Chapter 8: Problem 11

The ________ search algorithm requires that the array's contents be sorted.

Short Answer

Expert verified

Answer: The Binary Search Algorithm is a type of search algorithm that requires the input array to be sorted and reduces the search range by half every iteration, ensuring a fast and efficient search with a time complexity of O(log n).

Step by step solution

Identify the search algorithm

The search algorithm in question is the Binary Search Algorithm. This algorithm works efficiently on sorted arrays and has a time complexity of O(log n).

Basic concept of binary search

The binary search algorithm works by iteratively selecting the middle element of the sorted array and comparing it to the target value. If the middle element is equal to the target value, the search is successful. If the middle element is less than the target value, the search continues in the right subset, and if the middle element is greater than the target value, the search continues in the left subset.

Define necessary variables

Create variables to store the left and right boundaries of the search range. Initially, the left boundary will be at the start of the array (index 0), and the right boundary will be at the end of the array (index n-1, since array indices start at 0).

Iterate until the search range is empty

While the left boundary is less than or equal to the right boundary, continue searching for the target value.

Calculate the middle index

Find the middle index of the search range. Use the formula middle_index = (left + right) // 2, where // denotes integer division.

Compare the middle element with the target value

Compare the middle element and the target value. If the middle element is equal to the target value, return the middle index as the result. If the middle element is less than the target value, set the left boundary to middle_index + 1. If the middle element is greater than the target value, set the right boundary to middle_index - 1.

Handling unsuccessful search

If the loop ends without finding the target value, that means the search was unsuccessful. In this case, return -1 to indicate that the target value was not found in the array. The binary search algorithm effectively reduces the search range by half every iteration, ensuring a fast and efficient search in a sorted array.

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The ________ search algorithm requires that the array's contents be sorted.

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identify the search algorithm

Basic concept of binary search

Define necessary variables

Iterate until the search range is empty

Calculate the middle index

Compare the middle element with the target value

Handling unsuccessful search

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