Topic: Algorithms
The minimum number of arithmetic operations required to evaluate the expression $f(z)=8z^{3}+3z+12$ is
- A. 4
- B. 5
- C. 3
- D. 6
Answer: B. 5
Explanation: Using Horner's method, the expression can be rewritten to minimize operations: $f(z) = z \times (z \times (8z) + 3) + 12$. The operations are: 1) $8 \times z$, 2) $\times z$, 3) $+ 3$, 4) $\times z$, 5) $+ 12$. This results in a total of 3 multiplications and 2 additions, equaling 5 arithmetic operations.