A fixed unique-read source shows how read length changes coverage. Exact arithmetic here means exact results for the stated model inputs; measured inputs still carry uncertainty and significant-figure limits.

highlighted = computed this step

The unique-read source stays fixed

The duplicate filter gives 24 unique reads. Only read length changes across the scan.

30    6=2430\;-\;6=24
Duplicate filter ledgerRaw read count minus duplicate read count pins the unique-read count.raw=30duplicates=6unique=24accepted=1

Shorter reads can miss the coverage gate

With read length 25, coverage is three-halves x, below the minimum 3, so the accepted bit is 0.

2425/400=32<324\cdot25/400=\frac{3}{2}<3
Coverage acceptance gateUnique reads, read length, and genome size decide the exact coverage gate.unique=24readLength=25bases=600genome=400coverage=3/2 xmin=3 xaccepted=0

The middle read length reaches the boundary

With read length 50, the same unique-read source gives exactly 3x coverage and accepted bit 1.

2450/400=3324\cdot50/400=3\ge3
Coverage acceptance gateUnique reads, read length, and genome size decide the exact coverage gate.unique=24readLength=50bases=1200genome=400coverage=3 xmin=3 xaccepted=1

Longer reads pass by the same source arithmetic

Read length 75 gives coverage nine-halves x and accepted bit 1.

2475/400=92324\cdot75/400=\frac{9}{2}\ge3
Coverage acceptance gateUnique reads, read length, and genome size decide the exact coverage gate.unique=24readLength=75bases=1800genome=400coverage=9/2 xmin=3 xaccepted=1