A1.10
Part II, 2003
(i) We work over the field of two elements. Define what is meant by a linear code of length . What is meant by a generator matrix for a linear code?
Define what is meant by a parity check code of length . Show that a code is linear if and only if it is a parity check code.
Give the original Hamming code in terms of parity checks and then find a generator matrix for it.
[You may use results from the theory of vector spaces provided that you quote them correctly.]
(ii) Suppose that and let be the largest information rate of any binary error correcting code of length which can correct errors.
Show that
where
[You may assume any form of Stirling's theorem provided that you quote it correctly.]