Exam-style question
Try this first
Explain how problem reduction can help when solving a new problem. Include the relationship between the new problem and an already-solved problem.
Model answer
What a good answer should say
- Problem reduction changes the representation of a new problem so that it reduces to a problem that has already been solved.
- The new problem is not necessarily identical to the solved problem, but it can be represented in a way that allows the known solution to be applied or adapted.
- This avoids having to develop a completely new solution without using the existing one.
Explanation
Why this works
A strong answer identifies that the new problem is represented as an already-solved problem and explains that the known solution can then be used or adapted. The answer should connect reduction with solving the new problem, rather than merely stating that the problem becomes smaller.
Common mistake
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