Comparing 1024 numbers - Part 1
Computer Science
Level
2
The computer is storing 1024 (distinct) numbers.
You can choose any 2, and it will tell you which number is larger and which is smaller.
What is the minimum number of comparisons that you need in order to find the maximum of these 1024 numbers?
The answer is 1023.
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1 solution
As we have to find the number of comparisons to find the largest number among 1024 numbers we have to eliminate 1023 numbers for which it requires 1023 comparisons..Also no two numbers are related to each other, so we can't eliminate 2 or more numbers by only one comparison.. Hence, minimum number is 1023