--%>

State Measuring complexity

Measuring complexity: Many algorithms have an integer n, or two integers m and n, as input - e.g., addition, multiplication, exponentiation, factorisation and primality testing. When we want to describe or analyse the `easiness' or `hardness' of the algorithm, we want to measure its `running time' as a function of the `size' of the input value(s).

If the input value is n, then it is usual to use the number of (decimal) digits, or bits (binary digits), required to store n as a measure of the size of n.

Given input n, the number of decimal digits in n is given by

[log10 n] +1;

where [x], pronounced `floor of x', denotes the greatest integer less than or equal to x. The number of binary digits or bits is similarly given by

[lg n] +1;

where we use the abbreviation lg x for log2 x (this notation is common, but not completely standard).

   Related Questions in Mathematics

  • Q : Problem on Nash equilibrium In a

    In a project, employee and boss are working altogether. The employee can be sincere or insincere, and the Boss can either reward or penalize. The employee gets no benefit for being sincere but gets utility for being insincere (30), for getting rewarded (10) and for be

  • Q : Problem on augmented matrix Consider

    Consider the following system of linear equations.  (a) Write out t

  • Q : Mean and standard deviation of the data

    Below is the amount of rainfall (in cm) every month for the last 3 years in a particular location: 130 172 142 150 144 117 165 182 104 120 190 99 170 205 110 80 196 127 120 175

  • Q : Profit-loss based problems A leather

    A leather wholesaler supplies leather to shoe companies. The manufacturing quantity requirements of leather differ depending upon the amount of leather ordered by the shoe companies to him. Due to the volatility in orders, he is unable to precisely predict what will b

  • Q : Problem on inventory merchandise AB

    AB Department Store expects to generate the following sales figures for the next three months:                            

  • Q : Abstract Algebra let a, b, c, d be

    let a, b, c, d be integers. Prove the following statements: (a) if a|b and b|c. (b) if a|b and ac|bd. (c) if d|a and d|b then d|(xa+yb) for any x, y EZ

  • Q : Ordinary Differential Equation or ODE

    What is an Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE)?

  • Q : Explain Factorisation by Fermats method

    Factorisation by Fermat's method: This method, dating from 1643, depends on a simple and standard algebraic identity. Fermat's observation is that if we wish to nd two factors of n, it is enough if we can express n as the di fference of two squares.

  • Q : Define Big-O notation Big-O notation :

    Big-O notation: If f(n) and g(n) are functions of a natural number n, we write f(n) is O(g(n)) and we say f is big-O of g if there is a constant C (independent of n) such that f

  • Q : Probability assignments 1. Smith keeps

    1. Smith keeps track of poor work. Often on afternoon it is 5%. If he checks 300 of 7500 instruments what is probability he will find less than 20substandard? 2. Realtors estimate that 23% of homes purchased in 2004 were considered investment properties. If a sample of 800 homes sold in 2