Understanding Recursion and Factorials

This video introduces recursion, a key concept in computer science, using the factorial function as an example. It contrasts iterative and recursive approaches, explaining how recursion involves defining a function in terms of itself. The video covers the importance of a base case in recursion and demonstrates the execution of a recursive factorial function, showing how it calculates results by breaking down problems into smaller instances.

What is recursion primarily used for in computer science?

• To perform arithmetic operations

• To sort data

• To iterate over arrays

• To define functions in terms of themselves

How is the factorial function initially defined in the video?

• Iteratively

• Recursively

• Using a loop

• With a conditional statement

What is the key feature of a recursive function?

• It is always faster than iterative functions

• It uses multiple variables

• It calls itself

• It uses loops

What is the base case in a recursive function?

• The simplest case that can be solved directly

• The case where the function calls itself

• The case where the function returns a variable

• The case where the function uses a loop

What does the recursive factorial function return when the input is 1?

• 0

• The factorial of 2

• 1

• The input number

How does the recursive function calculate the factorial of 3?

• By adding 3 to the factorial of 2

• By calling the factorial of 2 and multiplying by 3

• By subtracting 1 from 3 and calling the factorial

• By multiplying 3 by 2

What is the result of the factorial of 5 as calculated by the recursive function?

• 30

• 60

• 120

• 24

What is the purpose of running the recursive program in the video?

• To check for syntax errors

• To verify that the recursive function works correctly

• To compare it with the iterative version

• To demonstrate a new programming language

What is the factorial of 6 as calculated by the recursive function?

• 360

• 180

• 120

• 720

What is the significance of the else clause in the recursive function?

• It defines the recursive step

• It handles the base case

• It terminates the recursion

• It initializes the function