subproblems
Divided task parts
Subproblems are smaller, more manageable parts of a larger problem.
In computing and mathematics, breaking a complex problem into subproblems is a fundamental strategy—solve each piece, then combine the solutions: The algorithm divides the sorting task into subproblems of half the size.
The approach appears in everyday problem-solving too: We tackled the move by treating packing, transport, and unpacking as separate subproblems.
Individual elements of whole
- elementsFundamental parts or substances
- piecesParts of something divided
- segmentsSeparate parts of something
- unitsStandard measures of quantity
modules · constituents · subunits · subsections · portions · divisions · partitions · subtasks
Reciprocal reliance between parts
- intricacyState of elaborate complexity
- granularityLevel of detail
- interrelationMutual connection between things
- nuanceSlight shade of difference
layers · dimensions · variables · parameters · factors · facets · aspects · constraints
Failure or decomposition
- subdivisionPortion of something larger
- partitioningDividing into sections
- segmentationDivision into sections
- chunkingDividing into manageable parts
modularity · disaggregation · dissection · slicing · fractionalization · splitting · parsing · factoring
Things in the way
- bottlenecksConstrictions that impede flow
- roadblocksObstructions blocking forward movement
- difficultiesProblems to overcome
- hurdlesFrames jumped in races
barriers · constraints · limitations · impediments · edge cases · corner cases · dependencies · blockers
parts
Individual elements of whole
- elementsFundamental parts or substances
- piecesParts of something divided
- segmentsSeparate parts of something
units · modules · constituents · subunits · subsections · portions · divisions · partitions · subtasks · subroutines
interdependencies
Reciprocal reliance between parts
- intricacyState of elaborate complexity
- granularityLevel of detail
- interrelationMutual connection between things
nuance · layers · dimensions · variables · parameters · factors · facets · aspects · constraints · dependencies
breakdown
Failure or decomposition
- subdivisionPortion of something larger
- partitioningDividing into sections
- segmentationDivision into sections
chunking · modularity · disaggregation · dissection · slicing · fractionalization · splitting · parsing · factoring · stratification
obstacles
Things in the way
- bottlenecksConstrictions that impede flow
- roadblocksObstructions blocking forward movement
- difficultiesProblems to overcome
hurdles · barriers · constraints · limitations · impediments · edge cases · corner cases · dependencies · blockers · prerequisites
- Divide and Conquersorting, merging, binary search, recursion, splitting