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CS_Topics_Notes

The document outlines key computer science topics including mathematical induction, asymptotic analysis, recurrence relations, pseudocode writing, heaps and binary trees, sorting algorithms, graph algorithms, union-find structures, Huffman coding, greedy algorithms, and algorithm verification. Each topic is briefly explained with definitions, examples, and relevant concepts. The focus is on foundational techniques and structures used in algorithm design and analysis.

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2 views

CS_Topics_Notes

The document outlines key computer science topics including mathematical induction, asymptotic analysis, recurrence relations, pseudocode writing, heaps and binary trees, sorting algorithms, graph algorithms, union-find structures, Huffman coding, greedy algorithms, and algorithm verification. Each topic is briefly explained with definitions, examples, and relevant concepts. The focus is on foundational techniques and structures used in algorithm design and analysis.

Uploaded by

aryan090920
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Notes on Key Computer Science Topics

1. Mathematical Induction

Mathematical induction is a proof technique used to prove statements that are assumed to be true for all natural

numbers.

It involves two main steps:

1. Base Case: Verify the statement for the first value (usually n=1).

2. Inductive Step: Assume the statement is true for n=k and prove it for n=k+1.

Example: Prove that the sum of cubes of three consecutive natural numbers is divisible by 9.

2. Asymptotic Analysis

Asymptotic analysis helps evaluate the efficiency of algorithms by expressing their time or space complexity in terms of

Big O, Omega, and Theta notations.

- Big O: Upper bound; worst-case scenario.

- Big Omega: Lower bound; best-case scenario.

- Big Theta: Tight bound; both upper and lower bound.

Common functions: Constant, logarithmic, linear, quadratic, and exponential.

3. Recurrence Relations

Recurrence relations describe the runtime of recursive algorithms.

- Recursion Tree: A visual method to solve recurrence by breaking down the recurrence at each level.

Example: T(n) = T(n/2) + n, solved using a recursion tree.

4. Pseudocode Writing

Pseudocode provides a high-level description of algorithms.

Examples include writing pseudocode for multiplication using addition, exponentiation using recursion, and selection

sort.

5. Heap and Binary Trees

A heap is a specialized tree-based data structure that satisfies the heap property.
- Binary Heap: Can be a max-heap or min-heap.

Operations include finding max/min, heapifying, and extracting max/min elements.

6. Sorting Algorithms

Stable sorting algorithms like merge-sort and bubble-sort maintain relative order of equal elements.

Recursive versions of sorting algorithms, like selection sort, can also be implemented.

7. Graph Algorithms

Graph algorithms are crucial for analyzing networked structures.

- Prim's and Kruskal's Algorithm: Find minimum spanning trees.

- DFS: Used for cycle detection.

- BFS: Used to check bipartiteness of a graph.

8. Union-Find Structure

Union-Find is a data structure to keep track of disjoint sets.

- Union: Merges two subsets into a single subset.

- Find-Set: Finds the root of the set containing a given element.

Useful in finding connected components in undirected graphs.

9. Huffman Coding

Huffman coding is a compression algorithm used to encode data with variable-length codes.

- Example: Encoding characters based on their frequency for efficient storage.

10. Greedy Algorithms

Greedy algorithms make the locally optimal choice at each step.

Examples include activity scheduling, interval selection, and various priority-based optimizations.

11. Algorithm Verification and Complexity

Verifying algorithms includes checking correctness and analyzing time/space complexity.

- Commonly done through inductive proofs or by analyzing pseudocode.

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