How would you prove that constant is a subset of logarithmic?

In summary, Big-Oh sets are used to measure the time complexity of algorithms. O(1) represents a constant time algorithm, O(log2(n)) represents a logarithmic time algorithm, and O(n) represents a linear time algorithm. Other sets such as O(nlog2(n)), O(n^2), O(n^3), O(n^m), O(c^n), and O(n!) represent algorithms with increasing time complexities. It can be proven that constant is a subset of logarithmic, logarithmic is a subset of linear, n log n is a subset of polynomial, and exponential is a subset of factorial.
  • #1
aaa59
8
0
O(1) is constant
O(log n to the base 2) is logarithmic
O(n) linear

how would you prove that constant is a subset of logartihmic?
 
Mathematics news on Phys.org
  • #2
O(1) = O(log_2 1) = O(0)
 
  • #3
I should have been clearer.

given "Big-Oh" sets
O(1): constant
O(log2(n)): logarithmic
O(n): linear
O(nlog2(n)): n log n
O(n^2): quadratic
O(n^3): cubic
O(n^m), m>1: polynomial of order m
O(c^n), c>1: exponential
O(n!): factorial

Prove
Constant is a subset of logarithmic
logarithmic is a subset of linear
n log n is a subset of polynomial
exponential is a subset of factorial

Thank you
 
  • #4
aaa59 said:
I should have been clearer.

given "Big-Oh" sets
O(1): constant
O(log2(n)): logarithmic
O(n): linear
O(nlog2(n)): n log n
O(n^2): quadratic
O(n^3): cubic
O(n^m), m>1: polynomial of order m
O(c^n), c>1: exponential
O(n!): factorial

Prove
Constant is a subset of logarithmic
logarithmic is a subset of linear
n log n is a subset of polynomial
exponential is a subset of factorial

Thank you
Most follow fairly easily from the definition of Big-Oh. For instance let f be an arbitrary function in O(1). We now wish to show that f is in [tex]O(\log_n(n))[/tex]. Because of the definition of O(1) there exist some [tex]x_0[/tex] and M such that [tex]f(x) \leq M[/tex] for all [tex]x > x_0[/tex]. Now let [tex]x_1 = \max(x_0,n)[/tex] then [tex]f(x) \leq M \leq M\log_n(x)[/tex] for all [tex]x > x_1[/tex] so [tex]f(x) = O(\log_n(n))[/tex]. Here we took advantage of the fact that the logarithm is increasing and [tex]\log_n(x) \geq 1[/tex] when [tex]x \geq n[/tex].

If you have problems with any specific steps you should post the specific problem you're having.
 

Question 1: What is the definition of a constant and a logarithmic function?

A constant is a value that does not change. A logarithmic function is a mathematical function that represents the inverse of an exponential function.

Question 2: How do you prove that a constant is a subset of logarithmic?

The proof involves showing that any constant value can be written as the logarithm of a base raised to the power of 0. For example, the constant 2 can be written as log2(20), showing that it is a subset of logarithmic functions.

Question 3: Can you give an example of a constant that is a subset of logarithmic?

One example is the number 1, which can be written as log10(100). This shows that even the simplest constant is a subset of logarithmic functions.

Question 4: How do you show that a constant function has a logarithmic shape?

A constant function has a horizontal line shape on a graph, which can also be represented as the logarithmic function y=logbx where b=1. This demonstrates that a constant function can be considered a subset of logarithmic functions.

Question 5: Are there any exceptions to the statement that a constant is a subset of logarithmic?

No, all constant values can be expressed as the logarithm of a base raised to the power of 0, making them all subsets of logarithmic functions. This is a fundamental mathematical concept that holds true for all constant values.

Similar threads

  • General Math
Replies
2
Views
662
Replies
10
Views
957
Replies
12
Views
1K
  • General Math
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • Topology and Analysis
Replies
14
Views
462
  • General Math
Replies
20
Views
2K
Replies
10
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
1K
Replies
6
Views
3K
Back
Top