Solving Recurrence Relations: Are My Results Right?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around solving various recurrence relations using the master theorem. Participants explore the application of the theorem to specific cases and seek clarification on the results obtained.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested, Mathematical reasoning

Main Points Raised

  • Post 1 presents several recurrence relations and claims results for each using the master theorem.
  • Post 2 agrees with the results for (a)–(d) based on a specific version of the master theorem but questions the application to (e) due to the nature of the function involved.
  • Post 3 asks for guidance on solving recurrence relation (e).
  • Post 4 suggests an upper bound version of the master theorem that could apply to (e) and discusses the implications of the last term being either $n^2$ or 0, leading to different potential bounds for $T(n)$.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the results for (a)–(d), but there is disagreement regarding the application of the master theorem to (e), with multiple interpretations and approaches being discussed.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved assumptions regarding the applicability of the master theorem to the different cases, particularly for (e), and the dependence on the definitions of the functions involved.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in recurrence relations, the master theorem, and mathematical reasoning in algorithm analysis may find this discussion relevant.

mathmari
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Helloo!
I have to solve the following recurrence relations:
(a) T(n)=sqrt(2)*T(n/2)+lgn
(b) T(n)=3*T(n/4)+nlgn
(c) T(n) 3*T(n/3)+n/2
(d) T(n)=5*T(n/2)+Θ(n)
(e) T(n)=9*T(n/3)+O(n^2)
Could you tell me if my results are right?
Using the master theorem I found:
(a)T(n)=Θ(sqrt(n))
(b)T(n)=Θ(nlgn)
(c)T(n)=Θ(nlgn)
(d)T(n)=Θ(n^(log(2)5)
(e)T(n)=Θ(n^2*lgn)
 
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I agree with (a)–(d) using the version of the master theorem in http://www.csail.mit.edu/~thies/6.046-web/master.pdf from MIT, but not in Wikipedia. (The former document is given as a footnote in the Wiki article.) The reason is that Wikipedia uses only Θ and not O or Ω.

However, the theorem does not seem to apply to (e) because $f(n)=O(n^{\log_ba})$. Your answer would be correct by case 2 of the theorem if $f(n)=\Theta(n^{\log_ba})$.
 
And how could I solve the recurrence relation (e)?
 
mathmari said:
And how could I solve the recurrence relation (e)?
I am pretty sure there is an upper bound version of the master theorem, which says, in particular:

If $T(n) = aT(n/b) + f(n)$ where $f(n) = O(n^{\log_ba})$, then $T(n)=O(n^{\log_ba}\log n)$,

but I am having trouble finding exactly this formulation. http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~saunders/courses/621/11s/notes/notes/Master-theorem.html seems to say something pretty close. It also should be easy to change the proof from Θ to O.

If this is correct, then $T(n) = O(n^2\log n)$ in (e). I am not sure one can say more because if the last term is, in fact, $n^2$, then $T(n)=\Theta(n^2\log n)$, but if it is 0, then $T(n)=\Theta(n^2)$.
 
Ok! Thanks!
 

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