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Algorithms and growth of functions

Big-O notation, comparing growth rates, and what "efficient" means.

Big-O compares functions by eventual growth: n² is O(n³), 2ⁿ dominates every polynomial, n! dominates 2ⁿ. Picture it: the graphs of n, n log n, n², 2ⁿ pulling apart. Think it: P vs NP asks whether a whole class of problems is polynomial, the Frontiers page.

Kushanda muenzaniso · limit of (2^n)/(n!) as n -> oo

Calculus · Limits

Limit of 2^n/factorial(n) as n → oo

\lim_{n \to \infty} \frac{2^{n}}{n!}

Step by step

  1. \lim_{n \to \infty^+-} \frac{2^{n}}{n!}

    Try direct substitution first.

  2. \

    As x grows without bound, compare the fastest-growing terms (or divide top and bottom by the highest power).

  3. = 0

    Take the limit.

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Maitiro: Algorithms and growth of functions

  1. Try direct substitution first.
  2. As x grows without bound, compare the fastest-growing terms (or divide top and bottom by the highest power).
  3. Take the limit.

Mabvunzo vanhu vanobvunza

What makes mathematics "discrete"?

It deals with separate, countable objects (integers, graphs, statements) rather than continuous quantities. No limits, no infinitesimals; instead induction, counting and logic.

How does a proof by induction work?

Show the statement for the first case, then show that whenever it holds for n it holds for n + 1. Like dominoes: the first falls, and each knocks over the next.

What order should I take these lessons in?

Logic and proof first, because every later lesson proves things. Then induction, sets, relations and functions, counting, recurrences, graphs, Boolean algebra and automata, and finally algorithms and complexity, which use nearly everything before them.

Is discrete mathematics the same as the maths of computer science?

Largely. Data structures are graphs and trees, correctness arguments are induction, running times are recurrences and sums, circuits are Boolean algebra, and what a computer can do efficiently is the subject of the last lessons. It is also ordinary mathematics in its own right.

Do I need calculus for this course?

No. School algebra is enough. A little familiarity with limits helps when comparing growth rates, and the lesson on asymptotic analysis explains the one limit fact it uses.

More in Discrete Math & Logic

Truth tablesSums and inductionProof by inductionPredicate logic and quantifiersDirect proof, contrapositive and contradictionStrong induction and the well-ordering principleRelations: equivalence relations and partial ordersFunctions and cardinalityCounting: rules, choices and bijectionsThe pigeonhole principleSolving linear recurrence relationsGraphs: degrees, paths and connectivityTrees and spanning treesEuler and Hamilton paths