45.1k views
2 votes
The sequential search algorithm is adequate for small arrays a) True b) False

User Ryanoshea
by
7.4k points

1 Answer

5 votes

Final answer:

Sequential search is true for small arrays because it's simple and efficient for small datasets. Its direct approach works well when the array size is small, but for larger ones, more complex algorithms are necessary.

Step-by-step explanation:

The assertion that the sequential search algorithm is adequate for small arrays is true. Sequential search, also known as linear search, involves checking each element of the array sequentially until the desired element is found or the list is exhausted. This method is simple and does not require the array to be sorted, making it straightforward to implement.

For small arrays, the simplicity and the direct approach of a sequential search can be quite efficient because the difference in performance between it and more complex algorithms is negligible. However, for larger arrays, this method becomes less efficient as it can require examining each element one by one, resulting in a time complexity of O(n), where n is the number of elements in the array.

In contrast, more efficient search algorithms, such as binary search, can significantly reduce the search time in larger, sorted arrays but are more complex to understand and implement. Therefore, while sequential search may not be suitable for large arrays or performance-critical applications, it is entirely adaquate for small-scale or less intensive search operations.

User KaroluS
by
7.2k points