Goedel, Escher, Bach

[VetLegion]

Here is my progress: I think I have made some important insights into the MU puzzle, namely, that it can't be solved because the operations allowed are not sufficient

I'll keep at it for a while. After I solve it, and I hope I will, I'll make a computer program to solve it, for exercize.

[VetLegion]

And folks, please, no spoilers

[alva]

The butler did it with a knife.

[VetLegion]

hardly.

Here's the puzzle for you folks, in hope it keeps my thread floating as you try to solve it. On the other hand, it means that there could be spoilers for others if someone solves it. Please use spoiler tags if you manage to solve it.

THE MU PUZZLE

The string (ordered sequence of characters) you begin with is 'MI', and you need to make from it the string 'MU'. Only these operations are allowed. You can repeat them and use them in any order you want as many times as you need:

1. You can duplicate the part of string after character 'M'. For example, you can turn 'MI' you start with into 'MII' and so on.

2. You can replace three 'I' characters that appear in a sequence with an 'U'. For example, you can turn 'MUIIIU' into 'MUUU'.

3. If there are two 'U' in sequence you can drop them. 'MIUUU' can become 'MIU' for example, or 'MIUUII' can become 'MIII'.

4. You can add character 'U' if the string ends with 'I'. For example if you have 'MUIUI' you can make it 'MUIUIU'.


Enjoy!

[mrboo123]

Originally posted by VetLegion
(...)THE MU PUZZLE(...)

we did this last year in math class, for factoring...

give you an answer later

[mrboo123]

MII
MIIII
MIIIIII
MIIIIIIU
MUUU
MU

Did I get it right?

EDIT: Crap, its wrong

I quit, because I'm tired...

Originally posted by VetLegion
Here is my progress: I think I have made some important insights into the MU puzzle, namely, that it can't be solved because the operations allowed are not sufficient

I'll keep at it for a while. After I solve it, and I hope I will, I'll make a computer program to solve it, for exercize.

I think your right....

[Immortal Wombat]

Spoiler:

Originally posted by VetLegion
Here is my progress: I think I have made some important insights into the MU puzzle, namely, that it can't be solved because the operations allowed are not sufficient

[Urban Ranger]

I think IW is right

Spoiler:

You are asked to produce 3 I's from the set of rules, but there isn't a production rule that allows for this

[DaShi]

So you basically read his solution and reworded it claiming it as your own work. You are from China!

[Eli]

Go DaShi.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by DaShi
So you basically read his solution and reworded it claiming it as your own work.

Incorrect. If you in fact bothered to read both spoilers, instead of trying to grind an axe, you would have noticed that there is an additional piece of information in mine.

[VetLegion]

OK, now I move on with the book

[DaShi]

Originally posted by Urban Ranger


Incorrect. If you in fact bothered to read both spoilers, instead of trying to grind an axe, you would have noticed that there is an additional piece of information in mine.

Yes, obviously gleamed from IW work. You could have at least given him some credit.

[Urban Ranger]

Originally posted by DaShi
Yes, obviously gleamed from IM work. You could have at least given him some credit.

At least you admitted that you have an axe to grind and you failed to read the spoilers carefully.

That's a good start.

BTW, tell me, how could an additional piece of information be found in the original? AFAIK, "additional" is a rather elementary word.

[DaShi]

Axe to grind? By pointing out plagarism. I'll admit I am against it. I'm a scientist by trade, afterall. I'll remind you that you are the one now throwing insults.

The original solves the puzzle. Once it is realized how the puzzle can be solved, it's easy to identity the rest. IW's part was the significant contribution. Do you agree? If so, I'll be willing to let the matter rest. Afterall, I really don't have an axe to grind, as you say.