Algorithms: Master the Step-by-Step Problem-Solving Techniques for Computers

Question 1

What is the time complexity of the binary search algorithm?

Accepted Answer

O(log n)

Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(n^2)

Question 2

Merge Sort employs which approach to organize data?

Accepted Answer

Merge Sort

Answer

Bubble Sort

Answer

Insertion Sort

Answer

Selection Sort

Question 3

What is the time complexity of a linear search algorithm with n elements?

Accepted Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(1)

Answer

O(log n)

Answer

O(n^2)

Question 4

Dijkstra's algorithm is a type of:

Accepted Answer

Dijkstra's algorithm

Answer

Bellman-Ford algorithm

Answer

A* search

Answer

Floyd-Warshall algorithm

Question 5

In A* search, the heuristic function primarily:

Accepted Answer

Provides an estimate of the remaining distance to the goal

Answer

Maintains a list of visited nodes

Answer

Determines the order in which nodes are expanded

Answer

Calculates the exact shortest path

Question 6

Which data structure is commonly employed in depth-first search (DFS)?

Accepted Answer

Stack

Answer

Queue

Answer

Linked List

Answer

Binary Search Tree

Question 7

Which of the following epitomizes a non-deterministic polynomial-time (NP) problem?

Accepted Answer

Traveling Salesman Problem

Answer

Longest Common Subsequence

Answer

Bubble Sort

Answer

Linear Search

Question 8

What is the significance of asymptotic analysis in designing algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Predicts the efficiency of an algorithm as the input size grows

Answer

Determines the precise number of operations an algorithm will execute

Answer

Provides a measure of an algorithm's accuracy

Answer

Helps select the optimal algorithm for a given problem

Question 9

Which of the following is not a fundamental type of algorithm covered in this unit?

Accepted Answer

Graph theory

Answer

Sorting

Answer

Searching

Answer

Optimization

Question 10

What is the time complexity of a linear search, where the algorithm sequentially checks each element in a list?

Accepted Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(1)

Answer

O(n²)

Answer

O(log n)

Question 11

Which sorting algorithm maintains the order of equal elements during sorting?

Accepted Answer

Merge sort

Answer

Selection sort

Answer

Bubble sort

Answer

Insertion sort

Question 12

What is a primary purpose of using recursion in algorithm design?

Accepted Answer

To break down complex problems into smaller, manageable parts

Answer

To avoid using loops

Answer

To reduce memory usage

Answer

To increase code complexity

Question 13

How does an algorithm differ from a program in the context of computer science?

Accepted Answer

Algorithms are abstract concepts, while programs are specific implementations

Answer

Algorithms are reusable, while programs are not

Answer

Algorithms are inherently more efficient than programs

Answer

There is no difference between algorithms and programs

Question 14

Which of the following real-world applications illustrates the use of sorting algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Alphabetizing a list of names in an address book

Answer

Finding the shortest route in a GPS navigation system

Answer

Predicting stock market trends

Answer

Compressing video files

Question 15

What is the primary objective of asymptotic analysis in algorithm design?

Accepted Answer

To estimate the performance of an algorithm as the input size grows indefinitely

Answer

To determine the exact number of steps an algorithm will take for a given input

Answer

To compare the performance of different algorithms

Answer

To avoid using mathematical notation

Question 16

Which algorithm design paradigm involves solving a problem by breaking it down into smaller, independent subproblems?

Accepted Answer

Divide-and-conquer

Answer

Greedy

Answer

Dynamic programming

Answer

Backtracking

Question 17

What is the Big-O notation for an algorithm that performs a fixed number of operations regardless of the input size?

Accepted Answer

O(1)

Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(n²)

Answer

O(log n)

Question 18

Which characteristic is NOT true for all algorithms?

Accepted Answer

They can guarantee the correctness of the output.

Answer

They are precise and unambiguous.

Answer

Their behavior is dependent on their input.

Answer

They always produce an output after a finite number of steps.

Question 19

What is the time complexity of a successful binary search algorithm?

Accepted Answer

O(log n)

Answer

O(1)

Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(n^2)

Question 20

What is the primary function of a hash function in a hash table?

Accepted Answer

It maps a key to a unique index within the table.

Answer

It sorts the elements stored in the hash table.

Answer

It is used to store the data in the hash table.

Answer

It enables searching for a key within the hash table.

Question 21

Which of the following algorithms utilizes a recursive approach?

Accepted Answer

Factorial calculation

Answer

Linear search

Answer

Bubble sort

Answer

Merge sort

Question 22

Describe the fundamental difference between a stack and a queue data structure.

Accepted Answer

A stack operates on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) basis, while a queue operates on a First In, First Out (FIFO) basis.

Answer

A queue operates on a Last In, First Out (LIFO) basis, while a stack operates on a First In, First Out (FIFO) basis.

Answer

A stack stores elements sequentially, whereas a queue stores elements in a circular manner.

Answer

A queue stores elements sequentially, whereas a stack stores elements in a circular manner.

Question 23

Which of the following is not a type of search algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Recursion

Answer

Breadth-first search

Answer

Depth-first search

Answer

Binary search

Question 24

What is the primary purpose of a heuristic function in the A* search algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To estimate the distance to the goal node

Answer

To guarantee finding the shortest path

Answer

To store the sequence of visited nodes

Answer

To generate all possible next moves

Question 25

What is the primary purpose of an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

To provide a precise solution to a specific problem

Answer

To generate random data, without a specific purpose.

Answer

To display information on a screen, in a visually appealing way.

Answer

To optimize a given solution to be as efficient as possible.

Question 26

Consider an algorithm that iterates through an array of size 'n' and performs a constant number of operations for each element. What is its time complexity?

Accepted Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(1)

Answer

O(log n)

Answer

O(n^2)

Question 27

Which sorting algorithm is renowned for maintaining the relative order of equal elements, a property known as stability?

Accepted Answer

Merge Sort

Answer

Bubble Sort

Answer

Insertion Sort

Answer

Quick Sort

Question 28

In a breadth-first search (BFS) algorithm, which data structure is employed as the primary means of storing and processing data?

Accepted Answer

Queue

Answer

Array

Answer

Stack

Answer

Tree

Question 29

Which of the following is NOT a recognized technique for optimizing algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Recursion

Answer

Memoization

Answer

Dynamic Programming

Answer

Loop Unrolling

Question 30

What is the fundamental distinction between a greedy algorithm and a dynamic programming algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Greedy algorithms prioritize locally optimal choices, while dynamic programming algorithms consider the global impact of choices.

Answer

Greedy algorithms utilize recursion, whereas dynamic programming algorithms employ iteration.

Answer

Greedy algorithms are inherently faster than dynamic programming algorithms.

Answer

Greedy algorithms leverage recursion, while dynamic programming algorithms utilize memoization.

Question 31

Which of the following is a common and valuable application of graph algorithms?

Accepted Answer

All of the above (social network analysis, routing, and scheduling)

Answer

Analyzing social networks and their connections

Answer

Determining the most efficient routes and navigation paths

Answer

Scheduling tasks and optimizing resource allocation

Question 32

In the context of hash tables, what is the primary purpose of a hash function?

Accepted Answer

To map a key to a specific index within a table

Answer

To organize data in a specific order, based on key values

Answer

To compare two keys and determine if they are equal

Answer

To generate random numbers for use in the hash table

Question 33

Which of the following characteristics is essential for an algorithm to be considered efficient?

Accepted Answer

All of the above (low time and space complexity, simplicity)

Answer

Low time complexity, indicating fast execution

Answer

Low space complexity, requiring minimal memory usage

Answer

Simplicity and readability, making it easy to understand and modify

Question 34

In the context of algorithm development, what is the primary objective of unit testing?

Accepted Answer

To verify the correctness of individual functions within the algorithm

Answer

To ensure the overall functionality of the entire algorithm

Answer

To enhance the performance and efficiency of the algorithm

Answer

To document the design and implementation of the algorithm

Question 35

What is a key characteristic of a greedy algorithm?

Accepted Answer

It makes choices that seem best at each step, without considering the overall impact.

Answer

It always finds the best possible solution.

Answer

It runs in a short amount of time for all problems.

Answer

It takes a very long time to run.

Question 36

Which of the following is not a sorting algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Binary Search

Answer

Bubble Sort

Answer

Merge Sort

Answer

Quick Sort

Question 37

What is the average time complexity of a linear search?

Accepted Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(1)

Answer

O(log n)

Answer

O(n^2)

Question 38

A sentinel value in an algorithm is used to:

Accepted Answer

Denote the end of a list or array

Answer

Store the current index of the algorithm

Answer

Represent an error condition

Answer

Improve the efficiency of the algorithm

Question 39

A potential limitation of using binary search is that it:

Accepted Answer

Requires the input array to be sorted

Answer

Can be slower than linear search for small arrays

Answer

Is not suitable for searching unsorted arrays

Answer

Is inherently difficult to implement

Question 40

Why is asymptotic analysis essential for evaluating the efficiency of algorithms?

Accepted Answer

It enables us to compare algorithm performance as input size approaches infinity.

Answer

It is a simple technique applicable to all algorithms.

Answer

It accurately predicts an algorithm's running time for any input.

Answer

It is exclusively used to analyze sorting algorithms.

Question 41

Which of the following is NOT a defining characteristic of an algorithm?

Accepted Answer

It is guaranteed to run in a reasonable amount of time.

Answer

It consists of a finite number of well-defined steps.

Answer

It always produces the desired output for a given input.

Answer

It is independent of the specific programming language used for implementation.

Question 42

What is the time complexity of the bubble sort algorithm?

Accepted Answer

O(n^2)

Answer

O(n)

Answer

O(n log n)

Answer

O(n^3)

Question 43

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Ambiguity

Answer

Provide step-by-step solutions

Answer

Efficiency

Answer

Finiteness

Question 44

What best describes a greedy algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Local decision-making without considering global impact

Answer

Guarantee to find optimal solutions

Answer

Recursive in nature

Question 45

Which sorting algorithm has a time complexity of O(n^2)?

Accepted Answer

Bubble sort

Answer

Heapsort

Answer

Quicksort

Answer

Merge sort

Question 46

What role does a hash function play in a hash table?

Accepted Answer

Map keys to unique table indices

Answer

Search for data in the table

Answer

Store data in the table

Question 47

Distinguish between deterministic and non-deterministic algorithms.

Accepted Answer

Deterministic algorithms output the same result for the same input, while non-deterministic algorithms may output different results.

Answer

Deterministic algorithms are more efficient

Question 48

Which problem can be solved using a backtracking algorithm?

Accepted Answer

Finding all possible Sudoku puzzle solutions

Answer

Sorting number lists

Answer

Locating the shortest graph path

Answer

Searching for specific array elements

Question 49

Describe dynamic programming's key idea.

Accepted Answer

Breaking down problems into subproblems and storing solutions to avoid redundant calculations

Answer

Using recursion to solve problems

Question 50

Which is NOT an advantage of using algorithms?

Accepted Answer

Algorithms may introduce output errors

Answer

Automate tasks

Answer

Enhance task efficiency

Answer

Provide repeatable solutions

Question 51

Why analyze an algorithm's time complexity?

Accepted Answer

Determine efficiency based on input size

Answer

Estimate memory usage

Answer

Assess output accuracy