What does the algorithm calculate?

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  • Thread starter mathmari
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    Algorithm
In summary, the algorithm calculates $ (2n)! \operatorname{div} (n! (n+1)!)$ for every iteration of the inner while loop.
  • #1
mathmari
Gold Member
MHB
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Hey! :eek:

We have the following

Code:
i <- 0 
    j <- 0 
    x <- 1 
    y <- 1 
    z <- 1 
    c <- 1 
    u <- 1 
    while i<n do 
       i <- i+1 
       j <- i 
       x <- x*i 
       z <- x 
       y <- i+1 
       y <- x*y 
       while j<2*i do 
          j <- j+1 
          z <- z*j 
       od 
       c <- z div (x*y) 
    od

I want to find the loop invariant for both while-loops.


I applied the algorithm some times to understand what it does:

The inner while loop calculates the following: $$z=z\prod_{m=1}^{2i-1}(i+m)=x\prod_{m=1}^{2i-1}(i+m)$$ or not? Is this also the loop invariant of the inner while loop?

So I got the following results:

First loop:

Code:
    i=1 
    j=i=1 
    x=1 
    z=x=1 
    y=i+1=2 
    y=x*y=2 
    inner while loop: z=x(i+1)=2 
    c = z div (x*y) = 2 div 2 = 1
Second loop:

Code:
    i=2 
    j=i=2 
    x=1*2=2 
    z=x=2 
    y=i+1=3 
    y=x*y=2*3=6 
    inner while loop: z=x(i+1)(i+2)(i+3)=2*3*4*5 
    c = z div (x*y) = 2*3*4*5/2*6=10
Third loop:

Code:
    i=3 
    j=i=3 
    x=2*3=6 
    z=x=6
    y=i+1=4 
    y=x*y=24 
    inner while loop: z=x(i+1)(i+2)(i+3)(i+4)(i+5)=6*4*5*6*7*8 
    c = z div (x*y) = 6*4*5*6*7*8/6*24=5*7*8=280
Is everything correct? But what exactly calculates the algorithm? What is a general formula of the results? (Wondering)
 
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  • #2
Hey mathmari! (Smile)

A proof of correctness works like this:
Code:
    i <- 0 
    j <- 0 
    x <- 1 
    y <- 1 
    z <- 1 
    c <- 1 
    u <- 1 
                          // i<=n, j=2*i, x=i!, y=(i+1)!, z=(2*i)!, c = (2*i)! div (i! * (i+1)!)
    while i<n do 
                          // i<n, j=2*i, x=i!, y=(i+1)!, z=(2*i)!
       i <- i+1 
                          // i<=n, j=2*(i-1), x=(i-1)!, y=i!, z=(2*(i-1))!
       j <- i 
       x <- x*i 
                          // i<=n, j=i, x=i!, y=i!, z=(2*(i-1))!
       z <- x 
                          // i<=n, j=i, x=i!, y=i!, z=i!
       y <- i+1 
                          // i<=n, j=i, x=i!, y=i+1, z=i!
       y <- x*y 
                          // i<=n, j=i, x=i!, y=(i+1)!, z=i!
       while j<2*i do 
                          // j<2*i, z=j!
          j <- j+1 
                          // j<=2*i, z=(j-1)!
          z <- z*j
                          // j<=2*i, z=j!
       od 
                          // i<=n, j=2*i, x=i!, y=(i+1)!, z=(2*i)!
       c <- z div (x*y) 
                          // i<=n, j=2*i, x=i!, y=(i+1)!, z=(2*i)!, c = (2*i)! div (i! * (i+1)!)
    od
    // i=n, j=2*n, x=n!, y=(n+1)!, z=(2*n)!, c = (2*n)! div (n! * (n+1)!)
So the algorithm calculates $ (2n)! \operatorname{div} (n! (n+1)!)$. (Thinking)
 

FAQ: What does the algorithm calculate?

What is an algorithm?

An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions or rules that a computer or machine follows to solve a problem or complete a task.

How does an algorithm work?

An algorithm works by breaking down a complex problem into smaller, more manageable steps that a computer can understand and execute in a specific order.

What does the algorithm calculate?

The specific calculations or operations performed by an algorithm depends on its purpose or function. It could be used to calculate mathematical equations, sort data, or make decisions based on given conditions.

How accurate are algorithm calculations?

The accuracy of algorithm calculations depends on the quality of the algorithm itself and the data it is given. A well-designed algorithm with accurate data will typically produce accurate results.

Can algorithms make mistakes?

Just like any human-made system, algorithms are not perfect and can make mistakes. The accuracy and effectiveness of an algorithm depend on how it was designed and implemented, and any errors in the data or the algorithm itself can lead to incorrect results.

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