Long multiplication by instruction sequences with backward jump instructions

Open Access
Authors
Publication date 2013
Number of pages 15
Publisher Ithaca, NY: ArXiv
Organisations
  • Faculty of Science (FNWI) - Informatics Institute (IVI)
Abstract
For each function on bit strings, its restriction to bit strings of any given length can be computed by a finite instruction sequence that contains only instructions to set and get the content of Boolean registers, forward jump instructions, and a termination instruction. Backward jump instructions are not necessary for this, but instruction sequences can be significantly shorter with them. We take the function on bit strings that models the multiplication of natural numbers on their representation in the binary number system to demonstrate this by means of a concrete example. The example is reason to discuss points concerning the halting problem and the concept of an algorithm.
Document type Working paper
Note 18 Dec 2013
Language English
Published at http://arxiv.org/abs/1312.1812
Downloads
1312.1812v2.pd (Submitted manuscript)
Permalink to this page
Back