Question

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.