Probabilistic algorithms Flashcards
heuristics
t
approximation algorithm
t
randomized algorithm
t
stochastic
describes something that was randomly determined
randomly determined; having a random probability distribution or pattern that may be analyzed statistically but may not be predicted precisely.
Probability density function
a probability density function (PDF), or density of a continuous random variable, is a function, whose value at any given point in the sample space (the set of possible values taken by the random variable) can be interpreted as providing a relative likelihood that the value of the random variable would equal that sample
pivot
t
Probabilistic Algorithm paradigm
for each input make a random choice and hope that it is good.
Non-Deterministic execution of algorithm
for the same input different sequences of
operations are possible
vs. for the same input the same sequence of
operations is executed
Probabilistic Algorithm
A Probabilistic (or Randomized) Algorithm is an algorithm which employs a degree of randomness as part of its logic
- > During execution, it takes random choices depending on those random numbers
- > The behavior (output) can vary if the algorithm is run multiple times on the same input
=> probabilistic algorithms are often simpler and faster than their deterministic counterparts
=> however, in the worst execution case, the algorithm may be very slow
positive vs negative probability
??
probabilistic algorithm
+ gain execution time
- loose correctness of answer
Las Vegas algorithms
a randomized algorithm that
- always gives correct/optimal results
- the execution time is variable
- example: RandQSORT
Monte Carlo algorithms
a randomized algorithm that
- the running time is deterministic
- the output may be incorrect with a certain probability
- example: Check matrices equality
- for Decision problem (Yes/No): one- or two-sided error
one-sided error
Monte Carlo algorithm: Yes or No always correct
two-sided error
Monte Carlo algorithm: a non-zero probability to err for both outputs
E[X]
Expected value of discrete X: E[X]
The expected value of random variable X is often written as E(X)
sl. 15 lecture_01
Random number generation
- the kernel of Monte Carlo simulation
- the heart of many standard statistical methods (bootstrap, Bayesian analysis)
- cryptography
bisection method
d
sucessive quadratic estimation method
d
Powell’s algorithm
d
inflection point
An inflection point is a point on a curve at which the sign of the curvature (i.e., the concavity) changes. Inflection points may be stationary points, but are not local maxima or local minima.
http://mathworld.wolfram.com/InflectionPoint.html
first order condition
The first order condition means that the local maximum or local minimum of some continuous function within some range (not including the end points) must occur where the derivative of that function is equal to 0.
- > At the highest and lowest points of a curve, the tangent to the curve at such points is horizontal.
- > The slope of the curve is zero.
http://users.etown.edu/p/pauls/ec309/lectures/lec04_unconst.html
second order condition
SOC for a local max is that f’‘(x) < 0
SOC for a local min is that f’‘(x) > 0
loss function
a function that maps an event or values of one or more variables onto a real number intuitively representing some “cost” associated with the event.
An optimization problem seeks to minimize a loss function