Problem: Let A be an unsorted array of n floating numbers. Propose an O(n) time algorithm to compute the (floating-point) number x (not necessarily an element of A) for which max|A[i] - x| is as small as possible for all 1 <= i <= n. (Here |y| means absolute value of y)
Solution: The problem statement can be interpreted as finding a point x such that it's distance from the farthest point is minimized (since, |A[i] - x| is given which is actually distance between two point). Note: we don't need to minimize distance from every point, we just need to minimize the distance of the point which is farthest to it. So we try to put our x as close to the farthest point. But in doing so the point which is near may go far. So the optimal solution is finding the minimum point in the array A (let it be named MN) and finding the maximum point of A (let it be named MX) and the result is the mid-point of these two points, i.e x=(MN+MX)/2. Note: All other point between MN and MX will have distance lesser hence we do not bother it. We could not get more optimal point than this one. Now, MX and MN can be easily determined by travelling once the array. Hence the time complexity is O(n).
Problem: Let A be an unsorted array of n floating numbers. Propose an O(n) time algorithm to compute the (floating-point) number x (not necessarily an element of A) for which max|A[i] - x| is as small as possible for all 1 <= i <= n. (Here |y| means absolute value of y)
Solution: The problem statement can be interpreted as finding a point x such that it's distance from the farthest point is minimized (since, |A[i] - x| is given which is actually distance between two point). Note: we don't need to minimize distance from every point, we just need to minimize the distance of the point which is farthest to it. So we try to put our x as close to the farthest point. But in doing so the point which is near may go far. So the optimal solution is finding the minimum point in the array A (let it be named MN) and finding the maximum point of A (let it be named MX) and the result is the mid-point of these two points, i.e x=(MN+MX)/2. Note: All other point between MN and MX will have distance lesser hence we do not bother it. We could not get more optimal point than this one. Now, MX and MN can be easily determined by travelling once the array. Hence the time complexity is O(n).
Happy Coding!!!
BY Competitive Programming
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Spiking bond yields driving sharp losses in tech stocks
A spike in interest rates since the start of the year has accelerated a rotation out of high-growth technology stocks and into value stocks poised to benefit from a reopening of the economy. The Nasdaq has fallen more than 10% over the past month as the Dow has soared to record highs, with a spike in the 10-year US Treasury yield acting as the main catalyst. It recently surged to a cycle high of more than 1.60% after starting the year below 1%. But according to Jim Paulsen, the Leuthold Group's chief investment strategist, rising interest rates do not represent a long-term threat to the stock market. Paulsen expects the 10-year yield to cross 2% by the end of the year.
A spike in interest rates and its impact on the stock market depends on the economic backdrop, according to Paulsen. Rising interest rates amid a strengthening economy "may prove no challenge at all for stocks," Paulsen said.
How Does Bitcoin Work?
Bitcoin is built on a distributed digital record called a blockchain. As the name implies, blockchain is a linked body of data, made up of units called blocks that contain information about each and every transaction, including date and time, total value, buyer and seller, and a unique identifying code for each exchange. Entries are strung together in chronological order, creating a digital chain of blocks. “Once a block is added to the blockchain, it becomes accessible to anyone who wishes to view it, acting as a public ledger of cryptocurrency transactions,” says Stacey Harris, consultant for Pelicoin, a network of cryptocurrency ATMs. Blockchain is decentralized, which means it’s not controlled by any one organization. “It’s like a Google Doc that anyone can work on,” says Buchi Okoro, CEO and co-founder of African cryptocurrency exchange Quidax. “Nobody owns it, but anyone who has a link can contribute to it. And as different people update it, your copy also gets updated.”
