#1
What is the time complexity of an algorithm that performs a single operation for each element in the input?
O(n)
ExplanationLinear time complexity, where 'n' represents the size of the input.
#2
What is the main advantage of using a greedy algorithm?
Ease of implementation
ExplanationGreedy algorithms are relatively easy to implement and understand.
#3
Which data structure is best suited for implementing a priority queue?
Heap
ExplanationA heap is often used to implement priority queues due to its efficient insertion and extraction of the highest (or lowest) priority element.
#4
Which of the following is a divide-and-conquer algorithm used for sorting?
Quick Sort
ExplanationQuick Sort partitions the array based on a pivot element, sorting elements around it.
#5
Which data structure is commonly used for implementing depth-first search in a graph?
Stack
ExplanationStack data structure is often employed to implement depth-first search (DFS) due to its Last In, First Out (LIFO) nature.
#6
What is the purpose of Big-O notation in algorithm analysis?
To describe the order of growth of an algorithm's running time
ExplanationBig-O notation quantifies the performance of an algorithm in terms of its input size.
#7
Which sorting algorithm has the best time complexity in the average case?
Quick Sort
ExplanationQuick Sort typically has O(n log n) time complexity in the average case.
#8
What is the purpose of memoization in algorithm optimization?
To store and retrieve previously computed results to avoid redundant computations
ExplanationMemoization is a technique used to cache results of expensive function calls to improve efficiency.
#9
In computer science, what does the term 'hashing' refer to?
The process of mapping data to a fixed-size array
ExplanationHashing involves converting data into a fixed-size value, typically for faster retrieval.
#10
Which algorithmic paradigm is commonly used for solving optimization problems by iteratively improving an initial solution?
Local Search
ExplanationLocal search algorithms iteratively refine solutions by making small improvements until an optimal solution is found.
#11
What is dynamic programming used for in algorithm design?
To solve optimization problems by breaking them into subproblems
ExplanationDynamic programming breaks down complex problems into simpler subproblems, solving each only once.
#12
In graph theory, what is the minimum number of edges required to form a connected graph with N vertices?
N-1
ExplanationFor a graph to be connected, it needs at least 'n-1' edges, where 'n' is the number of vertices.
#13
What is the primary purpose of the A* algorithm in pathfinding?
To find the shortest path in a graph
ExplanationA* algorithm efficiently finds the shortest path between nodes in a graph.
#14
What is the significance of the NP-complete class in computational complexity theory?
It includes some of the most challenging and widely studied computational problems
ExplanationNP-complete problems are believed to be among the most difficult problems in computer science, with no known efficient solutions.
#15
What is the main purpose of the Floyd-Warshall algorithm?
Detecting negative cycles in a graph
ExplanationFloyd-Warshall algorithm is used to find the shortest paths in a weighted graph, and it can also detect negative cycles.