Balanced boolean function
Encyclopedia
.In mathematics
and computer science
, a balanced boolean function is a boolean function whose output yields as many 0s as 1s over its input set. This means that for a uniformly random input string of bits, the probability of getting a 1 is 1/2.
An example of a balanced boolean function is the function that assigns a 1 to every even number and 0 to all odd numbers (likewise the other way around). The same applies for functions assigning 1 to all positive numbers and 0 otherwise.
A Boolean function of n bits is balanced if it takes the value 1 with probability 1⁄2. We exhibit a balanced Boolean function with a randomized evaluation procedure (with probability 0 of making a mistake) so that on uniformly random inputs, no input bit is read with probability more than Θ(n-1/2√ log n). We construct a balanced monotone Boolean function and a randomized algorithm computing it for which each bit is read with probability Θ(n-1⁄3 log n). We then show that for any randomized algorithm for evaluating a balanced Boolean function, when the input bits are uniformly random, there is some input bit that is read with probability at least Θ(n-1). For balanced monotone Boolean functions, there is some input bit that is read with probability at least Θ(n-1).
Mathematics
Mathematics is the study of quantity, space, structure, and change. Mathematicians seek out patterns and formulate new conjectures. Mathematicians resolve the truth or falsity of conjectures by mathematical proofs, which are arguments sufficient to convince other mathematicians of their validity...
and computer science
Computer science
Computer science or computing science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems...
, a balanced boolean function is a boolean function whose output yields as many 0s as 1s over its input set. This means that for a uniformly random input string of bits, the probability of getting a 1 is 1/2.
An example of a balanced boolean function is the function that assigns a 1 to every even number and 0 to all odd numbers (likewise the other way around). The same applies for functions assigning 1 to all positive numbers and 0 otherwise.
A Boolean function of n bits is balanced if it takes the value 1 with probability 1⁄2. We exhibit a balanced Boolean function with a randomized evaluation procedure (with probability 0 of making a mistake) so that on uniformly random inputs, no input bit is read with probability more than Θ(n-1/2√ log n). We construct a balanced monotone Boolean function and a randomized algorithm computing it for which each bit is read with probability Θ(n-1⁄3 log n). We then show that for any randomized algorithm for evaluating a balanced Boolean function, when the input bits are uniformly random, there is some input bit that is read with probability at least Θ(n-1). For balanced monotone Boolean functions, there is some input bit that is read with probability at least Θ(n-1).