Help with multiple choice question

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The method find is designed to search for a target value within a binary search tree (BST). It correctly returns the TreeNode containing the target value or null if the target is not found. The consensus in the discussion is that option E is the correct answer, as the method will only function as intended if the tree is a binary search tree and the target occurs no more than once in the tree. This is due to the nature of the BST structure and the use of getLeft() and getRight() methods.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of binary search trees (BST)
  • Familiarity with Java programming language
  • Knowledge of the Comparable interface in Java
  • Basic recursion concepts in programming
NEXT STEPS
  • Study the implementation of binary search trees in Java
  • Learn about the Comparable interface and its usage in sorting
  • Explore recursion techniques in programming
  • Investigate the implications of duplicate values in binary search trees
USEFUL FOR

Software developers, computer science students, and anyone interested in understanding binary search tree operations and recursive algorithms.

snipez90
Messages
1,095
Reaction score
5

Homework Statement


Which is true about the method find?

//Return TreeNode with target value, or null if target not found
public static TreeNode find(TreeNode root, Comparable target)
{
if(root == null)
return null;
else if(target.compareTo(root.getValue()) == 0)
return root;
else if(target.compareTo(root.getValue()) < 0)
return find(root.getLeft(), target);
else
return find(root.getRight(), target);
}

A) Method find will never work as intended
B) Method find will always work as intended
C) Method find will only work as intended if target is not in the tree.
D) Method find will always work as intended if the tree is a binary search tree
E) Method find will only work as intended if the tree is a binary search tree and target occurs no more than once in the tree

Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



I chose E. Since it uses methods getLeft() and getRight(), it appears to work only for binary search trees. Also, it target occurred twice, it could return one of two pointers right?
 
Physics news on Phys.org
I'll agree with you and for the same reasons.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
9K
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 0 ·
Replies
0
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
3K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
4K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
6K