(q, w, S) ` (q, yi, αi),
where w = xiyi.

204
Basis: For i = 1, γ1 = S. Thus x1 = , and
∗
y1 = w. Clearly (q, w, S) ` (q, w, S).
∗
Induction: IH is (q, w, S) ` (q, yi, αi). We have
to show that
(q, yi, αi) ` (q, yi+1, αi+1)
Now αi begins with a variable A, and we have
the form
x Aχ ⇒ xi+1βχ
| i{z }lm
γi
| {z }
γi+1

By IH Aχ is on the stack, and yi is unconsumed.

From the construction of PG is follows that we
can make the move
(q, yi, χ) ` (q, yi, βχ).
If β has a prefix of terminals, we can pop them
with matching terminals in a prefix of yi, end-
ing up in configuration (q, yi+1, αi+1), where
αi+1 = βχ, which is the tail of the sentential
xiβχ = γi+1.

Finally, since γn = w, we have αn = , and yn =

∗
, and thus (q, w, S) ` (q, , ), i.e. w ∈ N (PG)
205
(⊆-direction.) We shall show by an induction
∗
on the length of `, that

∗ ∗
(♣) If (q, x, A) ` (q, , ), then A ⇒ x.

Basis: Length 1. Then it must be that A → 

is in G, and we have (q, ) ∈ δ(q, , A). Thus
∗
A ⇒ .

Induction: Length is n > 1, and the IH holds

for lengths < n.

Since A is a variable, we must have

(q, x, A) ` (q, x, Y1Y2 · · · Yk ) ` · · · ` (q, , )

where A → Y1Y2 · · · Yk is in G.

206
We can now write x as x1x2 · · · xn, according
to the figure below, where Y1 = B, Y2 = a, and
Y3 = C.

x x x
1 2 3

207
Now we can conclude that
∗
(q, xixi+1 · · · xk , Yi) ` (q, xi+1 · · · xk , )
is less than n steps, for all i ∈ {1, . . . , k}. If Yi
is a variable we have by the IH and Theorem
6.6 that
∗
Yi ⇒ xi
If Yi is a terminal, we have |xi| = 1, and Yi = xi.
∗ ∗
Thus Yi ⇒ xi by the reflexivity of ⇒.

The claim of the theorem now follows by choos-

ing A = S, and x = w. Suppose w ∈ N (P ).
∗
Then (q, w, S) ` (q, , ), and by (♣), we have
∗
S ⇒ w, meaning w ∈ L(G).

208
 From PDA’s to CFG’s

Let’s look at how a PDA can consume x =

x1x2 · · · xk and empty the stack.

p0
Y1

p1
Y2

.
.
.

pk- 1
Yk

pk

x1 x2 xk

We shall define a grammar with variables of the

form [pi−1Yipi] representing going from pi−1 to
pi with net effect of popping Yi.
209
Formally, let P = (Q, Σ, Γ, δ, q0, Z0) be a PDA.
Define G = (V, Σ, R, S), where

V = {[pXq] : {p, q} ⊆ Q, X ∈ Γ} ∪ {S}

R = {S → [q0Z0p] : p ∈ Q}∪
{[qXrk ] → a[rY1r1] · · · [rk−1Yk rk ] :
a ∈ Σ ∪ {},
{r1, . . . , rk } ⊆ Q,
(r, Y1Y2 · · · Yk ) ∈ δ(q, a, X)}

210
Example: Let’s convert

e, Z/ ε
i, Z/ZZ

Start
q

PN = ({q}, {i, e}, {Z}, δN , q, Z),

where δN (q, i, Z) = {(q, ZZ)},
and δN (q, e, Z) = {(q, )} to a grammar

G = (V, {i, e}, R, S),

where V = {[qZq], S}, and
R = {[qZq] → i[qZq][qZq], [qZq] → e}.

If we replace [qZq] by A we get the productions

S → A and A → iAA|e.

211
Example: Let P = ({p, q}, {0, 1}, {X, Z0}, δ, q, Z0),
where δ is given by

1. δ(q, 1, Z0) = {(q, XZ0)}

2. δ(q, 1, X) = {(q, XX)}

3. δ(q, 0, X) = {(p, X)}

4. δ(q, , X) = {(q, )}

5. δ(p, 1, X) = {(p, )}

6. δ(p, 0, Z0) = {(q, Z0)}

to a CFG.
212
We get G = (V, {0, 1}, R, S), where

V = {[pXp], [pXq], [pZ0p], [pZ0q], S}

and the productions in R are

S → [qZ0q]|[qZ0p]

From rule (1):

[qZ0q] → 1[qXq][qZ0q]
[qZ0q] → 1[qXp][pZ0q]
[qZ0p] → 1[qXq][qZ0p]
[qZ0p] → 1[qXp][pZ0p]

From rule (2):

[qXq] → 1[qXq][qXq]
[qXq] → 1[qXp][pXq]
[qXp] → 1[qXq][qXp]
[qXp] → 1[qXp][pXp]
213
From rule (3):

[qXq] → 0[pXq]
[qXp] → 0[pXp]

From rule (4):

[qXq] → 

From rule (5):

[pXp] → 1

From rule (6):

[pZ0q] → 0[qZ0q]
[pZ0p] → 0[qZ0p]

214
Theorem 6.14: Let G be constructed from a
PDA P as above. Then L(G) = N (P )

Proof:

(⊇-direction.) We shall show by an induction

∗
on the length of the sequence ` that

∗ ∗
(♠) If (q, w, X) ` (p, , ) then [qXp] ⇒ w.

Basis: Length 1. Then w is an a or , and

(p, ) ∈ δ(q, w, X). By the construction of G we
∗
have [qXp] → w and thus [qXp] ⇒ w.

215
Induction: Length is n > 1, and ♠ holds for
lengths < n. We must have

(q, w, X) ` (r0, x, Y1Y2 · · · Yk ) ` · · · ` (p, , ),

where w = ax or w = x. It follows that
(r0, Y1Y2 · · · Yk ) ∈ δ(q, a, X). Then we have a
production

[qXrk ] → a[r0Y1r1] · · · [rk−1Yk rk ],

for all {r1, . . . , rk } ⊂ Q.

We may now choose ri to be the state in

∗
the sequence ` when Yi is popped. Let w =
w1w2 · · · wk , where wi is consumed while Yi is
popped. Then
∗
(ri−1, wi, Yi) ` (ri, , ).
By the IH we get
∗
[ri−1, Y, ri] ⇒ wi

216
We then get the following derivation sequence:

∗
[qXrk ] ⇒ a[r0Y1r1] · · · [rk−1Yk rk ] ⇒
∗
aw1[r1Y2r2][r2Y3r3] · · · [rk−1Yk rk ] ⇒
∗
aw1w2[r2Y3r3] · · · [rk−1Yk rk ] ⇒

···

aw1w2 · · · wk = w

217
(⊇-direction.) We shall show by an induction
∗
on the length of the derivation ⇒ that

∗ ∗
(♥) If [qXp] ⇒ w then (q, w, X) ` (p, , )

Basis: One step. Then we have a production

[qXp] → w. From the construction of G it
follows that (p, ) ∈ δ(q, a, X), where w = a.
∗
But then (q, w, X) ` (p, , ).

∗
Induction: Length of ⇒ is n > 1, and ♥ holds
for lengths < n. Then we must have
∗
[qXrk ] ⇒ a[r0Y1r1][r1Y2r2] · · · [rk−1Yk rk ] ⇒ w
∗
We can break w into aw2 · · · wk such that [ri−1Yiri] ⇒
wi. From the IH we get
∗
(ri−1, wi, Yi) ` (ri, , )

218
From Theorem 6.5 we get
∗
(ri−1, wiwi+1 · · · wk , YiYi+1 · · · Yk ) `
(ri, wi+1 · · · wk , Yi+1 · · · Yk )

Since this holds for all i ∈ {1, . . . , k}, we get

(q, aw1w2 · · · wk , X) `
∗
(r0, w1w2 · · · wk , Y1Y2 · · · Yk ) `
∗
(r1, w2 · · · wk , Y2 · · · Yk ) `
∗
(r2, w3 · · · wk , Y3 · · · Yk ) `
(p, , ).

219
 Deterministic PDA’s

A PDA P = (Q, Σ, Γ, δ, q0, Z0, F ) is determinis-

tic iff
1. δ(q, a, X) is always empty or a singleton.
2. If δ(q, a, X) is nonempty, then δ(q, , X) must
be empty.

Example: Let us define

Lwcwr = {wcwR : w ∈ {0, 1}∗}
Then Lwcwr is recognized by the following DPDA

0 , Z 0 /0 Z 0
1 , Z 0 /1 Z 0
0 , 0 /0 0
0 , 1 /0 1
1 , 0 /1 0 0, 0/ ε
1 , 1 /1 1 1, 1/ ε

Start
q0 q q2
1
c , Z 0 /Z 0 ε , Z 0 /Z 0
c, 0/ 0
c, 1/ 1
220
We’ll show that Regular⊂ L(DPDA) ⊂ CFL

Theorem 6.17: If L is regular, then L = L(P )

for some DPDA P .

Proof: Since L is regular there is a DFA A s.t.

L = L(A). Let

A = (Q, Σ, δA, q0, F )

We define the DPDA

P = (Q, Σ, {Z0}, δP , q0, Z0, F ),

where

δP (q, a, Z0) = {(δA(q, a), Z0)},

for all p, q ∈ Q, and a ∈ Σ.

An easy induction (do it!) on |w| gives

∗
(q0, w, Z0) ` (p, , Z0) ⇔ δˆA(q0, w) = p

The theorem then follows (why?)

221
What about DPDA’s that accept by null stack?

They can recognize only CFL’s with the prefix

property.

A language L has the prefix property if there

are no two distinct strings in L, such that one
is a prefix of the other.

Example: Lwcwr has the prefix property.

Example: {0}∗ does not have the prefix prop-

erty.

Theorem 6.19: L is N (P ) for some DPDA P

if and only if L has the prefix property and L
is L(P 0) for some DPDA P 0.

Proof: Homework

222
• We have seen that Regular⊆ L(DPDA).

• Lwcwr ∈ L(DPDA)\ Regular

• Are there languages in CFL\L(DPDA).

Yes, for example Lwwr .

• What about DPDA’s and Ambiguous Gram-

mars?

Lwwr has unamb. grammar S → 0S0|1S1|

but is not L(DPDA).

For the converse we have

Theorem 6.20: If L = N (P ) for some DPDA

P , then L has an unambiguous CFG.

Proof: By inspecting the proof of Theorem

6.14 we see that if the construction is applied
to a DPDA the result is a CFG with unique
leftmost derivations.
223
Theorem 6.20 can actually be strengthen as
follows

Theorem 6.21: If L = L(P ) for some DPDA

P , then L has an unambiguous CFG.

Proof: Let $ be a symbol outside the alphabet

of L, and let L0 = L$.
It is easy to see that L0 has the prefix property.
By Theorem 6.20 we have L0 = N (P 0) for some
DPDA P 0.
By Theorem 6.20 N (P 0) can be generated by
an unambiguous CFG G0
Modify G0 into G, s.t. L(G) = L, by adding the
production
$→
Since G0 has unique leftmost derivations, G0
also has unique lm’s, since the only new thing
we’re doing is adding derivations
w$ ⇒ w
lm
to the end.
224
 Properties of CFL’s

• Simplification of CFG’s. This makes life eas-

ier, since we can claim that if a language is CF,
then it has a grammar of a special form.

• Pumping Lemma for CFL’s. Similar to the

regular case. Not covered in this course.

• Closure properties. Some, but not all, of the

closure properties of regular languages carry
over to CFL’s.

• Decision properties. We can test for mem-

bership and emptiness, but for instance, equiv-
alence of CFL’s is undecidable.

225
 Chomsky Normal Form

We want to show that every CFL (without )

is generated by a CFG where all productions
are of the form
A → BC, or A → a
where A, B, and C are variables, and a is a
terminal. This is called CNF, and to get there
we have to

1. Eliminate useless symbols, those that do

∗
not appear in any derivation S ⇒ w, for
start symbol S and terminal w.

2. Eliminate -productions, that is, produc-

tions of the form A → .

3. Eliminate unit productions, that is, produc-

tions of the form A → B, where A and B
are variables.

226
 Eliminating Useless Symbols

• A symbol X is useful for a grammar G =

(V, T, P, S), if there is a derivation
∗ ∗
S ⇒ αXβ ⇒ w
G G

for a teminal string w. Symbols that are not

useful are called useless.

∗
• A symbol X is generating if X ⇒ w, for some
G
w∈T ∗

∗
• A symbol X is reachable if S ⇒ αXβ, for
G
some {α, β} ⊆ (V ∪ T )∗

It turns out that if we eliminate non-generating

symbols first, and then non-reachable ones, we
will be left with only useful symbols.

227
Example: Let G be
S → AB|a, A → b

S and A are generating, B is not. If we elimi-

nate B we have to eliminate S → AB, leaving
the grammar
S → a, A → b
Now only S is reachable. Eliminating A and b
leaves us with
S→a
with language {a}.

OTH, if we eliminate non-reachable symbols

first, we find that all symbols are reachable.
From
S → AB|a, A → b
we then eliminate B as non-generating, and
are left with
S → a, A → b
that still contains useless symbols
228
Theorem 7.2: Let G = (V, T, P, S) be a CFG
such that L(G) 6= ∅. Let G1 = (V1, T1, P1, S)
be the grammar obtained by

1. Eliminating all nongenerating symbols and

the productions they occur in. Let the new
grammar be G2 = (V2, T2, P2, S).

2. Eliminate from G2 all nonreachable sym-

bols and the productions they occur in.

The G1 has no useless symbols, and

L(G1) = L(G).

229
Proof: We first prove that G1 has no useless
symbols:
∗
Let X remain in V1 ∪T1. Thus X ⇒ w in G1, for
some w ∈ T ∗. Moreover, every symbol used in
∗
this derivation is also generating. Thus X ⇒ w
in G2 also.

Since X was not eliminated in step 2, there are

∗
α and β, such that S ⇒ αXβ in G2. Further-
more, every symbol used in this derivation is
∗
also reachable, so S ⇒ αXβ in G1.

Now every symbol in αXβ is reachable and in

V2 ∪ T2 ⊇ V1 ∪ T1, so each of them is generating
in G2.
∗
The terminal derivation αXβ ⇒ xwy in G2 in-
volves only symbols that are reachable from S,
because they are reached by symbols in αXβ.
Thus the terminal derivation is also a dervia-
tion of G1, i.e.,
∗ ∗
S ⇒ αXβ ⇒ xwy
in G1.
230
We then show that L(G1) = L(G).

Since P1 ⊆ P , we have L(G1) ⊆ L(G).

∗
Then, let w ∈ L(G). Thus S ⇒ w. Each sym-
G
bol is this derivation is evidently both reach-
able and generating, so this is also a derivation
of G1.

Thus w ∈ L(G1).

231
We have to give algorithms to compute the
generating and reachable symbols of G = (V, T, P, S).

The generating symbols g(G) are computed by

the following closure algorithm:

Basis: g(G) == T

Induction: If α ∈ g(G) and X → α ∈ P , then

g(G) == g(G) ∪ {X}.

Example: Let G be S → AB|a, A → b

Then first g(G) == {a, b}.

Since S → a we put S in g(G), and because

A → b we add A also, and that’s it.

232
Theorem 7.4: At saturation, g(G) contains
all and only the generating symbols of G.

Proof:

We’ll show in class on an induction on the

stage in which a symbol X is added to g(G)
that X is indeed generating.

Then, suppose that X is generating. Thus

∗
X ⇒ w, for some w ∈ T ∗. We prove by induc-
G
tion on this derivation that X ∈ g(G).

Basis: Zero Steps. Then X is added in the

basis of the closure algo.

Induction: The derivation takes n > 0 steps.

Let the first production used be X → α. Then
∗
X⇒α⇒w
∗
and α ⇒ w in less than n steps and by the IH
α ∈ g(G). From the inductive part of the algo
it follows that X ∈ g(G).
233
The set of reachable symbols r(G) of G =
(V, T, P, S) is computed by the following clo-
sure algorithm:

Basis: r(G) == {S}.

Induction: If variable A ∈ r(G) and A → α ∈ P

then add all symbols in α to r(G)

Example: Let G be S → AB|a, A → b

Then first r(G) == {S}.

Based on the first production we add {A, B, a}

to r(G).

Based on the second production we add {b} to

r(G) and that’s it.

Theorem 7.6: At saturation, r(G) contains

all and only the reachable symbols of G.

Proof: Homework.
234
 Eliminating -Productions

We shall prove that if L is CF, then L \ {} has

a grammar without -productions.
∗
Variable A is said to be nullable if A ⇒ .

Let A be nullable. We’ll then replace a rule

like
A → BAD
with
A → BAD, A → BD
and delete any rules with body .

We’ll compute n(G), the set of nullable sym-

bols of a grammar G = (V, T, P, S) as follows:

Basis: n(G) == {A : A →  ∈ P }

Induction: If {C1C2 · · · Ck } ⊆ n(G) and A →

C1C2 · · · Ck ∈ P , then n(G) == n(G) ∪ {A}.
235
Theorem 7.7: At saturation, n(G) contains
all and only the nullable symbols of G.

Proof: Easy induction in both directions.

Once we know the nullable symbols, we can

transform G into G1 as follows:

• For each A → X1X2 · · · Xk ∈ P with m ≤ k

nullable symbols, replace it by 2m rules, one
with each sublist of the nullable symbols ab-
sent.

Exeption: If m = k we don’t delete all m nul-

lable symbols.

• Delete all rules of the form A → .

236
Example: Let G be

S → AB, A → aAA|, B → bBB|

Now n(G) = {A, B, S}. The first rule will be-

come
S → AB|A|B
the second

A → aAA|aA|aA|a
the third
B → bBB|bB|bB|b
We then delete rules with -bodies, and end up
with grammar G1 :

S → AB|A|B, A → aAA|aA|a, B → bBB|bB|b

237
Theorem 7.9: L(G1) = L(G) \ {}.

Proof: We’ll prove the stronger statement:

∗ ∗
(]) A ⇒ w in G1 if and only if w 6=  and A ⇒ w
in G.

∗
⊆-direction: Suppose A ⇒ w in G1. Then
clearly w 6=  (Why?). We’ll show by and in-
duction on the length of the derivation that
∗
A ⇒ w in G also.

Basis: One step. Then there exists A → w

in G1. Form the construction of G1 it follows
that there exists A → α in G, where α is w plus
some nullable variables interspersed. Then
∗
A⇒α⇒w
in G.
238
Induction: Derivation takes n > 1 steps. Then
∗
A ⇒ X1X2 · · · Xk ⇒ w in G1
and the first derivation is based on a produc-
tion
A → Y1Y2 · · · Ym
where m ≥ k, some Yi’s are Xj ’s and the other
are nullable symbols of G.

∗
Furhtermore, w = w1w2 · · · wk , and Xi ⇒ wi in
G1 in less than n steps. By the IH we have
∗
Xi ⇒ wi in G. Now we get
∗ ∗
A ⇒ Y1Y2 · · · Ym ⇒ X1X2 · · · Xk ⇒ w1w2 · · · wk = w
G G G

239
 ∗
⊇-direction: Let A ⇒ w, and w 6= . We’ll show
G
by induction of the length of the derivation
∗
that A ⇒ w in G1.

Basis: Length is one. Then A → w is in G,

and since w 6=  the rule is in G1 also.

Induction: Derivation takes n > 1 steps. Then

it looks like
∗
A ⇒ Y1Y2 · · · Ym ⇒ w
G G
∗
Now w = w1w2 · · · wm, and Yi ⇒ wi in less than
G
n steps.

Let X1X2 · · · Xk be those Yj ’s in order, such

that wj 6= . Then A → X1X2 · · · Xk is a rule in
G1.

∗
Now X1X2 · · · Xk ⇒ w (Why?)
G

240
 ∗
Each Xj /Yj ⇒ wj in less than n steps, so by
G
∗
IH we have that if w 6=  then Yj ⇒ wj in G1.
Thus
∗
A ⇒ X1X2 · · · Xk ⇒ w in G1

The claim of the theorem now follows from

statement (]) on slide 238 by choosing A = S.

241
 Eliminating Unit Productions

A→B
is a unit production, whenever A and B are
variables.

Unit productions can be eliminated.

Let’s look at grammar

I → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
F→ I | (E)
T→ F |T ∗F
E→ T |E+T

It has unit productions E → T , T → F , and

F →I

242
We’ll expand rule E → T and get rules

E → F, E → T ∗ F
We then expand E → F and get

E → I|(E)|T ∗ F
Finally we expand E → I and get

E → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1 | (E) | T ∗ F

The expansion method works as long as there

are no cycles in the rules, as e.g. in

A → B, B → C, C → A

The following method based on unit pairs will

work for all grammars.

243
 ∗
(A, B) is a unit pair if A ⇒ B using unit pro-
ductions only.

∗
Note: In A → BC, C →  we have A ⇒ B, but
not using unit productions only.

To compute u(G), the set of all unit pairs of

G = (V, T, P, S) we use the following closure
algorithm

Basis: u(G) == {(A, A) : A ∈ V }

Induction: If (A, B) ∈ u(G) and B → C ∈ P

then add (A, C) to u(G).

Theorem: At saturation, u(G) contains all

and only the unit pair of G.

Proof: Easy.

244
Given G = (V, T, P, S) we can construct G1 =
(V, T, P1, S) that doesn’t have unit productions,
and such that L(G1) = L(G) by setting

P1 = {A → α : α ∈
/ V, B → α ∈ P, (A, B) ∈ u(G)}

Example: Form the grammar of slide 242 we

get

Pair Productions
(E, E) E →E+T
(E, T ) E →T ∗F
(E, F ) E → (E)
(E, I) E → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
(T, T ) T →T ∗F
(T, F ) T → (E)
(T, I) T → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
(F, F ) F → (E)
(F, I) F → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
(I, I) I → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1

The resulting grammar is equivalent to the

original one (proof omitted).
245
 Summary

To “clean up” a grammar we can

1. Eliminate -productions

2. Eliminate unit productions

3. Eliminate useless symbols

in this order.

246
 Chomsky Normal Form, CNF

We shall show that every nonempty CFL with-

out  has a grammar G without useless sym-
bols, and such that every production is of the
form
• A → BC, where {A, B, C} ⊆ T , or

• A → α, where A ∈ V , and α ∈ T .

To achieve this, start with any grammar for

the CFL, and

1. “Clean up” the grammar.

2. Arrange that all bodies of length 2 or more

consists of only variables.

3. Break bodies of length 3 or more into a

cascade of two-variable-bodied productions.

247
• For step 2, for every terminal a that appears
in a body of length ≥ 2, create a new variable,
say A, and replace a by A in all bodies.
Then add a new rule A → a.

• For step 3, for each rule of the form

A → B1 B2 · · · Bk ,
k ≥ 3, introduce new variables C1, C2, . . . Ck−2,
and replace the rule with

A → B 1 C1
C1 → B 2 C2
···
Ck−3 → Bk−2Ck−2
Ck−2 → Bk−1Bk

248
Illustration of the effect of step 3

B1 C1

B2 C2
.
.
.
C k -2

B k-1 Bk

(a)

B1 B2 . . . Bk

(b)

249
 Example of CNF conversion

Let’s start with the grammar (step 1 already

done)

E → E + T | T ∗ F | (E) | a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
T → T ∗ F | (E)a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
F → (E) a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1
I → a | b | Ia | Ib | I0 | I1

For step 2, we need the rules

A → a, B → b, Z → 0, O → 1
P → +, M → ∗, L → (, R →)
and by replacing we get the grammar

E → EP T | T M F | LER | a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
T → T M F | LER | a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
F → LER | a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
I → a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
A → a, B → b, Z → 0, O → 1
P → +, M → ∗, L → (, R →)
250
For step 3, we replace

E → EP T by E → EC1, C1 → P T

E → T M F, T → T M F by
E → T C2 , T → T C2 , C2 → M F

E → LER, T → LER, F → LER by

E → LC3, T → LC3, F → LC3, C3 → ER

The final CNF grammar is

E → EC1 | T C2 | LC3 | a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
T → T C2 | LC3 | a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
F → LC3 | a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
I → a | b | IA | IB | IZ | IO
C1 → P T, C2 → M F, C3 → ER
A → a, B → b, Z → 0, O → 1
P → +, M → ∗, L → (, R →)
251
 Closure Properties of CFL’s

Consider a mapping
∗
s : Σ → 2∆
where Σ and ∆ are finite alphabets. Let w ∈
Σ∗, where w = a1a2 · · · an, and define

s(a1a2 · · · an) = s(a1).s(a2). · · · .s(an)

and, for L ⊆ Σ∗,
[
s(L) = s(w)
w∈L
Such a mapping s is called a substitution.

252
Example: Σ = {0, 1}, ∆ = {a, b},
s(0) = {anbn : n ≥ 1}, s(1) = {aa, bb}.

Let w = 01. Then s(w) = s(0).s(1) =

{anbnaa : n ≥ 1} ∪ {anbn+2 : n ≥ 1}

Let L = {0}∗. Then s(L) = (s(0))∗ =

{an1 bn1 an2 bn2 · · · ank bnk : k ≥ 0, ni ≥ 1}

Theorem 7.23: Let L be a CFL over Σ, and s

a substitution, such that s(a) is a CFL, ∀a ∈ Σ.
Then s(L) is a CFL.

253
We start with grammars

G = (V, Σ, P, S)
for L, and

Ga = (Va, Ta, Pa, Sa)

for each s(a). We then construct

G0 = (V 0, T 0, P 0, S 0)
where

V 0 = ( a∈Σ Va) ∪ V
S

0 S
T = a∈Σ Ta

P 0 = a∈Σ Pa plus the productions of P

S

with each a in a body replaced with sym-

bol Sa.

254
Now we have to show that

• L(G0) = s(L).

Let w ∈ s(L). Then ∃x = a1a2 · · · an in L, and

∃xi ∈ s(ai), such that w = x1x2 · · · xn.

A derivation tree in G0 will look like

Sa Sa Sa
1 2 n

x1 x2 xn

Thus we can generate Sa1 Sa2 · · · San in G0 and

form there we generate x1x2 · · · xn = w. Thus
w ∈ L(G0).
255
Then let w ∈ L(G0). Then the parse tree for w
must again look like

Sa Sa Sa
1 2 n

x1 x2 xn

Now delete the dangling subtrees. Then you

have yield
Sa 1 Sa 2 · · · Sa n
where a1a2 · · · an ∈ L(G). Now w is also equal
to s(a1a2 · · · an), which is in S(L).

256
 Applications of the Substitution Theorem

Theorem 7.24: The CFL’s are closed under

(i) : union, (ii) : concatenation, (iii) : Kleene
closure and positive closure +, and (iv) : ho-
momorphism.

Proof: (i): Let L1 and L2 be CFL’s, let L =

{1, 2}, and s(1) = L1, s(2) = L2.
Then L1 ∪ L2 = s(L).

(ii) : Here we choose L = {12} and s as before.

Then L1.L2 = s(L)

(iii) : Suppose L1 is CF. Let L = {1}∗, s(1) =

L1. Now L∗1 = s(L). Similar proof for +.

(iv) : Let L1 be a CFL over Σ, and h a homo-

morphism on Σ. Then define s by

a 7→ {h(a)}
Then h(L) = s(L).
257
Theorem: If L is CF, then so in LR .

Proof: Suppose L is generated b G = (V, T, P, S).

Construct GR = (V, T, P R , S), where

P R = {A → αR : A → α ∈ P }
Show at home by inductions on the lengths of
the derivations in G (for one direction) and in
GR (for the other direction) that (L(G))R =
L(GR ).

258
Let L1 = {0n1n2i : n ≥ 1, i ≥ 1}. The L1 is CF
with grammar
S → AB
A → 0A1|01
B → 2B|2

Also, L2 = {0i1n2n : n ≥ 1, i ≥ 1} is CF with

grammar
S → AB
A → 0A|0
B → 1B2|12

However, L1 ∩ L2 = {0n1n2n : n ≥ 1} which is

not CF (see the handout on course-page).

259
Theorem 7.27: If L is CR, and R regular,
then L ∩ R is CF.

Proof: Let L be accepted by PDA

P = (QP , Σ, Γ, δP , qP , Z0, FP )
by final state, and let R be accepted by DFA

A = (QA, Σ, δA, qA, FA)

We’ll construct a PDA for L ∩ R according to
the picture

FA
state

Input AND Accept/

reject
PDA
state

Stack

260
Formally, define

P 0 = (QP × QA, , Σ, Γ, δ, (qP , qA), Z0, FP × FA)

where

δ((q, p), a, X) = {((r, δ̂A(p, a)), γ) : (r, γ) ∈ δP (q, a, X)}

∗
Prove at home by an induction `, both for P
and for P 0 that
∗
(qP , w, Z0) ` (q, , γ) in P
if and only if
∗
in P 0

((qP , qA), w, Z0) ` (q, δ̂(pA, w)), , γ

The claim the follows (Why?)

261
Theorem 7.29: Let L, L1, L2 be CFL’s and R
regular. Then

1. L \ R is CF

2. L̄ is not necessarily CF

3. L1 \ L2 is not necessarily CF

Proof:

1. R̄ is regular, L ∩ R̄ is regular, and L ∩ R̄ =

L \ R.

2. If L̄ always was CF, it would follow that

L1 ∩ L2 = L1 ∪ L2
always would be CF.

3. Note that Σ∗ is CF, so if L1 \L2 was always

CF, then so would Σ∗ \ L = L̄.

262
 Inverse homomorphism

Let h : Σ → Θ∗ be a homom. Let L ⊆ Θ∗, and

define
h−1(L) = {w ∈ Σ∗ : h(w) ∈ L}
Now we have
Theorem 7.30: Let L be a CFL, and h a
homomorphism. Then h−1(L) is a CFL.

Proof: The plan of the proof is

Buffer
a h(a)
Input h

PDA Accept/
state reject

Stack

263
Let L be accepted by PDA

P = (Q, Θ, Γ, δ, q0, Z0, F )

We construct a new PDA

P 0 = (Q0, Σ, Γ, δ 0, (q0, ), Z0, F × {})

where

Q0 = {(q, x) : q ∈ Q, x ∈ suffix(h(a)), a ∈ Σ}

δ 0((q, ), a, X) = {((q, h(a)), X) :  6= a ∈

Σ, q ∈ Q, X ∈ Γ}

δ 0((q, bx), , X) = {((p, x), γ) : (p, γ) ∈ δ(q, b, X), b ∈

T ∪ {}, q ∈ Q, X ∈ Γ}

Show at home by suitable inductions that

∗
• (q0, h(w), Z0) ` (p, , γ) in P if and only if
∗
((q0, ), w, Z0) ` ((p, ), , γ) in P 0.
264
 Decision Properties of CFL’s

We’ll look at the following:

• Complexity of converting among CFA’s and

PDAQ’s

• Converting a CFG to CNF

• Testing L(G) 6= ∅, for a given G

• Testing w ∈ L(G), for a given w and fixed G.

• Preview of undecidable CFL problems

265
 Converting between CFA’s and PDA’s

• Input size is n.

• n is the total size of the input CFG or PDA.

The following work in time O(n)

1. Converting a CFG to a PDA (slide 203)

2. Converting a “final state” PDA

to a “null stack” PDA (slide 199)

3. Converting a “null stack” PDA

to a “final state” PDA (slide 195)

266
 Avoidable exponential blow-up

For converting a PDA to a CFG we have

(slide 210)

At most n3 variables of the form [pXq]

If (r, Y1Y2 · · · Yk ) ∈ δ(q, a, X)}, we’ll have O(nn)

rules of the form

[qXrk ] → a[rY1r1] · · · [rk−1Yk rk ]

• By introducing k −2 new states we can mod-

ify the PDA to push at most one symbol per
transition. Illustration on blackboard in class.

267
• Now, k will be ≤ 2 for all rules.

• Total length of all transitions is still O(n).

• Now, each transition generates at most n2

productions

• Total size (and time to calculate) the gram-

mar is therefore O(n3).

268
 Converting into CNF

Good news:

1. Computing r(G) and g(G) and eliminating

useless symbols takes time O(n). This will
be shown shortly

(slides 229,232,234)

2. Size of u(G) and the resulting grammar

with productions P1 is O(n2)

(slides 244,245)

3. Arranging that bodies consist of only vari-

ables is O(n)

(slide 248)

4. Breaking of bodies is O(n) (slide 248)

269
Bad news:

• Eliminating the nullable symbols can make

the new grammar have size O(2n)

(slide 236)

The bad news are avoidable:

Break bodies first before eliminating nullable

symbols

• Conversion into CNF is O(n2)

270
 Testing emptiness of CFL’s

L(G) is non-empty if the start symbol S is gen-

erating.

A naive implementation on g(G) takes time

O(n2).

g(G) can be computed in time O(n) as follows:

Generating?
Count
A ?
B yes A B c D B 3

C B A 2

271
Creation and initialzation of the array is O(n)

Creation and initialzation of the links and counts

is O(n)

When a count goes to zero, we have to

1. Finding the head variable A, checkin if it

already is “yes” in the array, and if not,
queueing it is O(1) per production. Total
O(n)

2. Following links for A, and decreasing the

counters. Takes time O(n).

Total time is O(n).

272
 w ∈ L(G)?

Inefficient way:

Suppose G is CNF, test string is w, with |w| =

n. Since the parse tree is binary, there are
2n − 1 internal nodes.

Generate all binary parse trees of G with 2n − 1

internal nodes.

Check if any parse tree generates w

273
 CYK-algo for membership testing

The grammar G is fixed

Input is w = a1a2 · · · an

We construct a triangular table, where Xij con-

tains all variables A, such that
∗
A ⇒ aiai+1 · · · aj
G

X 15

X 14 X 25

X 13 X 24 X 35

X 12 X 23 X 34 X 45

X 11 X 22 X 33 X 44 X 55

a1 a2 a3 a4 a5

274
To fill the table we work row-by-row, upwards

The first row is computed in the basis, the

subsequent ones in the induction.

Basis: Xii == {A : A → ai is in G}

Induction:

We wish to compute Xij , which is in row j − i + 1.

A ∈ Xij , if
∗
A ⇒ aiai + 1 · · · aj , if
for some k < j, and A → BC, we have
∗ ∗
B ⇒ aiai+1 · · · ak , and C ⇒ ak+1ak+2 · · · aj , if
B ∈ Xik , and C ∈ Xkj

275
Example:

G has productions

S → AB|BC
A → BA|a
B → CC|b
C → AB|a

{S,A,C}

- {S,A,C}

- {B} {B}

{S,A} {B} {S,C} {S,A}

{B} {A,C} {A,C} {B} {A,C}

b a a b a

276
To compute Xij we need to compare at most
n pairs of previously computed sets:

(Xii, Xi=1,j ), (Xi,i+1, Xi+2,j ), . . . , (Xi,j−1, Xjj )

as suggested below

For w = a1 · · · an, there are O(n2) entries Xij

to compute.

For each Xij we need to compare at most n

pairs (Xik , Xk+1,j ).

Total work is O(n3).

277
 Preview of undecidable CFL problems

The following are undecidable:

1. Is a given CFG G ambiguous?

2. Is a given CFL inherently ambiguous?

3. Is the intersection of two CFL’s empty?

4. Are two CFL’s the same?

5. Is a given CFL universal (equal to Σ∗)?

278
∞

279