Prove statement- Little-O notation

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the statement $f(n)+o(f(n))=\Theta(f(n))$, with participants exploring whether this statement can be proven or disproven. The focus is on the definitions and implications of little-o notation and asymptotic notation.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant proposes to set $g(n)=o(f(n))$ and uses the definition of little-o notation to analyze the statement.
  • The same participant attempts to derive that $f(n) + g(n)$ is bounded above and below by multiples of $f(n)$, suggesting that this leads to the conclusion that $f(n) + o(g(n)) = \Theta(f(n))$.
  • Other participants express skepticism about the correctness of the initial proof, suggesting that the statement may be incorrect and proposing counterexamples.
  • There is a later admission from one participant expressing uncertainty about their proof and acknowledging the possibility that the original proof may be correct.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the validity of the statement. There are competing views, with some arguing for the correctness of the proof and others believing it to be incorrect based on counterexamples.

Contextual Notes

Participants have not provided specific counterexamples, and the discussion includes uncertainty regarding the implications of the definitions used in the proof.

evinda
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Hello! (Smile)

I want to prove or disprove the statement $f(n)+o(f(n))=\Theta(f(n))$.
Do I have to set $g(n)=o(f(n))$ and use the definition, that is that $\forall c>0, \exists n_0(c) \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $\forall n \geq n_0: 0 \leq g(n)<cf(n)$ ? (Thinking)

Is the following right?

We set $g(n)=o(f(n))$.That means that $\forall c>0, \exists n_0 \in \mathbb{N}$ such that $\forall n \geq n_0: 0 \leq g(n)< cf(n)$.
So: $f(n) \leq f(n)+g(n) < cf(n)+f(n)=(c+1)f(n), \forall n \geq n_0$.
Right? So do we say that $f(n) \leq f(n)+g(n) < cf(n)+f(n)=(c+1)f(n) \Rightarrow f(n) \leq f(n)+g(n) \leq (c+1)f(n), \forall n \geq n_0$

So picking $c_1=1, c_2=c+1$ we see that $f(n)+g(n)=\Theta(f(n)) \Leftrightarrow f(n)+o(g(n))=\Theta(f(n))$.
 
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I think the statement is wrong by counter example.
 
ZaidAlyafey said:
I think the statement is wrong by counter example.

So is my proof wrong? Which counterexample did you find?
 
evinda said:
So is my proof wrong? Which counterexample did you find?

I'm really sorry. I think I am wrong. Your proof is correct.
 

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