In this paper we present a complete formalization of the Normalization Theorem, a result in Algebraic Simplicial Topology stating that there exists a homotopy equivalence between the chain complex of a simplicial set, and a smaller chain complex for the same simplicial set, called the normalized chain complex. Even if the Normalization Theorem is usually stated as a higher-order result (with a Category Theory flavor) we manage to give a first-order proof of it. To this aim it is instrumental the introduction of an algebraic data structure called simplicial polynomial. As a demonstration of the validity of our techniques we developed a formal proof in the ACL2 theorem prover. This work is dedicated to our colleague and friend Mirian Andrés. She started this research but passed away at the age of only 29 due to a car accident. Mirian, the best friend for your friends, we do not forget you.

We describe a method to permit the user of a mathematical logic to write elegant logical definitions while allowing sound and efficient execution. We focus on the ACL2 logic and automated reasoning environment. ACL2 is used by industrial researchers to describe microprocessor designs and other complicated digital systems. Properties of the designs can be formally established with the theorem prover. But because ACL2 is also a functional programming language, the formal models can be executed as simulation engines. We implement features that afford these dual applications, namely formal proof and execution on industrial test suites. In particular, the features allow the user to install, in a logically sound way, alternative executable counterparts for logically-defined functions. These alternatives are often much more efficient than the logically equivalent terms they replace. We discuss several applications of these features.

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The Eilenberg-Zilber algorithm is one of the central components of the computer algebra system called Kenzo, devoted to computing in Algebraic Topology. In this article we report on a complete formal proof of the underlying Eilenberg-Zilber theorem, using the ACL2 theorem prover. As our formalization is executable, we are able to compare the results of the certified programme with those of Kenzo on some universal examples. Since the results coincide, the reliability of Kenzo is reinforced. This is a new step in our long-term project towards certified programming for Algebraic Topology.

We present a case study using ACL2 to verify a nontrivial algorithm that uses efficient data structures. The algorithm receives as input two first-order terms, and it returns a most general unifier of these terms if they are unifiable, failure otherwise. The verified implementation stores terms as directed acyclic graphs by means of a pointer structure. Its time complexity is O(n 2 ) and its space complexity O(n), and it can be executed in ACL2 at a speed comparable to a similar C implementation. We report the main issues encountered to achieve this formally verified implementation.