Learn how to compute Binomial Coefficients using Dynamic Programming with recursive relation, bottom-up algorithm, Pascal’s Triangle, and complexity analysis.

Binomial Coefficient Using Dynamic Programming:

Introduction to Binomial Coefficient

The Binomial Coefficient is an important concept in mathematics and computer science.
It is usually denoted by nCr, which represents the number of ways to choose r objects from n objects without considering order.

Mathematical Definition:

nCr=n!r!(n−r)!nCr = \frac{n!}{r!(n-r)!}nCr=r!(n−r)!n!​

Uses of Binomial Coefficients:

  • Combinatorics
  • Probability Theory
  • Pascal’s Triangle
  • Algorithm Design (Dynamic Programming problems)

Recursive Formula

The Binomial Coefficient follows the following recursive relation:

C(n,r)=C(n−1,r−1)+C(n−1,r)C(n, r) = C(n-1, r-1) + C(n-1, r)C(n,r)=C(n−1,r−1)+C(n−1,r)

Boundary Conditions:

  • C(n,0)=1C(n, 0) = 1C(n,0)=1
  • C(n,n)=1C(n, n) = 1C(n,n)=1

This relation forms the basis of Pascal’s Triangle.

Problems in Recursive Approach

In the recursive approach:

  • The same subproblems are solved multiple times
  • Overlapping subproblems are generated
  • Time complexity becomes exponential

Hence, the recursive method is inefficient for large values of n and r.

Binomial Coefficient and Dynamic Programming

The Binomial Coefficient problem satisfies both conditions required for Dynamic Programming:

  • Overlapping Subproblems
  • Optimal Substructure

Therefore, it can be solved efficiently using Dynamic Programming.

Dynamic Programming Approach (Bottom-Up)

In the Bottom-Up (Tabulation) approach:

  • Pascal’s Triangle is constructed
  • All intermediate results are stored in a table
  • Recursive calls are avoided

Algorithm: Binomial Coefficient Using Dynamic Programming

Binomial(n, r)

Create table C[0..n][0..r]

for i = 0 to n

    for j = 0 to min(i, r)

        if j == 0 or j == i

            C[i][j] = 1

        else

            C[i][j] = C[i−1][j−1] + C[i−1][j]

return C[n][r]

Example

If n = 5 and r = 2:

C(5,2)=10C(5,2) = 10C(5,2)=10

This value is obtained from Pascal’s Triangle using Dynamic Programming.

Time and Space Complexity

  • Time Complexity: O(n×r)O(n \times r)O(n×r)
  • Space Complexity: O(n×r)O(n \times r)O(n×r)

Advantages of Using Dynamic Programming

  • Repeated computations are avoided
  • Algorithm becomes more efficient
  • Suitable for large input values
  • Guarantees accurate and optimal results

Conclusion

The computation of Binomial Coefficients is an excellent example of Dynamic Programming.
By using the bottom-up approach, time complexity is significantly reduced compared to the recursive method.

Dynamic Programming improves efficiency, saves time, and provides a reliable solution for calculating Binomial Coefficients.

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