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The far side of recursion

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2015-06-01
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Copyright (c) 2015 Michael A. Wirth

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Wirth, M. A. (2015). The far side of recursion. Teaching Mathematics and Computer Science, 13(1), 57-71. https://doi.org/10.5485/TMCS.2015.0381
Abstract
Recursion is somewhat of an enigma, and examples used to illustrate the idea of recursion often emphasize three algorithms: Towers of Hanoi, Factorial, and Fibonacci, often sacrificing the exploration of recursive behavior for the notion that a "function calls itself". Very little effort is spent on more interesting recursive algorithms. This paper looks at how three lesser known algorithms of recursion can be used in teaching behavioral aspects of recursion: The Josephus Problem, the Hailstone Sequence and Ackermann's Function.