Problem Detail: This is a basic question, but I’m thinking that $O(m+n)$ is the same as $O(max(m,n))$, since the larger term should dominate as we go to infinity? Also, that would be different from $O(min(m,n))$. Is that right? I keep seeing Read More …
Author: ignougroup
Does the proof of undecidability of the Halting Problem cheat by reversing results?
Problem Detail: I have trouble understanding Turing’s halting problem. His proof assumes that there exists a magical machine $H$ which could determine whether a computer would halt or loop forever for a given input. Then we attach another machine that reverses Read More …
How to prove that DFAs from NFAs can have exponential number of states?
Problem Detail: All non-deterministic finite automata can be turned into equivalent deterministic finite automata. However, a deterministic finite automata only allows a single arrow per symbol pointing from a state. Therefore, its states should be members of the power set of Read More …
If any 3 points are collinear
Problem Detail: Given a set $S$ of points $p_1,..,p_2$ give the most efficient algorithm for determining if any 3 points of the set are collinear. The problem is I started with general definition but I cannot continue to actually solving Read More …
Convert a non-deterministic Turing machine into a deterministic Turing machine
Problem Detail: How can we systematically convert a non-deterministic Turing machine into a deterministic Turing machine that recognizes the same language? Asked By : Kevin Answered By : Hendrik Jan The deterministic machine simulates all possible computations of a nondeterministic machine, basically in Read More …
Is the “subset product” problem NP-complete?
Problem Detail: The subset-sum problem is a classic NP-complete problem: Given a list of numbers $L$ and a target $k$, is there a subset of numbers from $L$ that sums to $k$? A student asked me if this variant of the Read More …
What are efficient data structures for inserting and accessing elements?
Problem Detail: Is there a data structure to keep a list of elements (not necessarily sorted) that performs the Access (by index) and Insert operations in a reasonable asymptotic time? When I say “reasonable time”, I mean that it should be Read More …
If P=NP, are there cryptosystems that would require n^2 time to break?
Problem Detail: If P does equal NP, will it still be possible do design a cryptosystem where the optimal cryptanalysis algorithm takes, say, the square of the time taken up by the legitimate encryption and decryption algorithms? Do any such algorithms Read More …
How to prove any polynomial of degree $k$ is in $Theta(n^k)$?
Problem Detail: I want to prove that any polynomial of degree $k$ is in $Theta(n^k)$. The coefficient of $n^k$, $a_{k}$, is positive. I know I need $0 leq c_{1}n^k leq a_{k}n^k + … + a_{0} leq c_{2}n^k$ for all $n geq Read More …
Relationship between Independent Set and Vertex Cover
Problem Detail: Directly from Wikipedia, a set of vertices $X subseteq V(G)$ of a graph $G$ is independent if and only if its complement $V(G) setminus X$ is a vertex cover. Does this imply that the complement of the independent set Read More …