Re: Big-O notation, multiple variables

Thanks. I had also found this, but it doesn't really discuss the issues.

Rod

Sorry for being naive, but to what severe issue are you referring?
What are the alternate definitions?- Hide quoted text -

The only issue that I can think of is that while using multiple
variables, one must be certain that the variables are not dependent of
each other. In other words, no variable should be able to be expressed
as a function (within finite space) of the other variables.

This is because if one variable influences the other, then that would
completely *spoil* the relationship that u describe in the Big-O
notation.

Example: It is alright to say that Complexity of a problem = O(x,y^2),
where x and y are 2 inputs independent of each other. But it would be
wrong to say that if it is possible to express y as a function (within
finite space) of x.

What I mean by expressing a function (within finite space) is that if
u take a paper and pencil, and start writing out y as a function of x,
then u would need finite amount of paper.

.