Question

Construct an NFA that accepts floating point numbers with the following format:

{optional + or -} { one or more digits} {decimal point} { one or more digits}.

It should accept strings such as: 0.0, +8.25, -51.2, 33.33, 0.01
It should reject strings such as: 17, +3, .5, 4.4.3

Upload your solution, which should be a PDF or JPEG image that clearly identifies the question number and gives the appropriate solution in the form of a hand-drawn or software-created transition graph. Do NOT use ASCII drawn transition graphs or text descriptions.

Answer 1

An NFA for accepting the specified format of floating point numbers would include an initial state that transitions to a digit or sign state, a state for the decimal point, and a final state ensuring at least one digit follows the decimal.

Step-by-step explanation:

Constructing a Non-deterministic Finite Automaton (NFA) to accept floating point numbers requires understanding the components of such numbers. A floating point number consists of an optional sign (+ or -), followed by one or more digits, a decimal point, and then one or more digits. Acceptable examples are '+8.25' and '-51.2', whereas numbers like '17' or '.5' should be rejected by the NFA because they lack the required format.

To visualize this NFA, imagine a series of states where the initial state can transition to a state representing a digit or sign. A loop on the digit state allows for any number of digits. There must then be a transition to a state for the decimal point, followed by a loop on another digit state to allow for digits after the decimal point. This representation is appropriately captured in a transition graph that I am unable to upload per the instructions. Nonetheless, the description provided here summarizes the arrangement of states and transitions required to accept the specified format for floating point numbers.