Using a single processor, finding the largest of N numbers takes ____ time.
A) θ (1)
B) θ (NlogN)
C) θ (N2)
D) θ (N)

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In order to find the largest of N numbers, the processor needs to compare each number with the current maximum value found so far. Therefore, it needs to perform N - 1 comparisons in the worst case scenario. This means that the time complexity of finding the largest of N numbers using a single processor is θ(N).

Using a Single Processor, Finding the Largest of N Numbers