The Decision Method for Real Algebra

Is It Practical?

by Joel Friedman

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Presentation of Tarski's decision procedure in a modified form. The procedure is reduced to three basic methods. Each method processes a basic formula of Real Algebra. The efficiency of each is discussed. An alternative to the third method, invented by Hamblin, is also presented and discussed. For each of these methods, only a partial measure of efficiency is offered. This partial measure is not determined exactly, but rather to within certain bounds. The general impracticality of both the third method and its alternative is inferred from the partial measure of efficiency. The general impracticality of the whole decision procedure is shown. Presentation of Tarski's decision procedure in a modified form. The procedure is reduced to three basic methods. Each method processes a basic formula of Real Algebra. The efficiency of each is discussed. An alternative to the third method, invented by Hamblin, is also presented and discussed. For each of these methods, only a partial measure of efficiency is offered. This partial measure is not determined exactly, but rather to within certain bounds. The general impracticality of both the third method and its alternative is inferred from the partial measure of efficiency. The general impracticality of the whole decision procedure is shown.

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