Confusion about this min() operator

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the interpretation of the min() operator with subscripts in the context of planning algorithms, specifically referencing a notation found in a PDF document. Participants express confusion regarding the significance of the subscripts and their role in the equation presented.

Discussion Character

  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant seeks clarification on the meaning of the min operator with subscripts, indicating a lack of understanding of the notation used in the referenced document.
  • Another participant suggests that the min operator represents the minimum of an expression over a specified range, implying that expanding the summation inside the braces could aid in understanding.
  • Some participants question the necessity of the subscripts, expressing uncertainty about their added meaning compared to using "min" alone.
  • It is noted by one participant that the subscripts indicate that all other elements not included as subscripts should be treated as constants.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying levels of confusion regarding the notation, with no consensus on the necessity or interpretation of the subscripts in the min operator.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights a potential lack of clarity in the notation used in the referenced document, with participants indicating that assumptions about the meaning of the subscripts may not be universally understood.

Jyan
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I'm reading about planning algorithms and I'm having some difficulty understanding a bit of notation here. The pdf I'm reading is "planning.cs.uiuc.edu/ch2.pdf" and the equation in question is on page 11. I'm not sure I understand what the min operator with all the subscripts actually means. Can anyone try to enlighten me?

Thanks,
 
Last edited by a moderator:
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Jyan said:
I'm reading about planning algorithms and I'm having some difficulty understanding a bit of notation here. The pdf I'm reading is "planning.cs.uiuc.edu/ch2.pdf" and the equation in question is on page 11. I'm not sure I understand what the min operator with all the subscripts actually means. Can anyone try to enlighten me?

Thanks,

It means the minimum of the expression in braces, over uk, uk+1, ... , uK. It might help your understanding to expand the summation that's inside the braces.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Why are the subscripts underneath "min" necessary? I just don't understand what meaning they add over just writing "min" alone.
 
Jyan said:
Why are the subscripts underneath "min" necessary? I just don't understand what meaning they add over just writing "min" alone.
It tells you that everything else, that isn't a subscript, should be treated as constant.
 

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