Show that if K is regular and M any language, then L is regular

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the question of whether the language \( L = \{ k \mid km \in K \text{ for some } m \in M \} \) is regular if \( K \) is a regular language and \( M \) is any language. The scope includes theoretical aspects of formal languages and automata.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes defining \( L \) based on the relationship between \( K \) and \( M \).
  • Another participant suggests using a DFA that accepts \( K \) and modifying its accepting states based on the presence of strings from \( M \).
  • A follow-up question is raised about whether the transition function for \( L \) is the same as that for \( K \), leading to a clarification about the differences in final states.
  • Two participants confirm the understanding of the proposed approach regarding the transition function and accepting states.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the approach to show that \( L \) is regular, with confirmations of understanding, but the overall question remains open for further exploration.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations or assumptions regarding the definitions of \( K \) and \( M \), nor does it resolve any mathematical steps involved in the proof.

mathmari
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Hey! :o

Let $L=\{k |km \in K \text{ for some } m \in M\}$.

How can we show that if $K$ is regular and $M$ is any language, then $L$ is regular?? (Wondering)
 
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This is a nice problem. Take a DFA $(Q,\Sigma,\delta,q_0,F)$ that accept $K$ and make $q\in Q$ accepting iff $\delta(q,m)\in F$ for some $m\in M$. Here $\delta(q,m)$ is the extension of the transition function to strings.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
This is a nice problem. Take a DFA $(Q,\Sigma,\delta,q_0,F)$ that accept $K$ and make $q\in Q$ accepting iff $\delta(q,m)\in F$ for some $m\in M$. Here $\delta(q,m)$ is the extension of the transition function to strings.

So, is the transition function of $L$ the same as the transition function of $K$ ? If it stands that $\delta(q,m)\in F$ for some $m \in M$, then we make $q$ an accepting state. So the difference of the description of the two DFA's is the set of final states. Have I understood it correctly?
 
Yes, you understood it correctly.
 
Evgeny.Makarov said:
Yes, you understood it correctly.

Great! Thank you very much! (Smile)
 

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