John tells you that his algorithm runs in 0(n³+ n), and Bill says that the same algorithm runs in ©(n²). Can they both be correct? If correct, show one example. If not, justify your answer.
John tells you that his algorithm runs in 0(n³+ n), and Bill says that the same algorithm runs in ©(n²). Can they both be correct? If correct, show one example. If not, justify your answer.
Database System Concepts
7th Edition
ISBN:9780078022159
Author:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Chapter1: Introduction
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1PE
Related questions
Question
100%
What’s the answer and please explain

Transcribed Image Text:**Question:**
John tells you that his algorithm runs in \(O(n^3 + n)\), and Bill says that the same algorithm runs in \(\Theta(n^2)\). Can they both be correct? If correct, show one example. If not, justify your answer.
**Explanation:**
- **Big O Notation (\(O\))** describes an upper bound on the time complexity, indicating the maximum growth rate of the algorithm.
- **Theta Notation (\(\Theta\))** describes a tight bound, indicating that the growth rate is both an upper and lower bound.
**Analysis:**
1. **John's Claim:**
\(O(n^3 + n)\) implies the algorithm's maximum growth rate is similar to a cubic function. The \(n^3\) term dominates the \(n\) term for large \(n\), so \(O(n^3 + n) = O(n^3)\).
2. **Bill's Claim:**
\(\Theta(n^2)\) indicates a tight bound around a quadratic function, meaning the algorithm must grow like \(n^2\) for large inputs.
**Conclusion:**
- Both claims cannot be correct because:
- If John is accurate with \(O(n^3)\), then \(\Theta(n^2)\) by Bill is too low since \(\Theta(n^2)\) suggests a quadratic growth rate rather than cubic.
- In other words, for Bill's claim to hold, the dominant term should be \(n^2\), contradicting John's \(n^3\) term.
Thus, both cannot be simultaneously correct for the same algorithm.
Expert Solution

This question has been solved!
Explore an expertly crafted, step-by-step solution for a thorough understanding of key concepts.
This is a popular solution!
Trending now
This is a popular solution!
Step by step
Solved in 2 steps with 6 images

Recommended textbooks for you

Database System Concepts
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780078022159
Author:
Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Starting Out with Python (4th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780134444321
Author:
Tony Gaddis
Publisher:
PEARSON

Digital Fundamentals (11th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780132737968
Author:
Thomas L. Floyd
Publisher:
PEARSON

Database System Concepts
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780078022159
Author:
Abraham Silberschatz Professor, Henry F. Korth, S. Sudarshan
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education

Starting Out with Python (4th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780134444321
Author:
Tony Gaddis
Publisher:
PEARSON

Digital Fundamentals (11th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780132737968
Author:
Thomas L. Floyd
Publisher:
PEARSON

C How to Program (8th Edition)
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780133976892
Author:
Paul J. Deitel, Harvey Deitel
Publisher:
PEARSON

Database Systems: Design, Implementation, & Manag…
Computer Science
ISBN:
9781337627900
Author:
Carlos Coronel, Steven Morris
Publisher:
Cengage Learning

Programmable Logic Controllers
Computer Science
ISBN:
9780073373843
Author:
Frank D. Petruzella
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education