Large Numbers in Some Noncomputable Sequences
The busy beaver function Σ is an example of a function which grows faster than any computable function. Its value for even relatively small input is huge. The values of Σ(n) for n = 1, 2, 3, 4 are 1, 4, 6, 13 (sequence A028444 in OEIS). Σ(5) is not known but is definitely ≥ 4098. Σ(6) is at least 3.5×1018267.
Some of the work by Harvey Friedman also involve sequences that grow faster than any computable function.
Read more about this topic: Large Numbers
Famous quotes containing the words large and/or numbers:
“Any novel of importance has a purpose. If only the purpose be large enough, and not at outs with the passional inspiration.”
—D.H. (David Herbert)
“All experience teaches that, whenever there is a great national establishment, employing large numbers of officials, the public must be reconciled to support many incompetent men; for such is the favoritism and nepotism always prevailing in the purlieus of these establishments, that some incompetent persons are always admitted, to the exclusion of many of the worthy.”
—Herman Melville (18191891)