The following is a recursive function: def countdown(n): if n == 0: return else: countdown(n - 1) countdown(5) In 3-5 sentences, explain the algorithm. (4 points)

Answer 1

The countdown function is a recursive algorithm that takes a single integer parameter n. When called, it checks if n is equal to 0; if it is, the function returns and terminates without performing any action. If n is not 0, the function recursively calls itself with the argument n - 1, effectively counting down from the initial value to 0. In the example of countdown(5), the function will recursively call itself five times until it reaches countdown(0), at which point all recursive calls will return and the process will stop. However, the function does not produce any output during the countdown; it only serves to illustrate the recursive process.