Write pseudocode for the binary search algorithm and state, with an explanation, it's worst case complexity in big-O notation

procedure binarySearch(A[], start, end, item): if start <= end: i = ceil((start + end) / 2)
if A[i] = item: return i if A[i] > item: return binarySearch(A[], i + 1, end, item) if A[i] < item: return binarySearch(A[], start, end -1, item) else: return -1 //item not found in A[]
Big-O worst case complexity is O(log(n)):Worst case occurs when the search reduces the array down to one element as this takes the most number of steps. In this case the number of steps taken is how many times the array, of length n, is halved until one element is left i.e. n/2^steps = 1. After rearranging this equation, the value of the steps variable is calculated by finding log2(n). In big-O notation the base of the log is irrelevant so it becomes O(log(n)).

Answered by Yagna B. Computing tutor

1212 Views

See similar Computing A Level tutors

Related Computing A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe the 4 layers of the TCP/IP model


Describe how wireless networks make use of the CSMA/CA method along with RTS/CTS to transmit data reliably between devices


A common construct found in many algorithms is a loop. Using pseudocode, write a pre-condition loop to output all of the even numbers between 99 and 201.


What is the difference between validation and verification?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences