DECISION PROBLEM

for a class of questions in mathematics and formal logic, the problem of finding, after choosing any question of the class, an algorithm or repetitive procedure that will yield a definite answer, yes or no, to that question. The method consists of performing successively a finite number of steps determined by preassigned rules. In particular, the term is used for such procedures for finding whetherin a particular logistic system, logical calculus, or formal mathematical systemsome given well-formed formula (generated in accordance with established formation rules) is or is not provable as a theorem of the system.