Mathematical notation in algorithms
Question
I am currently reading the Algorithm Design Manual, but my mathematical notation has become a little rusty.
What does
mean?
Solution
Binomial coefficient? (also, see combination)
OTHER TIPS
It means "n choose k", or in this case, "a choose b". It is a shorthand for the formula a!/(b!((a-b)!)).
Sorry for the many parenthesis, just didn't want amibuity. ! means factorial, 5! = 5*4*3*2*1, etc.
It is used for binomial expansion, and Pascal's Triangle.
Combination is the first thing that comes to mind...but without context, there are probably other meanings for the same notation.
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