which term refers to a solution to a large problem that is based on the solutions of smaller subproblems.
The term that refers to a solution to a large problem that is based on the solutions of smaller subproblems is “divide and conquer”.
The concept of divide and conquer is a problem-solving technique where a complex problem is divided into smaller, more manageable subproblems. Each subproblem is then solved independently, and the solutions are combined to obtain the final solution to the original problem.
Divide and conquer is a popular algorithmic strategy used in various fields, such as computer science, mathematics, and engineering. It allows for efficient problem-solving by breaking down a large problem into smaller, easier-to-handle parts.
The steps involved in applying the divide and conquer technique typically include:
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Divide: Break the original problem into smaller, more manageable subproblems. This can be done recursively until the subproblems become simple enough to solve.
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Conquer: Solve each subproblem independently. This step involves finding a solution to each subproblem efficiently.
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Combine: Combine the solutions of the subproblems to obtain the final solution to the original problem. This step may involve merging or comparing the solutions to find the overall solution.
Divide and conquer algorithms often have better time and space complexity compared to other problem-solving approaches. This technique is widely used in various algorithms, such as quicksort, mergesort, and binary search, to achieve efficient and optimal solutions.
By breaking complex problems into smaller subproblems and solving them individually, divide and conquer provides a systematic and organized approach to problem-solving, making it easier to address large and challenging problems.