Proving the Maximum Rule in Big O Notation

  • Thread starter Thread starter khdani
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Maximum
Click For Summary

Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around proving a relationship in Big O notation, specifically that O(max(f1(n), f2(n), ..., fk(n))) is equivalent to O(f1(n) + f2(n) + ... + fk(n)). Participants are exploring the implications and validity of this assertion within the context of algorithmic complexity.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Conceptual clarification, Mathematical reasoning

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • Some participants suggest using proof by induction as a potential method for proving the statement. Others question the meaning of Big O notation and express confusion regarding the relationship between the maximum of functions and their sum, raising concerns about logical consistency.

Discussion Status

The discussion is active, with participants sharing their thoughts on the proof approach and clarifying the notation involved. There is a mix of interpretations regarding the relationship being discussed, and some guidance has been provided on the nature of Big O notation.

Contextual Notes

Participants are grappling with the definitions and implications of Big O notation, and there are indications of differing levels of understanding among them. Some assumptions about the functions involved and their behavior as n approaches infinity are being questioned.

khdani
Messages
53
Reaction score
0
Hello,
please help me to prove that:
O(max(f1(n),f2(n),...,fk(n))) = O(f1(n) + f2(n) + ... + fk(n))

thank you
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Proof by induction looks like the obvious thing to try.
 
what O meens?

there is some logical error
weird flying robot question

in the first part you mention:
O(max(f1(n),f2(n),...,fk(n)))
i can only guess that the max function returns the maximal value
among the presented functions
on the other hand you say that this maximal value should be equaled to the sum
of all the presented functions in the list.
i think that the only way i t could work
is when all the functions except one are all zeros
you have f1=0 f2=0 ..f15=50 f16=0 etc..
then their sum also equals to the maximal function value.
this whole thing is only a presumption

well i am back to my digital design questions
 
Last edited:
If you do not understand a notation, just ask about it and assume that what other people are saying is wrong!

The "O" notation refers to the "order" or, for functions of an integer, n, the rate of convergence (or divergence) as n goes to infinity. Saying that O(max(f1(n), f2(n),..)= O(f1(n)+ f2(n)+ ...) says that the sequence formed by choosing ai the largest of f1(i), f2(i), ..., converges (or diverges) as fast as the sequence an= sum of f1(n)+ f2(n)+ ...
 
'O' is the 'Big Oh' notation in complexity theory.

HallsofIvy, you're right the proof is by induction.
I've used the fact that f1(n)+...+fk(n) <= k*max(f1(n),...,fk(n)) (proved by induction also), am I on the right route ?
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
4K
Replies
3
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Replies
3
Views
2K