A Skeptic’s Approach to Combining HOL and Maple

  • Authors:
  • J. Harrison;L. Théry

  • Affiliations:
  • University of Cambridge Computer Laboratory, New Museums Site, Pembroke Street, Cambridge CB2 3QG, England;INRIA Sophia Antipolis 2004, route des Lucioles - B.P. 93, 06902 Sophia Antipolis Cedex, France

  • Venue:
  • Journal of Automated Reasoning
  • Year:
  • 1998

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Abstract

We contrast theorem provers and computer algebra systems, pointing outthe advantages and disadvantages of each, and suggest a simple way toachieve a synthesis of some of the best features of both. Our method isbased on the systematic separation of search for a solution and checking thesolution, using a physical connection between systems. We describe theseparation of proof search and checking in some detail, relating it to proofplanning and to the complexity class NP, and discuss different ways ofexploiting a physical link between systems. Finally, the method isillustrated by some concrete examples of computer algebra results provedformally in the HOL theorem prover with the aid of Maple.