Problem Solving Using Recursion: Skeleton Program

Problem Solving Using RecursionThere Are Two Skeleton Programs Flesh

Problem solving using recursion There are two skeleton programs, flesh them out following the suggestions given. Recursive algorithm for calculating x n : if n = 0, return 1.0 else return x x n-1 (slow technique) Alternate (faster) algorithm: if n = 0, return 1.0 else if n is odd return x x n-1 else { y = x n/2 ; return y * y;} (fast technique). Run program with several input values and compare results from fast power, slow power, and Math.pow in this table: Show all digits displayed by your program. Base Exponent slow power fast power Math.pow 3.. String matching Finding needle in a haystack: If needle is longer than the haystack then failure else if needle matches the initial portion of haystack (of same size as the needle) then success else { create a shorter haystack (haystack.substring(1)) return result from recursive call on the shorter haystack } You are allowed to use only the following methods from the Java String class: .length(), .equals(), .substring(). You are not allowed to use any other method from the String class. Fill results from power calculation in this page, copy paste source code and screen shots from the two finished programs in the following pages. Submit the Word document and zipped NetBeans project folders through Isidore assignments.

Paper For Above instruction

This paper explores the implementation of recursive algorithms for calculating powers of a number and string matching techniques in Java. The recursive power functions include a slow method based on repeated multiplication and a more efficient fast method that reduces the number of multiplications by leveraging the properties of exponents. Additionally, a string matching approach is outlined to locate a substring ("needle") within a larger string ("haystack") using recursion and limited String methods. The purpose is to compare computation results of different power algorithms with Java's built-in Math.pow() and demonstrate string matching without using advanced String methods.

The recursive power algorithm is fundamental in computer science for efficient computation, especially in scenarios involving large exponents. The slow method is straightforward: multiplying x by itself n times, which results in linear recursion depth. Conversely, the fast power method significantly reduces recursion depth by halving the exponent when it is even, and multiplying by x when odd, thereby achieving logarithmic complexity. Implementing these methods helps illustrate the concept of divide-and-conquer strategies, essential in algorithm design.

The string matching problem involves identifying whether a 'needle' substring exists at the beginning of a 'haystack' string and, if not, recursively searching the remaining portion of the haystack. This technique requires only basic String methods: .length(), .equals(), and .substring(). The approach demonstrates the recursive traversal of a string, similar to pattern matching algorithms like the naive or KMP algorithms, but intentionally simplified for educational purposes.

To implement the power calculations, the Java methods are structured with proper base cases for when n equals zero. The slow method recursively multiplies x by the power of (n-1), while the fast method checks if n is even or odd. For odd exponents, it multiplies x by the power of (n-1). For even exponents, it computes the half power y = x^{n/2} and then multiplies y by itself to get the final result. These implementations are compared against Math.pow() using several input values, and the results are tabulated, displaying all digits to verify accuracy, especially with floating-point precision.

The string matching function operates by checking the length of the needle relative to the haystack. If the needle is longer, the function immediately returns failure, indicating the needle does not exist within the haystack. If the initial segment of the haystack matches the needle, the function returns success. Otherwise, it recursively calls itself on the substring of haystack starting from the next character, continuing the search until a match is found or the haystack is exhausted.

These exercises serve to deepen understanding of recursion and algorithm design, illustrating trade-offs between efficiency and simplicity. The final step involves submitting the implemented Java programs along with screenshots and a Word document summarizing the process, results, and comparisons, fulfilling the assignment's educational objectives.

References

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