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> it is always possible to compute BB(k) for a specific and arbitrary k. It is not. There are a few proofs, most notably the fact that you'd have to solve the
by dvt 4y ago
> it is always possible to compute BB(k) for a specific and arbitrary k.
It is not. There are a few proofs, most notably the fact that you'd have to solve the halting problem to find BB(k) for an arbitrary k. But the more interesting proof is when looking at the growth of the number of states required for larger BB(k)'s. You end up with a pretty cool contradiction[1] by constructing a very special Turing machine.
[1] http://www.coopersnotes.net/docs/langmach/CHAP10%20Busy%20Beaver.pdf http://www.coopersnotes.net/docs/langmach/CHAP10%20Busy%20Be... (pg. 403)
- Kranar 4y agoI feel like even after I point out the subtlety, people just read right past it and still don't recognize it. Nothing in your source contradicts anything I've said.