Consider the alphabet βˆ‘ = {0, 1}, the null/empty string πœ† and the sets of…

2015

Consider the alphabet βˆ‘ = {0, 1}, the null/empty string πœ† and the sets of strings X0, X1, and X2 generated by the corresponding non-terminals of a regular grammar. X0, X1, and X2 are related as follows.

X0 = 1 X1

X1 = 0 X1 + 1 X2

X2 = 0 X1 + {πœ†}

Which one of the following choices precisely represents the strings in X0?

  1. A.

    10(0* + (10)*)1

  2. B.

    10(0* + (10)*)*1

  3. C.

    1(0 + 10)*1

  4. D.

    10(0 + 10)*1 + 110(0 + 10)*1

Attempted by 83 students.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: C

Key steps: solve the grammar equations to a regular expression.

  • From X1 = 0 X1 + 1 X2 we get X1 = 0* 1 X2 (zero or more 0s, then a 1, then whatever X2 generates).

  • From X2 = 0 X1 + {Ξ»} substitute X1 = 0*1 X2 to obtain X2 = Ξ» + (0 0* 1) X2, so X2 = (0 0* 1)*. Each factor 0 0* 1 is "one or more 0s followed by 1".

  • Therefore X0 = 1 X1 = 1 0* 1 (0 0* 1)*.

  • Interpretation and simplification: strings in X0 must start and end with 1. Between these boundary 1s, every internal 1 is followed by at least one 0 (because of the block "one-or-more-0s then 1"). Thus the middle part can be seen as a sequence of tokens that are either a single 0 or the pair 10, i.e. (0 + 10)*.

  • So X0 = 1(0 + 10)*1, which matches the given correct expression.

A video solution is available for this question β€” log in and enroll to watch it.

Explore the full course: Gate Guidance By Sanchit Sir