A decision procedure for linear "big O" equations
Abstract
Let be the set of functions from an infinite set, , to an ordered ring, . For , , and in , the assertion means that for some constant , for every in . Let be the first-order language with variables ranging over such functions, symbols for , and absolute value, and a ternary relation . We show that the set of quantifier-free formulas in this language that are valid in the intended class of interpretations is decidable, and does not depend on the underlying set, , or the ordered ring, . If is a subfield of the real numbers, we can add a constant 1 function, as well as multiplication by constants from any computable subfield. We obtain further decidability results for certain situations in which one adds symbols denoting the elements of a fixed sequence of functions of strictly increasing rates of growth.
Cite
@article{arxiv.cs/0701073,
title = {A decision procedure for linear "big O" equations},
author = {Jeremy Avigad and Kevin Donnelly},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:cs/0701073},
year = {2007}
}