I have this problem, Let $L_1,L_2$ be languages in $NP \cap co-NP$. I want to show that their symmetric difference is also in $NP \cap co-NP$. Like: $L_1 \oplus L_2$ = {x | x is in exactly one of $L_1, L_2$\} I do not have a clue how to show it. We know that $L_1 \cap L_2 \in NP$ is unknown. So for that reason it is reasonable to ask only that instance of the problem. From my point of view, if $L_1 \in NP$ there is some verifier for that language which runs in polynomial time. We have such verifier for the second language $L_2$ too. My proposal of the machine M which decides $L_1 \oplus L_2$ is as follows: Let's have M = "for the input x: 1. copy x on the second tape 2. run x on M_1 on the first tape 3. if M_1 accepts, (otherwise go to 4.) 3a) run x on M_2 3b) if M_2 accepts, M rejects 4. run x on M_2, if M_2 accepts, M accepts, otherwise M rejects. I do not know the relation of this with the co-NP class ... Is my reasoning right? This machine works like a charm for languages $L_1,L_2 \in P$. Does it hold also for that intersection? Thank you a lot