Interpolation Search
Interpolation Search estimates the position of the target using interpolation formula, performing better than binary search for uniformly distributed data.
IntermediateTime: O(log log n)Space: O(1)
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## How Interpolation Search Works
Interpolation Search is an improved variant of binary search for uniformly distributed sorted arrays. It estimates the position of the target using interpolation formula.
### Algorithm Steps:
1. Calculate position using: pos = low + ((target - arr[low]) × (high - low)) / (arr[high] - arr[low])
2. If arr[pos] equals target, return pos
3. If arr[pos] < target, search in right half
4. If arr[pos] > target, search in left half
5. Repeat until found or interval is empty
### Key Characteristics:
- **Requires sorted array**: Must be sorted
- **Best for uniform distribution**: O(log log n) for uniformly distributed data
- **Estimates position**: Uses value to guess location
- **Degrades for non-uniform data**: Can be O(n) in worst case
Time & Space Complexity
| Case | Time Complexity |
|---|---|
| Best | O(1) |
| Average | O(log log n) |
| Worst | O(n) |
| Space | O(1) |
Practice Problems
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Practice problems for this algorithm are coming soon!