How do I search for a number in a 2d array sorted left to right and top to bottom?

Question

I was recently given this interview question and I\'m curious what a good solution to it would be.

Say I\'m given a 2d array where all the numbers i

Answer 1

A. Do a binary search on those lines where the target number might be on.

B. Make it a graph : Look for the number by taking always the smallest unvisited neighbour node and backtracking when a too big number is found

Answer 2

I suggest, store all characters in a 2D list. then find index of required element if it exists in list.

If not present print appropriate message else print row and column as:

row = (index/total_columns) and column = (index%total_columns -1)

This will incur only the binary search time in a list.

Please suggest any corrections. :)