2026-07-072026-07-07http://salesiana.dossiersoluciones.com/handle/123456789/31146An algorithm $M$ is described that solves any well-defined problem $p$ as quickly as the fastest algorithm computing a solution to $p$, save for a factor of 5 and low-order additive terms. $M$ optimally distributes resources between the execution of provably correct $p$-solving programs and an enumeration of all proofs, including relevant proofs of program correctness and of time bounds on program runtimes. $M$ avoids Blum's speed-up theorem by ignoring programs without correctness proof. $M$ has broader applicability and can be faster than Levin's universal search, the fastest method for inverting functions save for a large multiplicative constant. An extension of Kolmogorov complexity and two novel natural measures of function complexity are used to show that the most efficient program computing some function $f$ is also among the shortest programs provably computing $f$.12 pages, 1 figureComputational ComplexityLogic in Computer ScienceF.2.3The Fastest and Shortest Algorithm for All Well-Defined Problemstext