Identifying Recursion
Recursion is a problem-solving approach where a function calls itself to break a complex
problem into smaller subproblems. This guide will help you identify when recursion is useful
and how to implement it step by step. My goal here is not solving the questions here. The
goal is to identify and approach.
1. How to Identify Recursion in a Problem
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A problem can be solved using recursion if it meets the following observations:
Observations to Identify Recursion
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1. Problem Can Be Broken into Smaller Subproblems
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○ If the problem can be divided into smaller instances of itself, recursion is a
good choice.
○ Example: Factorial of n! = n * (n-1)!
H
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2. Has an Obvious Base Case
N
○ The problem has a stopping condition where recursion terminates.
○ Example: In factorial, factorial(0) = 1.
H
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3. Can Be Expressed as a Recurrence Relation
○ If a formula can be defined in terms of itself, recursion is an option.
○ Example: Fibonacci sequence: fib(n) = fib(n-1) + fib(n-2)
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4. Tree or Graph Problems with Backtracking
○ If the problem requires exploring different paths, recursion is often used.
D
○ Example: Generating all subsets of an array, solving the N-Queens problem.
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5. Divide and Conquer Strategy
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○ If breaking a problem into subproblems and combining results is possible,
recursion is effective.
○ Example: Merge Sort, Quick Sort.
2. Steps to Implement Recursion
Step 1: Define the Base Case
● The simplest case where the function does not call itself further.
● Example: if (n == 0) return 1; (for factorial)
Step 2: Define the Recursive Case
● Express the solution in terms of smaller subproblems.
● Example: return n * factorial(n - 1);
Step 3: Combine Results (if applicable)
● Merge the results of subproblems into a final answer.
Step 4: Analyze Complexity and Optimize
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● Consider time complexity and if memoization is needed.
Example 1: Factorial Calculation (Recursive Solution)
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C
H
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N
H
Example 2: Fibonacci Sequence (Recursive Solution)
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EW
D
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C
3. How to Convert an Iterative Solution to Recursion
Steps to Convert Iteration to Recursion
1. Identify Loop Variables
○ Find the loop control variable (i in a for-loop or while condition).
2. Convert Loop Condition into a Base Case
○ The stopping condition of the loop becomes the base case.
3. Convert Loop Logic into a Recursive Call
○ The loop's repeated action should be replaced with a recursive function call.
Example: Iterative to Recursive Conversion (Factorial)
Iterative Approach:
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H
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H
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N
Recursive Approach:
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D
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4. Key Takeaways
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1. Check if the problem can be broken into smaller subproblems.
2. Identify base and recursive cases properly.
3. Avoid redundant calculations using memoization if needed.
4. Recursion is powerful for backtracking, divide and conquer, and tree-based
problems.
5. If a problem has a loop, it can often be transformed into recursion.
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