VISVESVARAYA TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY

Jnana Sanama, Belgavi-590010

REPORT ON
First order recurrence relations

Submitted in partial fulfilment for the requirements of 4tsh emester

BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING
IN
COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
For the Academic Year 2025-26

Submitted by:Hanuma Aditya (1MV23CS044)

Under the Guidance of: Dr. V Nagaradhika

Associate Professor, Department of Mathematics

SIR M. VISVESVARAYA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY

Bengaluru-562157
DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

Certificate
It is certified that the report entitled “First order recurrence relations ” carried out by Hanuma Aditya
(1MV23CS044). In fulfilment for the requirements of the report work for the fourth semester
curriculum Bachelor of Engineering in Computer Science & Engineering of the Visvesvaraya
Technological University, Belagavi during the year 2025-2026. It is certified that all the corrections and
suggestion indicated for the internal assessment have been incorporated in the report. The report has
been approved as it satisfies the academic requirements with respect to the course of Bachelor of
Engineering.

Name & Signature of Guide

Dr. V Nagaradhika
Associate Professor
Dept. of Mathematics, Sir MVIT
Bengaluru-562157
2
 Table of Contents
Topic Page
Abstract Introduction 4
Types of Recurrence Relations 5
Solved exmaples 6
Applications in Engineering 7-8
Illustrative Examples 9-10
Summary and Conclusion 11

3
 Abstract

This report explores the concept of recurrence relations and their diverse applications in engineering.
Recurrence relations are mathematical expressions that define each term of a sequence using
preceding terms. These formulas are fundamental in modeling systems that exhibit recursive or time-
dependent behavior. By classifying and analyzing different types of recurrence relations—particularly
first-order linear relations—the report highlights their critical role in algorithm analysis, population
modeling, memory prediction, and financial forecasting. Real-world examples such as Merge Sort
complexity, Fibonacci sequence, and savings with compound interest are discussed to demonstrate
practical implementation. The report aims to bridge the gap between theoretical mathematics and
real-life engineering challenges, providing a foundation for further exploration in computational
modeling, system optimization, and artificial intelligence.

4
 Introduction

In engineering, mathematical modeling plays a crucial role in solving complex real-world

problems. One such powerful mathematical tool is recurrence relations. These formulas
define elements of a sequence based on one or more of its previous elements.
Recurrence relations allow engineers and computer scientists to model processes that
evolve over time, such as memory consumption, population growth, and algorithm
performance. This report explores the concept of recurrence relations, their types, and
real-life applications in various engineering domains, thereby establishing their practical
significance and importance in solving technical challenges.

5
 First order recurrence relations
What are Recurrence Relations?
A recurrence relation is an equation that recursively defines a sequence where each term is a
function of one or more of the preceding terms.
General Form of a First Order Linear Recurrence Relation:
aₙ = c · aₙ₋₁ + f(n)
Where:
- aₙ: the current term
- aₙ₋₁: the previous term
- c: a constant coefficient
- f(n): a known function of n

Types of Recurrence Relations

Recurrence relations are broadly classified based on their structure:
- Homogeneous: No external function f(n), e.g., aₙ = 2aₙ₋₁
- Non-Homogeneous: Includes a non-zero function f(n), e.g., aₙ = 2aₙ₋₁ + 3
- Linear: Terms are linear (raised only to the power 1)
- Non-Linear: Terms may include powers, products, or other non-linear operations

6
 Solved Examples

7
Solved Examples

8
 Applications

Algorithm Time Complexity

In computer science and software engineering, recurrence relations are indispensable in analyzing
recursive algorithms like Merge Sort, Binary Search, or Quick Sort.
Example: For Merge Sort, the time complexity can be expressed as:
T(n) = 2T(n/2) + n
Solving this recurrence gives: T(n) = O(n log n)
4.2 Population Growth Modeling
Recurrence relations model population dynamics under assumptions of growth rates and resource
limitations.
Example: Pₙ = r · Pₙ₋₁

4.3 Memory Usage Prediction in Systems

Modern computing systems require precise prediction of resource utilization.
Example: Mₙ = Mₙ₋₁ + ΔM

Engineering and Technology

Heat Transfer Modeling:

In thermal systems, temperature at time n may depend on the previous state:
Used in HVAC, engine cooling systems, and climate modeling.

Signal Processing (Filters):

Digital low-pass filters often use recurrence formulas:
Where xnx_nxn​is input and yny_nyn​is the filtered output.

Control Systems:
Controllers like PID may involve discrete control laws derived from recurrence relations:

Computer Science

Cache Usage Modeling:

To estimate usage over time:
Neural Networks (Backpropagation Weights):
Weight updates in optimization can be modeled

9
 Illustrative Examples

Fibonacci Sequence
F(n) = F(n-1) + F(n-2), with base cases F(0)=0, F(1)=1
Applications include nature (spirals), computing (dynamic programming), and financial
forecasting.

5.2 Savings Model with Monthly Interest

Aₙ = 1.02 · Aₙ₋₁ + 1000
This recurrence models monthly savings growth with 2% interest.

Temperature Regulation
Scenario: A room’s temperature is controlled such that each minute, 90% of the previous
temperature is retained, and a heater adds 2°C.
Recurrence Relation:
Tn​=0.9⋅Tn−1​+2,T0​=20

Bacterial Colony Doubling with Antibiotic

Scenario: A bacterial colony doubles each hour, but a portion is killed by antibiotics,
removing 1000 cells.

Software Bug Accumulation

Scenario: A program accumulates 5 new bugs per week, while 2 bugs are fixed weekly.
Recurrence Relation:
Bn=Bn−1+5−2=Bn−1+3,B0=10B_n = B_{n-1} + 5 - 2 = B_{n-1} + 3, \quad B_0 = 10

10
 Summary and Conclusion

Recurrence relations are fundamental tools for modeling recursive and time-based
processes.
Their applications range from computing algorithms and financial forecasting to biological
and system modeling.
Mastery of first-order linear recurrence relations enables engineers to analyze and predict
outcomes efficiently.
Understanding these concepts is essential for students, researchers, and professionals
aiming to bridge theory with real-world system behavior.

Recommendations for Further Study

To build upon this foundation, readers are encouraged to explore:
Solving recurrence relations using characteristic equations
Non-linear and higher-order recurrence relations
Generating functions for closed-form solutions
Applications in Artificial Intelligence (e.g., neural network backpropagation modeling)
Dynamic programming in problem-solving platforms like LeetCode and Codeforces

Engineering Relevance
Recurrence relations provide engineers with tools to:
Model sequential behavior in systems
Design solutions under temporal and resource constraints
Predict outcomes for optimization (e.g., simulations, scheduling)

11