If an array is sorted in descending order, can binary search still be used?
Practice Questions
Q1
If an array is sorted in descending order, can binary search still be used?
Yes, with modifications
No, it cannot be used
Yes, without modifications
Only for specific cases
Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions
If an array is sorted in descending order, can binary search still be used?
Step 1: Understand what binary search is. It is a method to find an item in a sorted array by repeatedly dividing the search interval in half.
Step 2: Know that binary search works on sorted arrays, but it can be sorted in two ways: ascending (smallest to largest) or descending (largest to smallest).
Step 3: If the array is sorted in descending order, the logic for comparing the middle element with the target element needs to change.
Step 4: In a descending array, if the middle element is greater than the target, you search the right half of the array. If the middle element is less than the target, you search the left half.
Step 5: Implement the binary search algorithm with the adjusted comparison logic for descending order.
Binary Search – A search algorithm that finds the position of a target value within a sorted array.
Sorting Order – The arrangement of elements in a specific sequence, which can be ascending or descending.
Comparison Logic – The method used to compare elements during the search process, which must be adapted for different sorting orders.