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Topic: Predict the polynomial (Read 777 times) |
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Neelesh
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Predict the polynomial
« on: Sep 22nd, 2005, 6:06am » |
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I have a polynomial P(x) with non-negative integral coefficients. You have to guess the polynomial. To do that you can ask me the value of polynomial for various values of x.
How many 'x' s you need so that you can determine the polynomial accurately?
Note that you donot know the degree of the polynomial in advance
however, you know that all coefficients are non-negative integers
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Barukh
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Re: Predict the polynomial
« Reply #1 on: Sep 26th, 2005, 5:11am » |
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That's an interesting question!
| hidden: | | If an upper bound for the coefficients is known, one question suffices. Otherwise, n+2 questions are probably needed for the n-degree polynomial |
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Neelesh
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Re: Predict the polynomial
« Reply #2 on: Sep 26th, 2005, 5:26am » |
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An upper bound for coefficients is not known in advance.
| hidden: | However, you can find the upper bound in one attempt
That means we need total two values of x. |
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Barukh
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Re: Predict the polynomial
« Reply #3 on: Sep 26th, 2005, 5:34am » |
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Correct! How stupid of me!
And what a nice problem, Neelesh! 
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