Two algorithms to decide Quantifier-free Definability in Finite Algebraic Structures

03/29/2023

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by   Miguel Campercholi, et al.

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This work deals with the definability problem by quantifier-free first-order formulas over a finite algebraic structure. We show the problem to be coNP-complete and present two decision algorithms based on a semantical characterization of definable relations as those preserved by isomorphisms of substructures, the second one also providing a formula in the positive case. Our approach also includes the design of an algorithm that computes the isomorphism type of a tuple in a finite algebraic structure. Proofs of soundness and completeness of the algorithms are presented, as well as empirical tests assessing their performances.