The pivot element has to be the last element in the array if it is to be sorted using quick sort.Group of answer choicesDepends on the arrayTrueFalse

Break Down the Problem

1. Understanding Quick Sort: Quick sort is a divide-and-conquer algorithm that sorts an array by selecting a 'pivot' element, partitioning the other elements into two sub-arrays, according to whether they are less than or greater than the pivot.
2. Pivot Element Positioning: The question is asking if the pivot element must always be the last element in the array for quick sort to function correctly.

Relevant Concepts

1. Pivot Selection: In quick sort, the pivot can be selected in various ways (first element, last element, random element, or median).
2. Array Structure: The final position of the pivot after partitioning is determined by its value relative to other elements, not by its initial position.

Analysis and Detail

1. Pivot Examples: If the last element is chosen as the pivot, the partitioning process adjusts elements into two groups based on their comparison with this pivot. However, choosing a different element (like the first or a random one) will also yield a valid sorting.
2. Outcome Independence: The effectiveness of quick sort does not depend on the position of the pivot but rather on its value in relation to the other elements.

Verify and Summarize

• Immediate conclusion indicates the pivot can be any element in the array; hence it does not have to be the last element.
• The quick sort algorithm can function correctly regardless of which element is designated as the pivot.

Final Answer

False. The pivot element does not have to be the last element in the array for quick sort to be executed successfully; any element can be chosen as a pivot.