PPL 156 / 177 permanent IDsPrize Problem Ledger · PPLChecked 2026.07.26
Prize Problem LedgerIndependentPPL 156Shallit #6 · Context-free language interpolation

Permanent problem IDPPL 156

Source-statedIndependentconjecture

Formal languages

Shallit #6 · Context-free language interpolation

Given context-free L₁ ⊆ L₂ with infinite difference, must there be a context-free L₃ strictly interpolating them with both remaining differences infinite?

automata theorytheoretical computer scienceformal languages
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The problem

Given context-free L₁ ⊆ L₂ with infinite difference, must there be a context-free L₃ strictly interpolating them with both remaining differences infinite?

Open since1980historical source
Last checked2026.07.26Catalog verification
02

Reward offers

Offer 01£100Jeffrey Shallit
Personal offer

Personal cash offer stated in Shallit’s official talk. The live talks page records subsequent updates, including a paid solution to one omitted problem; confirm claim procedure with the sponsor before relying on the award.

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Sources & reading