Memoization involves storing the results of _______ subproblems to avoid redundant calculations in the recursive solution to the coin change problem.

  • All possible
  • Previously solved
  • Some random
  • Upcoming
Memoization involves storing the results of previously solved subproblems to avoid redundant calculations in the recursive solution to the coin change problem. This technique helps in optimizing the solution by avoiding repeated computations.

How does Dijkstra's algorithm ensure finding the shortest path in a weighted graph?

  • It always selects the vertex with the highest tentative distance
  • It considers only the edge weights, ignoring vertex values
  • It performs a random walk on the graph
  • It uses a priority queue to select the vertex with the smallest tentative distance
Dijkstra's algorithm ensures finding the shortest path by using a priority queue to consistently choose the vertex with the smallest tentative distance at each step, guaranteeing an optimal solution.

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using a circular queue compared to a linear queue.

  • Advantages: Efficient space usage, no need to shift elements; Disadvantages: Complex implementation, potential for errors.
  • Advantages: Efficient use of space, no need to shift elements; Disadvantages: Limited capacity, harder to implement.
  • Advantages: Simplicity in implementation, no need to worry about capacity; Disadvantages: Inefficient space usage, requires shifting elements.
  • Advantages: Unlimited capacity, easy to implement; Disadvantages: Inefficient space usage, requires frequent shifting.
Circular queues have advantages such as efficient space usage and no need to shift elements, but they come with disadvantages like limited capacity and a more challenging implementation process. Understanding these trade-offs is crucial when choosing between circular and linear queues.

Merge sort's time complexity makes it an ideal choice for _______ systems where predictability is crucial.

  • Embedded
  • Parallel
  • Quantum computing
  • Real-time
Merge sort's time complexity, O(n log n), makes it an ideal choice for real-time systems where predictability in execution time is crucial, ensuring efficient and reliable performance.

Explain the concept of a residual capacity graph in the context of the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm.

  • A graph containing only forward edges with no backward edges.
  • A graph representing the remaining capacity of edges after flow augmentation.
  • A graph with all capacities set to 1.
  • A graph with only backward edges and no forward edges.
In the Ford-Fulkerson algorithm, a residual capacity graph represents the remaining capacity of edges after the flow augmentation process. It includes backward edges indicating the possibility of reducing the flow. Understanding this concept is crucial for iteratively finding augmenting paths and improving the flow in the graph.

Consider a scenario where you're implementing a cache system to store frequently accessed data. Discuss how you could utilize a linked list to implement this cache efficiently.

  • Array
  • Circular linked list
  • Doubly linked list
  • Singly linked list
In the context of a cache system, a doubly linked list can be utilized efficiently. The most recently accessed data can be moved to the front of the list, and the least recently accessed data can be easily identified and removed from the end. This way, a doubly linked list facilitates quick access and removal operations, optimizing the cache system's performance.

Can Dijkstra's algorithm handle negative edge weights? Why or why not?

  • No, it assumes all edge weights are non-negative
  • Only if the graph is acyclic
  • Yes, but only for graphs with positive vertex values
  • Yes, it adjusts for negative weights during the process
No, Dijkstra's algorithm cannot handle negative edge weights because it relies on the assumption that the shortest path is found by consistently selecting the smallest tentative distance, which doesn't hold true for negative weights.

Explain the role of a dynamic programming table in finding the Longest Palindromic Substring.

  • The table keeps track of the indices of the first and last characters of palindromic substrings.
  • The table maintains the lengths of palindromic substrings for each position in the input string.
  • The table records the count of distinct characters in the input string.
  • The table stores the characters of the longest palindromic substring.
In finding the Longest Palindromic Substring using dynamic programming, the role of the dynamic programming table is to maintain the lengths of palindromic substrings for each position in the input string. The table is used to store and update information about the palindromic nature of substrings, aiding in the efficient computation of the overall solution.

Describe a real-world scenario where using a queue would be beneficial.

  • Implementing a stack for function calls in a programming language.
  • Managing print jobs in a printer queue.
  • Storing data in a random order for quick access.
  • Storing items in a way that the last item added is the first to be removed.
A real-world scenario where using a queue would be beneficial is managing print jobs in a printer queue. Print jobs are processed in the order they are received, following the First-In-First-Out (FIFO) principle.

To avoid infinite loops in DFS, it's essential to implement _______ to track visited nodes.

  • A counter for visited nodes
  • A queue for visited nodes
  • A set or array marking visited nodes
  • A stack for visited nodes
To avoid infinite loops in DFS, it's essential to implement a set or array to mark visited nodes. This ensures that each node is visited only once during the traversal, preventing the algorithm from getting stuck in infinite loops and exploring the same nodes repeatedly.

The _______ of a hash table is a measure of how full the table is, affecting its performance and efficiency.

  • Collisions
  • Density
  • Load factor
  • Sparsity
The load factor of a hash table is a measure of how full the table is. It is calculated as the ratio of the number of elements in the table to the total number of buckets. A higher load factor can lead to more collisions and may impact the efficiency of the hash table.

Floyd's Tortoise and Hare algorithm is used to detect _______ in a linked list.

  • Cycles
  • Duplicates
  • Loops
  • Palindromes
Floyd's Tortoise and Hare algorithm is used to detect cycles in a linked list. It employs two pointers moving at different speeds to determine if there's a loop in the linked list, which is crucial for various algorithms and optimizations.