The _________ search algorithm requires that the array’s contents be sorted.

The search algorithm referred to in this exercise is the Binary Search Algorithm. The binary search algorithm is an efficient method to find the position of an element (the target value) within a sorted array.

The binary search algorithm works by repeatedly dividing the array into half and determining in which half the target value lies. Each time the array size is reduced it becomes easier to find the target value as there are fewer options to consider.

The binary search algorithm relies on the fact the array is sorted, as it allows the algorithm to eliminate half the remaining elements with each iteration based on a simple comparison. Given that it is sorted, the algorithm can quickly determine which half of the array to search in based on the middle element and the target value. If the array were not sorted, the binary search algorithm would not be able to make such decisions, and thus, be ineffective at searching for the target value efficiently.

Here's a breakdown of the binary search algorithm applied to a sorted array: 1. Find the middle element of the array. 2. Compare the middle element with the target value. - If the middle element is equal to the target value, the target has been found. - If the middle element is less than the target value, search in the right half of the array. - If the middle element is greater than the target value, search in the left half of the array. 3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 for the new subarray until the target is found or the subarray has no elements left. In conclusion, the binary search algorithm is an efficient way to find a target value in a sorted array, because it takes advantage of the array's sorted nature to quickly eliminate half of the possible elements in each iteration.