8.4-8.5 and 8.7, due on November 2

1. (Difficult): In 8.4 where does the ln2 come from in the explanation of equation (8.1)? Why did we use that magic number?

Also, an n-bit function has output n or input n? Output n, right?

Finally, 8.5 and 8.7 mostly make sense but examples would help a lot.


2. (Reflection): I like thinking about problems like the birthday and license plate problem! I, for whatever reason, find it fascinating  Now maybe that's why I'm a math major, but I think everyone likes knowing these random things for some reason. That's why people like statistics and trivia. However, these brainteaser problems are more fun because it's not just about collecting information, it's about breaking the puzzle and deriving the answer. That's much more satisfying!

Also, the BSGS system might be easier and faster to compute (and take the same storage space as the birthday attack) but in my opinion the birthday attack is easier to understand.