MA-581K/CSC-691K Homework 1 (due September 3 at 5pm)


Please design a better cycle_indices function, i.e., one that uses fewer applications of the function next. Use the fact that for l(x) = 2y with 2y <= x < 2y+1 there exists an n such that xn = xl(n)-1. Write a Maple procedure that implements your algorithm and uses it to factor some numbers, such as ithprime(1000)*ithprime(1001). Compare the number of applications of next of your new cycle_indices procedure with the one presented in class by counting and returning this number as well. You should also modify my procedure so that it returns the number of next calls for comparison.

Please submit by email to kaltofen@eos.ncsu.edu 2 files: your Maple source code and an ASCII version of your session in Maple testing and comparing your function with the one I wrote. You can save an ASCII version of your session by exporting it as text with the File menu.