Searches: Efficiency

Problem : Why do we need to be able to measure the efficiency of an algorithm?

Problem : Two algorithms are both run on the same machine. The first takes 10 seconds to accomplish its task while the second takes 20 seconds. In general, which algorithm is more efficient?

Problem : Define the "cost" of an algorithm.

Problem : What are three drawbacks to using the "real running time" of an algorithm to measure its efficiency?

Problem : How else could we measure the efficiency of an algorithm such that these concerns about real running time are inconsequential?