Specification and integration of theorem provers and computer algebra systems

Abstract

Computer algebra systems (CASs) and automated theorem provers (ATPs) exhibit complementary abilities. CASs focus on efficiently solving domain-specific problems. ATPs are designed to allow for the formalization and solution of wide classes of problems within some logical framework. Integrating CASs and ATPs allows for the solution of problems of a higher complexity than those confronted by each class alone. However, most experiments conducted so far followed an ad-hoc approach, resulting in tailored solutions to specific problems. A structured and principled approach is necessary to allow for the sound integration of systems in a modular way. The Open Mechanized Reasoning Systems (OMRS) framework was introduced for the specification and implementation of mechanized reasoning systems, e.g. ATPs. The approach was recasted to the domain of computer algebra systems. In this paper, we introduce a generalization of OMRS, named OMSCS (Open Mechanized Symbolic Computation Systems). We show how OMSCS can be used to soundly express CASs, ATPs, and their integration, by formalizing a combination between the Isabelle prover and the Maple algebra system. We show how the integrated system solves a problem which could not be tackled by each single system alone.