Trivia ForgePlay free →

What is the name of the 'divide and conquer' algorithm used to find the median of an unsorted array in O(n) worst-case time?

Show answer

Median-of-medians (or Select)

The Median-of-medians algorithm partitions the array into groups of five to find a 'good' pivot. This ensures a balanced split in the recursion, preventing the O(n^2) worst-case behavior typical of the standard Quickselect.

Also asked as:
  • Which algorithm finds the median of an unsorted array in O(n) worst-case time by partitioning the array into groups of five?

Would you remember this in 6 months?

Trivia Forge uses spaced repetition so facts stick. Free, no signup needed.

Turn on Algorithms practice →

More Algorithms trivia

See all 83 →