PowerOf calculation

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Calculating the power of a given number can be done recursively as well. Given a base number n and exponent e, we need to make sure to split the problem in chunks by decreasing the exponent e.

Theoretical Example:

2² = 2x2
2³ = 2x2x2 or, 2³ = 2² x 2In there lies the secret of our recursive algorithm (see the code below). This is about taking the problem and separating it into smaller and simpler to solve chunks.

Notes

when the base number is 0, we have to be aware to return 0 as 0³ = 0 x 0 x 0
when the exponent is 0, we have to be aware to always return 1, as this is a mathematical rule.

Code Example:

public int CalcPowerOf(int b, int e) {
    if (b == 0) { return 0; } // when base is 0, it doesn't matter, it will always return 0
    if (e == 0) { return 1; } // math rule, exponent 0 always returns 1
    return b * CalcPowerOf(b, e - 1); // actual recursive logic, where we split the problem, aka: 2³ = 2 * 2² etc..
}

Tests in xUnit to verify the logic: Although this is not necessary, it’s always good to write tests to verify your logic. I include those here written in the xUnit framework.

[Theory]
[MemberData(nameof(PowerOfTestData))]
public void PowerOfTest(int @base, int exponent, int expected) {
    Assert.Equal(expected, CalcPowerOf(@base, exponent));
}

public static IEnumerable<object[]> PowerOfTestData() {
    yield return new object[] { 0, 0, 0 };
    yield return new object[] { 0, 1, 0 };
    yield return new object[] { 2, 0, 1 };
    yield return new object[] { 2, 1, 2 };
    yield return new object[] { 2, 2, 4 };
    yield return new object[] { 5, 2, 25 };
    yield return new object[] { 5, 3, 125 };
    yield return new object[] { 5, 4, 625 };
}

Found a mistake? Have a question or improvement idea? Let me know.

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