algorithm

Algorithms can be expressed in ordinary language, diagrams, or computer code. This topic is part of Computer Science within Technology. This page currently draws on 6 supporting questions, with answers and bonus facts available below.

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algorithm trivia questions

What is an algorithm?

Answer: A step-by-step procedure for solving a problem

Bonus fact: Algorithms can be expressed in ordinary language, diagrams, or computer code.

Before using a standard binary search algorithm, the list being searched normally needs to be what?

Answer: Sorted

Bonus fact: Binary search repeatedly eliminates half of a sorted search range.

What is the typical Big-O time complexity of binary search on a sorted list?

Answer: O(log n)

Bonus fact: Binary search is logarithmic because each comparison cuts the remaining search interval roughly in half.

A feed that selects posts based on predicted user interest is typically driven by what?

Answer: Recommendation algorithm

Bonus fact: Algorithms rank content based on many signals.

A programming language is used to give instructions to what?

Answer: Computer

Bonus fact: Programs express algorithms in a form computers can process.

What basic idea lies behind PageRank?

Answer: Links from important pages can pass importance to other pages

Bonus fact: The algorithm treats links somewhat like weighted endorsements rather than simply counting them equally.

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