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Questions and Answers
What is a linear search?
A linear search is an algorithm that checks each item in a list one at a time to find the desired item.
What is the first step in performing a linear search?
A linear search can be performed efficiently on an ordered list.
False
In what situation is a linear search the only reasonable way to search?
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Whenever there are lots of items, it's important to be able to find the one you need, such as searching through a pack of _____ for a particular card.
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Match the following scenarios with their applicable search method:
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Study Notes
Searching for a Book
- Instructing someone to find a book varies based on the organization of the space (randomly ordered bookcase vs. categorized library section).
Objectives of Linear Search Lesson
- Understand the necessity for computers to search through data efficiently.
- Learn to describe the functionality of linear search for locating items within a list.
- Gain hands-on experience performing linear searches in sample datasets.
Linear Search Concept
- Linear search is an algorithm that examines each item sequentially until the target is found or the list is fully searched.
- It is suitable for unordered lists as it checks items one at a time.
Real-life Applications of Searching
- Computers frequently need to locate specific files or data, similar to searching for clothes in a clothing rail or a specific card in a deck.
- Search engines utilize searching algorithms to match keywords with relevant websites.
Performing a Linear Search
- Start with a clear list of items and identify the item to locate.
- The searching process begins from the first item in the list.
- At each step, compare the current item against the target search item.
- If the current item is not a match, move to the next item.
- Repeat the comparison until the item is found or the end of the list is reached.
Example of Linear Search
- Example setup: cups arranged in random order with numbers hidden underneath, and the target number is 126.
- Sequentially check each cup for the target number until it is located.
Key Characteristics of Linear Search
- It is a simple and straightforward searching method.
- Most effective for smaller or unsorted lists.
- Time complexity is O(n), meaning search time increases linearly with the number of items in the list.
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Description
In this lesson, you will explore the concept of linear search as a fundamental algorithm used in computing. You'll learn how to instruct someone to find a book in different contexts, highlighting how algorithms apply to real-life situations. Understand the importance of searching data efficiently in computer science.
