Greedy Algorithms Chapter 16

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What is the main characteristic of a greedy algorithm?

It is a recursive algorithm
It always yields an optimal solution
It makes the choice that looks best at the moment (correct)
It uses backtracking to find the solution

What is the goal of observing the activity selection problem?

To find the optimal solution using backtracking
To eliminate the need for subproblems
To develop a recursive dynamic programming algorithm
To develop a recursive greedy algorithm (correct)

What is a common technique used in conjunction with greedy algorithms?

Divide and Conquer
Linear programming
Backtracking
Dynamic programming (correct)

What is the result of making the greedy choice in the activity selection problem?

One of the subproblems is guaranteed to be empty (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the ultimate goal of developing a greedy algorithm for the activity selection problem?

To convert the recursive algorithm to an iterative one (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of greedy algorithms in problem-solving?

They are quite powerful and work well for a wide range of problems (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of dynamic programming?

It builds up a solution piece by piece, storing the results of subproblems. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which algorithmic paradigm involves making a series of choices, where each decision leads to a new set of choices?

Backtracking (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the greedy-choice property?

The optimal solution can be constructed by making the locally optimal choice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key difference between dynamic programming and greedy algorithms?

Dynamic programming builds up a solution piece by piece, while greedy algorithms make a locally optimal choice. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of storing the results of subproblems in dynamic programming?

To avoid redundant computation and reduce the time complexity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What determines the set of options you receive after making a choice?

The choice you made (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a common scenario where backtracking is used?

When each decision leads to a new set of choices. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you reach a bad leaf?

You can backtrack to continue the search for a good leaf (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the goal of this procedure?

To get to a good leaf (B) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you run out of options at a node?

You backtrack to the previous node (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens if you end up at the root with no options left?

There are no good leaves to be found (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the sequence of choices that leads to a good leaf called?

A good sequence (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key limitation of greedy algorithms?

They do not always yield optimal solutions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is backtracking used for?

To solve a series of sub-problems with multiple possible solutions (B) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when backtracking terminates?

There are no more solutions to the first sub-problem (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the process of backtracking?

Finding a solution to the first sub-problem and then attempting to recursively solve the other sub-problems (C) Signup and view all the answers

What happens when we cannot find a solution to the overall problem?

We backtrack and try the next possible solution to the first sub-problem (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary difference between the two trees shown in Figure 16.4?

One is a prefix code, and the other is a fixed-length code. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What do the leaves of the trees in Figure 16.4 represent?

Characters in the code. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of backtracking in the given problem space?

To recover from failed attempts. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary advantage of Huffman coding?

It is a variable-length code. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the frequency of characters in Huffman coding?

To assign shorter codes to more frequent characters. (C) Signup and view all the answers