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Thread: Algorithm test question

  1. #1
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    Default Algorithm test question

    Here is the question: Given an array of 1000 elements in sorted order what is the
    largest possible value that will be printed when the array is
    passed to method mystery?


    And here is the mystery code
    public int mystery(int[] v, int t) { 
     
     int w = 0; 
     int h = v.length - 1; 
     int c = 0; 
     while(w <= h)
     { 
     
    c++; 
     int m = (w + h) >>> 1; 
            if(v[m] < t) {h = m - 1}; 
     
         else if(v[m] > t) {w = m + 1}; 
     
        else { 
     
    System.out.print(c); 
     
    return m; 
     } 
     } 
     
     System.out.print(c); 
     
    return -(w + 1); 
    }

    Could someone explain it to me how this is 9? It would be greatly appreciated.
    Last edited by javapava; March 16th, 2013 at 02:49 PM. Reason: make code more readable and understandable


  2. #2
    Super Moderator Norm's Avatar
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    Default Re: Algorithm test question

    Please edit the code and properly format it. Its poor formatting makes it hard to read and understand.
    Nested statements should be indented
    Statements inside of if statement control should be enclosed in {}s
    }s should not be in the same column.
    If you don't understand my answer, don't ignore it, ask a question.

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    Default Re: Algorithm test question

    Norm, I tried to make the code more easier to read and understandable. I tried working it out a few times, but I am still confused.

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    Default Re: Algorithm test question

    The formatting is different, but I can't say its formatting is better.
    There are {}s on the same line with the if and else
    There are }s one beneath the other.

    To see what the code is doing, add some printlns to print out the values of the variables as they are changed and used.
    If you don't understand my answer, don't ignore it, ask a question.

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    Default Re: Algorithm test question

    The code has some syntax errors.

    If you test this class, try using t = -1 and see what value is printed out.

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