[OT] stable algorithm with complexity O(n)

[Roy Smith]

Steven D'Aprano <steve at REMOVE-THIS-cybersource.com.au> wrote:

> All the positive thinking in the world won't help you:
> 
> * make a four-sided triangle;
> 
> * split a magnet into two individual poles;

These two are fundamentally different problems.

The first is impossible by definition.  The definition of triangle is, "a 
three-sided polygon".  Asking for a "four-sided triangle" is akin to asking 
for "a value of three which is equal to four".

The second is only "impossible" because it contradicts our understanding 
(based on observation) of how the physical universe works.  Our 
understanding could simply be wrong.  We've certainly been wrong before, 
and we will undoubtedly be proven wrong again in the future.  When it comes 
to things like electromagnetic theory, it doesn't take too many steps to 
get us to the fuzzy edge of quantum physics where we know there are huge 
questions yet to be answered.