Search & Sort Algorithms

Which type of lists are linear search algorithms used for?

• Unsorted lists
• Sorted lists

A binary search algorithm will only work on a list which is in order. True or False

• True
• False

Which one of the following is an advantage of a linear search?

• It takes a long time to find the item.
• It is a simple algorithm to write.
• It is more efficient than a binary search.
• It is a complex algorithm to write.

Using a binary search why will the number 9 never be found in the following list:
11, 8, 13, 9, 7, 3

• It does not work on numbers
• It only works on letters
• The list is not in order

Which of the following descriptions best describes a linear search:

• Put the elements in order, check each item in turn
• Put the elements in order, compare with the middle value, split the list in order and repeat
• Elements do not need to be in order, check each item in turn.
• Elements do not need to be in order, compare to the middle value, split the list in order and repeat.

Which of the following best describes a binary search:

• Put the elements in order, check each item in turn.
• Put the elements in order, compare with the middle value, split the list in order and repeat
• Elements do not need to be in order, check each item in turn.
• Elements do not need to be in order, compare to the middle value, split the list in order and repeat.

A linear search is to be performed on the list:
12, 6, 8, 1, 3
How many searches would it take to find the number 1?

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

A binary search is to be performed on the list:
3, 5, 9, 10, 23
How many comparisons would it take to find the number 9?

• 0-1
• 2-3
• 4-5
• It can't be found

What does a search algorithm do?

• Save data in a list
• Sort data in a list
• Write data to a list
• Search data in a list

Which of the following is a search algorithm?

• A word search
• A binary search
• A number search
• A search engine