Math Problem Statement

Select the function that is O(2^n). A) n! B) 3^n C) n^2 D) n log n + 4^n

Solution

The question is asking which of the given functions has a growth rate that belongs to the Big-O complexity class O(2n)O(2^n). Let's analyze the growth rates of the functions in the options:

  • A: n!n!: The factorial function grows faster than exponential functions like 2n2^n. Therefore, n!n! is not O(2n)O(2^n).

  • B: 3n3^n: Since 3n3^n grows faster than 2n2^n, 3n3^n is not O(2n)O(2^n). In fact, 2n2^n is O(3n)O(3^n).

  • C: n2n^2: A polynomial function like n2n^2 grows much slower than an exponential function like 2n2^n. Therefore, n2n^2 is O(2n)O(2^n).

  • D: nlogn+4nn \log n + 4^n: The term 4n4^n grows faster than 2n2^n since 4n=(22)n=22n4^n = (2^2)^n = 2^{2n}. This implies that 4n4^n dominates the function and grows faster than 2n2^n, so nlogn+4nn \log n + 4^n is not O(2n)O(2^n).

Correct answer: C: n2n^2

Would you like further clarification or have more questions on this topic?

Here are five related questions for further exploration:

  1. What does Big-O notation represent in terms of algorithm complexity?
  2. How does the growth rate of n!n! compare to exponential functions like 2n2^n?
  3. Can you provide examples of other functions that are O(2n)O(2^n)?
  4. How does the function nlognn \log n compare in growth to 2n2^n?
  5. What are common mistakes when comparing growth rates of functions using Big-O notation?

Tip: When analyzing Big-O complexity, focus on the dominant term, especially for large nn. This term dictates the growth rate of the function.

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Math Problem Analysis

Mathematical Concepts

Big-O Notation
Exponential Growth
Factorials
Polynomial Growth

Formulas

n!
3^n
n^2
n log n + 4^n
2^n

Theorems

Big-O complexity class

Suitable Grade Level

Undergraduate level or high school advanced placement