Why is the runtime of Merge Sort O(n log n)?

  • Context: MHB 
  • Thread starter Thread starter find_the_fun
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Runtime Sort
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The runtime of the Merge Sort algorithm is established as O(n log n) due to the dominance of the logarithmic term in the time complexity expression T(n) = nb + cn log(n). Constants b and c do not affect the asymptotic behavior for large n, specifically when n > n0, where n0 is the base of the logarithm. The analysis shows that as n increases, the term cn log(n) grows faster than the linear term nb, confirming the O(n log n) classification.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of algorithm complexity analysis
  • Familiarity with logarithmic functions
  • Basic knowledge of the Merge Sort algorithm
  • Concept of Big O notation
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the derivation of Merge Sort's time complexity in detail
  • Explore comparisons between Merge Sort and other sorting algorithms like Quick Sort
  • Learn about the implications of constant factors in algorithm analysis
  • Investigate the impact of different data structures on sorting performance
USEFUL FOR

Computer science students, software engineers, and algorithm enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding of sorting algorithms and their complexities.

find_the_fun
Messages
147
Reaction score
0
For megre sort alogirthm the runtime is T(n)=nb+cnlog(n). It's not quite clear to me why this is O(nlogn) is it because b and c are constants?
 
Technology news on Phys.org
find_the_fun said:
For megre sort alogirthm the runtime is T(n)=nb+cnlog(n). It's not quite clear to me why this is O(nlogn) is it because b and c are constants?

It is because for \(n>n_0\) where \(n_0>0\) is greater than the base of the logarithm (so \( \log(n)>1\) )
:

\[|T(n)|=|n \; b+c\; n \log(n)|<|b| \; n+|c|\; n \log(n)<|b|\; n \log(n)+ |c|\; n \log(n) = A\; n \log(n)\]

CB
 
Last edited:

Similar threads

  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
1K
  • · Replies 36 ·
2
Replies
36
Views
6K
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
4K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K