Algorithms For Dummies

Finding solutions and counterexamples

The  previous  section  introduces  you  to  the  vagaries  of  discovering  real-world 

solutions  that  consider  issues  that  solutions  found  in  the  lab  can’t  consider. 

 However, just finding a solution — even a good one — isn’t sufficient because 

even  good  solutions  fail  on  occasion.  Playing  the  devil’s  advocate  by  locating 

counterexamples is an important part of starting to solve a problem. The purpose 

of counterexamples is to

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CHAPTER 2

  Considering Algorithm Design 

     27

 

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Potentially disprove the solution

 

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Provide boundaries that define the solution better

 

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Consider situations in which the hypothesis used as a basis for the solution 

remains untested