Question

A linear search will find the value it is looking for with just one comparison if that value is stored in the ___________ array element.

Short answer

Answer: The linear search algorithm can find the value it is looking for with just one comparison if the target value is stored in the first element of the array.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Linear Search Algorithm

Linear search algorithm is a simple searching technique in which we start from the first element of the array and compare the target value with each element of the array sequentially until we find the target or reach the end of the array. It does not require the array to be sorted.

Identify the array element that allows one comparison

Since the linear search starts from the first element of the array and moves sequentially, it will only take one comparison if the value we are looking for is stored in the first element of the array.