Question

    What is the best-case time complexity of the binary

    search algorithm ?
    A O(n) Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    B O(log⁡n) Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    C O(1) Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    D O(n2) Correct Answer Incorrect Answer
    E O(nlog⁡n) Correct Answer Incorrect Answer

    Solution

    The best-case time complexity of the binary search algorithm is O(1), which occurs when the target element is found at the middle index on the very first comparison. Binary search divides the array into two halves and compares the middle element with the target. If the middle element matches the target, the search terminates immediately, requiring only one comparison. This efficiency makes binary search a powerful tool for sorted data. Why Other Options Are Incorrect :

    1. O(n) : This is the time complexity of linear search, where each element is compared sequentially. Binary search is much faster than linear search for sorted data.
    2. O(log ⁡ n) : This is the average and worst-case time complexity of binary search, not the best case.
    3. O(n2) : This is the complexity of algorithms like bubble sort or selection sort, not binary search.
    4. O(nlog ⁡ n) : This is the complexity of efficient sorting algorithms like merge sort, not binary search.

    Practice Next