# CPU Execution Time / Performance

I'm trying to solve a question concerning performance. I have the final answer (24 * 10^9)but I can't determine how to get there.

I know the formula for performance is

Execution time: CPI * I * 1/CR CPI = Cycles Per Instruction I = Instructions

Question: Determine the number of instructions for P2 that reduces its execution time to that of P3.

The first step should be to find out the cycles per Instruction for P3. The equation would be:

  8 = 1 / (2.5) * CPI * 40
8 = 1/ 2.5 * CPI * 40
8 = .4 * CPI * 40
8 = 160 CPI
1 =                80 / 16


I know the answer here should be 0.008 CPI, but I don't understand how to get there. 2.5 * 40 would be 100, but it doesn't make mathematical sense to me. What am I missing? Thanks.

• There is a calculation mistake. 0.4*40 = 16 and not 160. So CPI = 8/16=0.5. Otherwise every thing you did was correct. You have reconfirm the answer of 0.008 from other sources. You can always find some mistakes in books. – Damon Dec 7 '14 at 5:01
• I'm sorry but I know that the answer ultimately is 24*10^9. I don't know how I could get there with 0.5 by plugging it into P2's equation for CPI. Please correct me if I'm wrong. – Carlo Dec 7 '14 at 16:41