MALABAR SECONDARY SCHOOL
In this lesson you will review five steps to problem sovling.
Click on the music file below to listen to the song.
Can you list the five steps to problem sovling?
DISCLAIMER: We do own the rights to the music used to modify this audio item. This recording was created only for educational purposes
What is an algorithm?
An Algorithm is a finite sequence of instructions that if followed, will allow us to achieve our result.
Characteristics of Algorithms
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Is Unambiguous or Precise: Steps must be clear and specific.
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Has logical sequence: Must flow from one step to another.
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Has inputs
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Has outputs
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Is finite – fixed number of steps.
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Is efficient – minimum amount of steps used.
Ways to represent Algorithms
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Narrative
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Using English like statements to describe the solution to the problem.
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Flowchart (Use of Shapes)
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Using visual representation of the solution using specific shapes and arrows.
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Pseudocode
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As the name implies pseudo – fake code, not an actual programming language but very close.
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Types of Instructions
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Input instructions
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Processing instructions
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Sequencing instructions
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Repeating instructions
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Selecting instructions
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Output instructions
Complete the activities below based on writing out instructions. You should note that each instruction should begin with a verb or action word. These are all algorithms done in the narrative form.
Activity 1
Complete the following in your notebooks.
Activity 2
