Question

The _________ search algorithm requires that the array's contents be sorted.

Short answer

Answer: Binary Search

Step-by-step solution

List common search algorithms

There are two common search algorithms - Linear Search and Binary Search.

Determine which algorithm requires a sorted array

Linear search works with both sorted and unsorted arrays, as it iterates through each element, checking if it matches the target value. On the other hand, Binary search specifically requires the input array to be sorted, as it repeatedly divides the array into two halves and searches for the target value in the more likely half based on the value's comparison with the middle element.

Answer the question

The search algorithm that requires the array's contents to be sorted is the Binary Search algorithm.