Subsequence: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'subsecuta', meaning 'following closely' or 'after'.
• It is formed from the prefix 'sub-', meaning 'under' or 'after', and 'sequent', which means 'following'.
• The term has been used in English since the early 18th century to describe ordered sequences.

Mathematics

• In mathematics, a subsequence is derived from a sequence by deleting some elements without changing the order of the remaining elements.
• For example, from the sequence {1, 2, 3, 4}, {2, 4} is a subsequence, while {3, 1} is not since the order is changed.
• Subsequences are crucial in combinatorial optimization and algorithm design.

Computer Science

• In computer science, subsequences are often used to describe efficient data structures and algorithms, especially in string matching.
• Dynamic programming techniques often use subsequences to solve complex problems, such as finding the longest subsequence within a string.
• The notion of subsequence plays a key role in various fields, including bioinformatics for analyzing DNA and protein sequences.

Literature

• In storytelling, subsequences can represent the development of themes or character arcs, where events unfold in a logical order.
• Writers may craft subsequences within plots to build suspense, where certain events lead to climactic moments.
• The structure of poems often follows subsequences of images or metaphors enhancing the overall narrative.

Psychology

• In cognitive psychology, understanding subsequences can help explain how humans process and remember sequences of events.
• Learning often relies on identifying subsequences, where understanding smaller parts aids in grasping the whole concept.
• Subsequences in behavior can illustrate how actions can be linked to form habits, showcasing a chain of related decisions.