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The provided code implements a recursive function to calculate x raised to the power n, handling edge cases such as n being zero or negative. It specifically addresses the issue of INT_MIN by adjusting n to INT_MAX and compensating for one additional multiplication, although this approach is not entirely correct. The document also highlights potential integer overflow and precision issues related to handling INT_MIN and floating-point operations.

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4 views2 pages

Untitled Document

The provided code implements a recursive function to calculate x raised to the power n, handling edge cases such as n being zero or negative. It specifically addresses the issue of INT_MIN by adjusting n to INT_MAX and compensating for one additional multiplication, although this approach is not entirely correct. The document also highlights potential integer overflow and precision issues related to handling INT_MIN and floating-point operations.

Uploaded by

swarup
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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class Solution {

public:
double myPow(double x, int n) {
if (n == 0) {
return 1;
}

if (n < 0) {
x = 1 / x;
// Handle INT_MIN explicitly
if (n == INT_MIN) {
n = INT_MAX;
x *= x; // Compensate for one additional
multiplication
} else {
n = -n;
}
}

double half = myPow(x, n / 2);

if (n % 2 == 0) {
return half * half;
} else {
return x * half * half;
}
}
};

/*
Explanation:
1. **Handling Edge Case for `INT_MIN`**:
- When `n` is `INT_MIN`, negating it directly causes overflow. To
handle this, the function adjusts `n` to `INT_MAX` and multiplies `x`
by itself once.

2. **Recursive Approach**:
- If `n` is 0, return 1 (base case).
- If `n` is negative, invert `x` and adjust `n`.
- Calculate `half` as `myPow(x, n / 2)`.
- If `n` is even, return `half * half`.
- If `n` is odd, return `x * half * half`.
Test Cases:
1. `myPow(2.0, 10)` => 1024.0
2. `myPow(2.0, -2)` => 0.25
3. `myPow(2.0, INT_MIN)` => Very small number (close to 0).
4. `myPow(1.0, INT_MIN)` => 1.0
*/

The code provided for the myPow function is generally correct in terms of implementation,
except for a few edge cases and issues related to handling of INT_MIN. Here's a detailed
explanation:

Issues:

1. Integer Overflow for INT_MIN:

○ When n is INT_MIN, negating it (-n) causes an integer overflow because the


range of signed integers in C++ is [-2^31, 2^31 - 1]. Therefore, -n cannot
be represented in a 32-bit signed integer.

2. Incorrect Adjustment for INT_MIN:

○ Your current approach attempts to handle INT_MIN by assigning n = INT_MAX


and multiplying x by itself. This is not sufficient or correct, as n should actually be
handled as INT_MIN + 1.

3. Precision Issues:

○ Operations involving floating-point numbers (like x *= x) can lead to precision


errors. This isn't a major issue but is worth noting.

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