Example: Sorting

Sorting is a common operation

Many sorting algorithms available, best choice depends on application

PROBLEM:

• INPUT: Sequence of n numbers $\langle a_1, a_2, \ldots, a_n \rangle$
• OUTPUT: Permutation (reordering) $\langle a_1', a_2', \ldots, a_n' \rangle$ of the input sequence such that $a_1' \leq a_2' \leq \ldots \leq a_n'$

INSTANCE:

$\langle 6, 4, 3, 7, 1, 4 \rangle \longrightarrow \langle 1, 3, 4, 4, 6, 7 \rangle$