Member Avatar for straylight

Basically I am attempting a HW assignment for questions that a frequently asked in interviews. I am not sure if I am having problems with the coding or actually understanding what they question is asking for. Basically I am asked to find an element in a sorted array and that is it. The element I am assuming is the pivot point? I am more so needing help with the understanding than the coding itself but advice on either is welcomed. Keep in mind this is entry level C work I am doing so any advanced explanations will most likely be over my understanding. Here is what I have so far.

#include <stdio.h>

#define size 5

int main()
{
int array[size] = {4, 8, 0, 1, 3}, pivot, i, j, high, low, mid;
high=4;
low=0;

while ( low <= high )
{
    mid=(high + low)/2;
    if (array[low] < array[mid])
        low = mid+1;
    else if (array[mid] < array[high])
        high = mid-1;
    else
        printf("%d is pivot", mid);
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Member Avatar for np complete

Basically I am asked to find an element in a sorted array and that is it

If this is the question, then your code, which is basically binary search will work fine. Of course as its an interview question, they want to see some innovation or knowledge from your side. Perhaps another algorithm which is efficient than binary search. See this, its an quick search algorithm. You can google, to find more search algorithm.

Member Avatar for WaltP

The element I am assuming is the pivot point?

No, it's not a pivot point. It's just a number you need to find.

Basically I am asked to find an element in a sorted array and that is it.

What element? You don't seem to be looking for anything. You need a target number to find in the array

int array[size] = {4, 8, 0, 1, 3}

I thought you said sorted array...

It's asking you to search for a value in the array.

Edited by WaltP
Member Avatar for Bob

Could you post the text of the question, exactly as it was provided to you? That way we'll be able to address any issues with your understanding of it, which is where your uncertainty appears to stem from.

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