Programming Binary Addition with a Turing Machine

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The discussion revolves around programming binary addition using a Turing machine with one tape and one read/write head. A participant inquires about the feasibility of adding two binary numbers separated by a blank, expressing curiosity about its relevance to quantum mechanics. The conversation highlights the distinction between standard and universal Turing machines, with some participants suggesting that the task serves more as a pedagogical exercise. There is also a mention of using a Turing machine with two heads as a possible solution. Overall, the thread emphasizes the educational value of understanding Turing machines in the context of quantum computation.
theophyman
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hello,
One can wonder what is the relation between the title of this thread and the subject of quantum mechanics,
well, i was reading in a book about quantum computation and information and it was talking about computer science in some chapter where it shows a basic understanding of Turing machine.
Ok, my question is: how to write a program that adds (modulo two) two binary numbers (assuming that they have the same length) separated by a 'blank' . the turing machine has only one tape and one read/write head.

is it possible?

thank you
 
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There are many equivalent definition of what a universal Turing machine is, it could have just one tape, or several. In fact, anything a computer can do, a Turing machine can do as well. The rule of the game is to start from something as rudimentary as possible and progressively build up complexity. Quite frankly, I believe writing such a program is more of a curiosity, possibly with pedagogical value, but again : how is this relevant to quantum mechanics ?
 
humanino said:
There are many equivalent definition of what a universal Turing machine is, it could have just one tape, or several.

i am new in learning Turing machines, but i think there is a difference between "standard" turing machine and universal turing machine. my question is about the "standard" one.


humanino said:
I believe writing such a program is more of a curiosity, possibly with pedagogical value, but again : how is this relevant to quantum mechanics ?

i can get the answer of my question using one tape with tow heads (is it acceptable?).

humanino said:
how is this relevant to quantum mechanics ?

as i said in my question above, i am learning quantum computation and quantum information,i found the turing machine and universal turing machine in a book about the subject of quantum computation and information.
 
Found this for ya. Hope it helps your understanding.

http://www.maths.leeds.ac.uk/~awmorp/turingmachine/turing.html
 
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mikestampone said:
Found this for ya. Hope it helps your understanding.

http://www.maths.leeds.ac.uk/~awmorp/turingmachine/turing.html

thank you, it was very helpful.
 
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Insights auto threads is broken atm, so I'm manually creating these for new Insight articles. Towards the end of the first lecture for the Qiskit Global Summer School 2025, Foundations of Quantum Mechanics, Olivia Lanes (Global Lead, Content and Education IBM) stated... Source: https://www.physicsforums.com/insights/quantum-entanglement-is-a-kinematic-fact-not-a-dynamical-effect/ by @RUTA

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