Two Problems on Reduction Graphs in Lambda Calculus

Abstract

In this paper we solve two open problems in the theory of reduction graphs in lambda calculus. The first question is whether the condensed reduction graph of a lambda term is always locally finite (conjecture of M.Venturini Zilli 1984). We give a negative answer to the conjecture by providing a counterexample. The second problem is whether there is a term such that its reduction graph is composed of two reduction cycles (not loops) intersecting in just one point (problem of J.W.Klop 1980). We show that such a term cannot exist.