Entropy and Algorithms: Twenty Questions Problem

This lecture by the instructor covers the 'Twenty Questions Problem' and its relation to Huffman codes, exploring the minimum number of questions needed to identify a random variable and the optimal querying strategy. The lecture also delves into the role of entropy in algorithms, specifically in sorting by pairwise comparisons with binary output. Through examples and observations, the lecture demonstrates how prefix-free codes and ternary codes can be used to efficiently determine outcomes. The content includes discussions on Huffman codes, binary comparisons, and the optimal querying strategy for identifying variables. The lecture concludes with a detailed analysis of the 'Billiard Balls' exercise, showcasing how unique sequences of weighings can specify outcomes and the application of ternary codes in solving complex problems.