0

I have a question to find out that L = {a^(2k)|k>=1} is regular. I know that it is regular set but I was looking to find out if pumping lemma is satisfying or not. So I tried it as -

Let # of states in the FA be n & I select the string w = a^2n
Now let xyz = w
xy = a^n
y = a^m | m is odd number
now x(y^2)z = a^(n-m)(a^2m)(a^n) 
= a(2n+m) does not belong to L

which says this regular set doesn't satisfy pumping property. Please let me know if I am doing something wrongly.

Thanks in advance.

codeomnitrix
  • 146
  • 1
  • 3
  • 13
  • Make sure you read our reference questions, http://cs.stackexchange.com/q/1331/755 and http://cs.stackexchange.com/q/1031/755. With the methods there, you should be able to answer your question on your own. – D.W. Dec 02 '13 at 04:27

1 Answers1

0

The pumping lemma says that every (long-enough) string in a regular language can be divided in some way such that it can be pumped (subject to the other stated conditions).

Note that the statement is that every string has at least one way of dividing it up. Not every division of a string necessarily works. As you have shown, some don't work, however there is a different division (any one where $m$ is even) that does work. So the language does satisfy the pumping lemma.

Luke Mathieson
  • 18,125
  • 4
  • 55
  • 86