The aim of this experiment is to help you understand the concept of recursion in programming. Recursion is a technique where a function solves a problem by calling itself with smaller or simpler inputs, until it reaches a base case that can be solved directly. This approach allows us to break down complex problems into simpler ones and build up the solution step by step.

For example, to compute the $x^{\text{th}}$ number in the Fibonacci sequence, we need to find the $(x-1)^{\text{th}}$ and $(x-2)^{\text{th}}$ numbers first. By repeatedly breaking the main problem into smaller instances of the same problem, we eventually reach cases that are easy to solve. We then use these simple solutions to construct the answer to the original problem.

In programming, recursion means writing a function that calls itself within its own definition. A classic example is the definition of GNU, which stands for _"GNU's Not Unix"_—the name itself is part of its own definition. Another example is placing two mirrors parallel to each other, creating an infinite series of reflections. These are all forms of recursion.

This experiment will guide you through writing and understanding recursive functions, identifying base cases, and recognizing how recursion can simplify problem-solving in computer programming.