--%>

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 : Competitive equilibrium 8. Halloween is

    8. Halloween is an old American tradition. Kids go out dressed in costume and neighbors give them candy when they come to the door. Spike and Cinderella are brother and sister. After a long night collecting candy, they sit down as examine what they have. Spike fi

  • Q : State Fermat algorithm The basic Fermat

    The basic Fermat algorithm is as follows: Assume that n is an odd positive integer. Set c = [√n] (`ceiling of √n '). Then we consider in turn the numbers c2 - n; (c+1)2 - n; (c+2)2 - n..... until a perfect square is found. If th

  • Q : Linear programming model of a Cabinet

    A cabinet company produces cabinets used in mobile and motor homes. Cabinets produced for motor homes are smaller and made from less expensive materials than those for mobile homes. The home office in Dayton Ohio has just distributed to its individual manufacturing ce

  • Q : Define Well-formed formulas or Wffs

    Wffs (Well-formed formulas): These are defined inductively by the following clauses:    (i) If  P  is an n-ary predicate and  t1, …, tn are terms, then P(t1, …, t

  • Q : Problem on Datalog for defining

    The focus is on  the use of Datalog for defining properties  and queries on graphs. (a) Assume that P is some property of graphs  definable in the Datalog. Show that P is preserved beneath extensions  and homomo

  • Q : Explain a rigorous theory for Brownian

    Explain a rigorous theory for Brownian motion developed by Wiener Norbert.

  • Q : Ordinary Differential Equation or ODE

    What is an Ordinary Differential Equation (ODE)?

  • Q : Problem on inventory merchandise AB

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

  • 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

  • Q : What is Big-O hierarchy The big-O

    The big-O hierarchy: A few basic facts about the big-O behaviour of some familiar functions are very important. Let p(n) be a polynomial in n (of any degree). Then logbn is O(p(n)) and p(n) is O(an<