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I got this question on my final exam: Is the following language context-free?

$$ L = \{w\bar w^R \mid w\in \{0,1\}^* \}$$

Notation: The string $\bar w$ is obtained from $w$ by replacing all 0s with 1's and all 1's with 0's. The string $\bar w^R$ is $\bar w$ in reverse order.

I've thought about it being a context-free language, but I notice that when you pump the string in the middle, the string will still be in the language. (using pumping lemma)

I think it's context free. This is the context free grammar:

$$ S \to 0S1 \mid 1S0 \mid \varepsilon $$ (It's basically a palindrome, but both sides are exact opposites.)

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  • $\begingroup$ What do you think? What have you tried to show that it is? Or that it isn't? $\endgroup$
    – Dave Clarke
    Dec 7, 2012 at 6:10
  • $\begingroup$ Ok, i'll show my work $\endgroup$
    – Jessie Love
    Dec 7, 2012 at 6:11
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    $\begingroup$ Now can you argue (perhaps informally) why your grammar is correct? $\endgroup$
    – Luke Mathieson
    Dec 7, 2012 at 6:14
  • $\begingroup$ alright. i'll add more. done. $\endgroup$
    – Jessie Love
    Dec 7, 2012 at 6:16
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    $\begingroup$ You are right. Please post your thoughts as self-answer to you question. $\endgroup$
    – A.Schulz
    Dec 7, 2012 at 7:43

1 Answer 1

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A Context free grammer is one in which LHS of atleast one of the productions is free from any terminal symbols (context). According to your production rule,it is clearly CFG.

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