subsequence 🔊
Meaning of subsequence
A sequence that can be derived from another sequence by deleting some or no elements without changing the order of the remaining elements.
Key Difference
A subsequence maintains the original order of elements, unlike a subset which does not require order preservation.
Example of subsequence
- In the sequence [A, B, C, D], [A, C, D] is a valid subsequence.
- The Fibonacci sequence has many interesting subsequences, such as every alternate number forming a new pattern.
Synonyms
subset 🔊
Meaning of subset
A set containing elements all belonging to another set, without requiring order preservation.
Key Difference
A subset does not need to maintain the original order, whereas a subsequence does.
Example of subset
- The set {1, 3} is a subset of {1, 2, 3}, but not necessarily a subsequence unless order is maintained.
- In database queries, a subset of columns may be selected without regard to their original sequence.
segment 🔊
Meaning of segment
A contiguous part of a sequence or a larger structure.
Key Difference
A segment must be contiguous, while a subsequence can skip elements as long as order is preserved.
Example of segment
- A video editor may extract a segment of a film for a preview.
- The segment of DNA responsible for a specific trait was identified by researchers.
extract 🔊
Meaning of extract
A portion taken from a larger whole, often with a focus on content rather than order.
Key Difference
An extract may not preserve the original sequence, while a subsequence strictly does.
Example of extract
- The newspaper published an extract from the president's speech.
- Scientists obtained an extract of the compound for further testing.
fragment 🔊
Meaning of fragment
A small part broken off or detached from a larger sequence or structure.
Key Difference
A fragment may not follow the original order, whereas a subsequence does.
Example of fragment
- Archaeologists discovered a fragment of an ancient manuscript.
- A fragment of the song was used in the advertisement.
portion 🔊
Meaning of portion
A part of a whole, often with an implied division or allocation.
Key Difference
A portion does not necessarily maintain sequence order, unlike a subsequence.
Example of portion
- She saved a portion of her earnings for future investments.
- A portion of the highway was closed for repairs.
selection 🔊
Meaning of selection
A carefully chosen set of elements from a larger group.
Key Difference
A selection may not preserve the original order, while a subsequence does.
Example of selection
- The gallery displayed a selection of the artist's best works.
- A selection of books was donated to the local library.
derivation 🔊
Meaning of derivation
Something derived or obtained from a source, often with transformation.
Key Difference
A derivation may involve changes beyond order preservation, unlike a subsequence.
Example of derivation
- The word 'runner' is a derivation from the verb 'run'.
- The new policy was a derivation of earlier proposals.
excerpt 🔊
Meaning of excerpt
A short extract from a text, film, or piece of music.
Key Difference
An excerpt is typically contiguous, while a subsequence can skip elements.
Example of excerpt
- The professor read an excerpt from the novel to illustrate the theme.
- An excerpt of the interview was broadcast on the news.
sequence 🔊
Meaning of sequence
A particular order in which related events, movements, or elements follow each other.
Key Difference
A sequence is the original ordered set, while a subsequence is derived from it by deletion.
Example of sequence
- The human genome is a sequence of billions of DNA base pairs.
- The dance performance followed a precise sequence of movements.
Conclusion
- A subsequence is essential in mathematics and computer science for analyzing ordered data without requiring contiguity.
- A subset is useful when order does not matter, such as in set theory or database queries.
- A segment is best when referring to contiguous parts, like in video editing or genetic studies.
- An extract is ideal for referring to content taken from a source without strict order preservation.
- A fragment is suitable for broken or incomplete parts, such as in archaeology or music sampling.
- A portion works well when referring to allocated parts of a whole, like finances or infrastructure.
- A selection is appropriate for curated groups, such as in art galleries or book collections.
- A derivation is used when transformations are involved, like in linguistics or policy-making.
- An excerpt is perfect for quoting or referencing small contiguous parts of texts or media.
- A sequence refers to the original ordered set, while a subsequence is derived from it by selective deletion.