Math Problem Statement

Give a big-O estimate for each of these functions: (a) 3n + n^3 + 4. (b) 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n. (c) log10(2^n) + 10^10 n^2.

Solution

To determine the big-O estimates for the provided functions, let's break down each part systematically.


(a) 3n+n3+43n + n^3 + 4

  1. Big-O considers the term with the largest growth rate as nn \to \infty.
  2. The dominant term here is n3n^3 because it grows faster than nn or any constant.
  3. So, 3n+n3+4O(n3)3n + n^3 + 4 \in O(n^3).

(b) 1+2+3++n1 + 2 + 3 + \dots + n

  1. The sum of the first nn integers is given by: 1+2+3++n=n(n+1)21 + 2 + 3 + \dots + n = \frac{n(n+1)}{2}
  2. Simplify to n22+n2\frac{n^2}{2} + \frac{n}{2}.
  3. The dominant term is n2n^2, so: 1+2+3++nO(n2)1 + 2 + 3 + \dots + n \in O(n^2)

(c) log10(2n)+1010n2\log_{10}(2^n) + 10^{10} n^2

  1. The term log10(2n)\log_{10}(2^n) simplifies as: log10(2n)=nlog10(2)\log_{10}(2^n) = n \cdot \log_{10}(2) So, this term grows linearly as nn.
  2. The term 1010n210^{10} n^2 grows as n2n^2.
  3. The dominant term here is n2n^2 because it grows faster than nn as nn \to \infty.
  4. Thus: log10(2n)+1010n2O(n2)\log_{10}(2^n) + 10^{10} n^2 \in O(n^2)

Final Big-O Estimates:

(a) O(n3)O(n^3)
(b) O(n2)O(n^2)
(c) O(n2)O(n^2)


Would you like a detailed explanation of any of these steps? Here are 5 follow-up questions you might find helpful:

  1. What are the rules for simplifying Big-O estimates?
  2. How does logarithmic growth compare to polynomial growth in Big-O terms?
  3. Why is O(n3)O(n^3) considered simpler than expressing all terms of a function?
  4. Can constants ever affect the Big-O notation?
  5. What practical implications does Big-O have for algorithm design?

Tip: Always focus on the highest-order term for Big-O estimation—it determines the asymptotic growth.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Big-O Notation
Algorithm Complexity
Polynomial Functions
Logarithmic Functions
Summation

Formulas

Big-O notation: O(f(n)) represents the upper bound of the function's growth.
Sum of the first n integers: 1 + 2 + 3 + ... + n = n(n+1)/2.
Logarithmic property: log_a(b^n) = n * log_a(b).

Theorems

Asymptotic Analysis
Polynomial Growth Dominance

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate - Computer Science/Mathematics