What will be returned if f(a,b) is called in the following functions?

General
1

What will be returned if f(a,b) is called in the following functions? function g(int n)
{
if (n>0) return 1;
else return -1;
function f(int a, int b)
if (a>b) return gla-b);
if (a<b) retum g(b-a);
return 0;​

2

What will be returned if f(a,b) is called in the following functions?

Understanding the Code

We have two main functions at play here: g(n) and f(a, b). Let’s break down what each function does and how they interact.

Function g(n)

The function g(n) returns a value based on the condition it evaluates:

  • If n > 0, it returns 1.
  • Else, it returns -1.

This function evaluates whether a number is positive or non-positive and returns 1 or -1 accordingly.

Function f(a, b)

The function f(a, b) utilizes g(n) to decide what value to return based on the relationship between a and b.

  1. If a > b: It calculates g(a - b) and returns the result.

    • This implies it checks if a - b is greater than zero, returning 1 if true, or -1 if false.

  2. If a < b: It calculates g(b - a) and returns the result.

    • Similarly, it evaluates if b - a is greater than zero and returns 1 or -1 based on the result from g(b - a).

  3. If a == b: It directly returns 0.

    • This condition handles equality, where no calculation using g(n) is necessary as both numbers are equal.

Function Analysis and Potential Outputs

Let’s consider different scenarios:

Case 1: a > b

If f(a, b) is called with a > b, the function will execute the first condition and call g(a - b):

  • Example: f(5, 3)
    • Computes a - b = 5 - 3 = 2, which is > 0.
    • Calls g(2), returns 1.

Case 2: a < b

If f(a, b) is called with a < b, it evaluates the second condition:

  • Example: f(3, 5)
    • Computes b - a = 5 - 3 = 2, which is > 0.
    • Calls g(2), returns 1.

Case 3: a == b

When a equals b, the function hits the third condition:

  • Example: f(4, 4)
    • Directly returns 0 since no calculation is needed.

Summary and Problem-solving Approach

Function f(a, b) leverages g(n) to return values of 1, -1, or 0 based explicitly on comparisons of a and b. Clearly understanding and breaking down such functions is crucial in predicting outputs efficiently:

  • a > b: Output is 1.
  • a < b: Output is 1.
  • a == b: Output is 0.

Ensure input checks and calculations are precisely understood when dealing with functions like these, as they often form the basis for more complex algorithms. Remember, while the specific comparisons in f(a, b) decide which part of the code executes, it’s the logic in g(n) that dictates the final output when the relationship isn’t equality.

@anonymous6