Re: GUT and P=NP

[m5@vail.tivoli.com (Mike McNally)]

James A. Donald writes:
 > An algorithm is a method of solving problems.  Not everything in
 > the universe is an algorithm or equivalent to an algorithm.

Ok.

 > Suppose we have a quantum computer that solves some NP (incomplete) 
 > problem in polynomial time with order one probability..
 > 
 > A numerical simulation of that computer...

Indeed, a numerical simulation would be quite complex.  However, I
fail to udnerstand why you do not consider the programming of the
quantum computer to be a non-algorithm.  Clearly, if somebody can make
the quantum computer solve the NP problem, there must be some
technique of expressing the process.  If it's not an algorithm, what
do you call it?  (Hint: it is an algorithm.)

 > The quantum computer is not equivalent to the mindless brute
 > force algorithm for solving the problem.

Right; it executes a different algorithm.

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