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;
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 returns1
. - 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
.
-
If
a > b
: It calculatesg(a - b)
and returns the result.- This implies it checks if
a - b
is greater than zero, returning1
if true, or-1
if false.
- This implies it checks if
-
If
a < b
: It calculatesg(b - a)
and returns the result.- Similarly, it evaluates if
b - a
is greater than zero and returns1
or-1
based on the result fromg(b - a)
.
- Similarly, it evaluates if
-
If
a == b
: It directly returns0
.- This condition handles equality, where no calculation using
g(n)
is necessary as both numbers are equal.
- This condition handles equality, where no calculation using
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)
, returns1
.
- Computes
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)
, returns1
.
- Computes
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.
- Directly returns
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 is1
.a < b
: Output is1
.a == b
: Output is0
.
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.