🧠 Lambda Calculus – Beginner Interactive Lesson

Score: 0 / 7

📘 1. What is Reduction?

Reduction = computation.

Example:

(λx. x) 4 → 4

The function returns its input.

Another example:

(λx. x + 2) 5 → 5 + 2 → 7

📘 2. What is Normal Form?

Normal form = cannot be reduced anymore.

Example (NOT normal):

(λx. x) 7 → can still reduce → not normal

Example (Normal):

λx. x → nothing to reduce → normal form

📘 3. What is Convertibility?

Two expressions are convertible if they reduce to the same result.

Example:

(λx. x) 5 → 5

So:

(λx. x) 5 = 5

📘 4. Infinite Reduction

Some expressions never stop.

(λx. x x)(λx. x x)

This keeps reducing to itself forever → no normal form.

✏️ Worksheet

Q1: Reduce (λx. x) 4


Q2: Reduce (λx. x + 2) 5


Q3: Reduce (λx. x) ((λy. y) 3)


Q4: Is (λx. x) 7 in normal form?


Q5: Is λx. x in normal form?


Q6: Are (λx. x) 5 and 5 convertible?


Q7: Does (λx. x x)(λx. x x) ever stop?