Disprove "f(n)=O(f(n)^2): A Mathematical Analysis

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In summary, the speaker wants to prove or disprove the statement $f(n)=O(f(n)^2)$. They provide a counterexample by setting $f(n)=\frac{1}{n}$ and showing that the statement is false. They also mention that the last paragraph is necessary and explain the difference between disproving and disapproving.
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evinda
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Hello! (Wave)

I want to prove or disapprove the statement $f(n)=O(f(n)^2)$.

That's what I have tried:

The statement is false.
Let $f(n)=\frac{1}{n}, n \in \mathbb{N}$.
We suppose that $f(n)=O(f(n)^2)$. That means that $\exists n_0 \in \mathbb{N}, c>0$ such that $\forall n \geq n_0$:
$$\frac{1}{n}=f(n) \leq c f(n)^2=c \frac{1}{n^2} \Rightarrow \frac{n^2}{n} \leq c \Rightarrow n \geq c. \text{ Contradiction.}$$

We notice that $f(n)=O(f(n)^2)$ iff $\exists c'>0, n_0' \in \mathbb{N} $ such that $\forall n \geq n_0'$: $f(n) \leq c' f(n)^2 \overset{f(n) \neq 0}{ \Rightarrow } 1 \leq c' f(n) \Rightarrow f(n) \geq \frac{1}{c'}:=C \Rightarrow f(n) \in \Omega(1)$.

Is the last paragraph necessary? (Thinking)
 
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I edited the title of your thread for the following reason:

disprove: prove that (something) is false, refute.

disapprove: have or express an unfavorable opinion about something.
 

FAQ: Disprove "f(n)=O(f(n)^2): A Mathematical Analysis

What does "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" mean?

"f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" is a mathematical notation used to indicate that the growth rate of a function f(n) is no greater than the growth rate of another function f(n)^2. In other words, the function f(n) is said to be "big O of f(n)^2" or "f(n) is bounded by f(n)^2".

Why is it important to disprove "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)"?

Disproving "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" is important because it helps us understand the behavior of a function and its growth rate. If we assume that "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" is true, we may make incorrect conclusions about the behavior of the function and its complexity. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately analyze and disprove this statement in order to fully understand the function.

How do you disprove "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)"?

To disprove "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)", we need to show that the function f(n) grows at a faster rate than f(n)^2. This can be done by finding a constant c and a value n0 such that for all values of n greater than n0, f(n) > c*f(n)^2. This would prove that f(n) is not bounded by f(n)^2 and therefore, "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" is false.

What are some common misconceptions about disproving "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)"?

One common misconception is that disproving "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" means that the function f(n) is not bounded by any function at all. This is not true as there may exist other functions, such as f(n)=O(n), that can bound f(n). It simply means that f(n) is not bounded by f(n)^2.

Can "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" ever be true?

Yes, there are cases where "f(n)=O(f(n)^2)" is true. For example, if f(n) is a constant function, then it is indeed bounded by f(n)^2. However, in most cases, this statement is not true and needs to be disproven through mathematical analysis.

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