Now we want to calculate the minimum number of states in Finite Automata
We want to a create automata for language = {ab, ba}, Σ = {a, b}
The above machine is not DFA because for every state all moves are not defined. So, the machine is NFA which has 4 states.
Now we create a DFA by adding a trap state.
So,
Minimum number of state in DFA = 5
Minimum number of state in NFA = 4
Minimum number of state in FA = Minimum number of state in NFA = 4
Generally, a minimum number of states in NFA is less than the minimum number of states in DFA.
Note: So, follow the question carefully, it asking you the minimum number of states in DFA or the minimum number of states in finite automata.
Example:
Find the minimum number of states in finite automata of the following language L = {00, 01, 010}.
Answer:
So, the minimum number of states in finite automata: 04
Now we can derive a second NFA
Two NFA machines are different but the states the number of states are same.
Note: Minimal finite automata can be more than one (1). But the minimal state in automata can be unique.