If a cellular automaton (CA) is started with a single ON cell, how many cells will be ON after n generations? For certain odd-rule CAs, including Rule 150, Rule 614, and Fredkins Replicator, the answer can be found by using the combination of a new transformation of sequences, the run length transform, and some delicate scissor cuts. Several other CAs are also discussed, although the analysis becomes more difficult as the patterns become more intricate.
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