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)).

YB
Answered by Yagna B. Computing tutor

1524 Views

See similar Computing A Level tutors

Related Computing A Level answers

All answers ▸

Express the number 208 as a) an 8-bit binary number b) an octal string c) a hexadecimal string


What is the difference between local and global variables?


Describe a difference between an array and a linked list.


Describe what is meant by a modular design and state on advantage of a modular design.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning