1.1 Algorithms Flashcards
What does Ambiguous mean
This means that the instructions can not be misunderstood
what is sequence?
an ordered set of instruction
what does the term algorithm mean
a precise method for solving a problem
what does High level programming language mean?
a programming language that resembles natural human language.
what is flowchart?
a graphical representation of an algorithm
what does pseudo -code means
a structured, code like language that can be used to describe an algorithm
what does variable means?
a container used to store data. The data stored in a variable is referred to as a value.
what does identifier mean?
a unique name given to a variable or a constant
what does arithmetic operator mean?
an operator that performs a calculation on two numbers
what does constant mean?
a container that holds a value that never changes
what does construct mean?
a component from which something is build
what does selection mean?
no construct that means the repetition
what does iteration mean?
a construct that means the repetition of a process. An action is repeated until there is a desired outcome or condition is met. it is often referred to as a loop.
what does nested IF statement means?
a nested IF statement consists of one or more IF statements placed inside each other.
what is indefinite iteration?
this is used when the number of iterations is not know n before the loop is started
what is meant by definite iteration?
this is used when the numbers of iterations,or turns of the loop, is known in advance
what is logical operator?
A Boolean operator using AND, OR and NOT.
what is random number
a number within a given range of numbers that is generated in such a way that each number in the range has an equal chance of occurring.
nested loop
a loop that runs inside another loop.the inner one executes all of its instructions for each turn of the outer loop.
define concatenation ?
the linking together of two or more items of information
what is logic error ?
an error in an algorithm that results in incorrect or unexpected behavior
what is trace table?
a technique used to identify any logic errors in algorithms
what is simulation ?
a representation of a real-world process or system
what is infinite loop?
a loop that is never-ending since the condition required to terminate the loop is never reached.
what is term meant by array?
an organised collection of related values that share a single identifier.
what is ascending order?
this is arranging items from smallest to largest (e.g. 1,2,3,4,5,6)
what is descending order?
this is arranging items from largest to smallest (e.g. 6,5,4,3,2,1)
what is traversal?
travel across or through something an array can be traversed by moving from the first to the last element in order to examine the the data stored at each index position
what is recursion?
a process that is repeated for example, a document can be checked and edited and so on until its perfect.
what is brute force?
an algorithm design that does not include any techniques to improve performance. but instead relies on sheer computing power to try all possibilities until the solution to a problem is found
what is divide and conquer?
an algorithm design that works by dividing a problem into smaller and smaller sub problems until the are easy to solve.
what is meant by median?
The middle number when the number are put in ascending or descending order (e.g:if there are 13 numbers, then the 7th number is the median.
what is computational thinking?
the thought processes involved in formulating problems and their solutions so that the solutions are represented in a form that can be effectively carried out by a computer.
what is Decomposition?
breaking a problem down into smaller, more manageable parts, which are then easier to solve
Abstraction
the process of removing or hiding unnecessary detail so that only the important point remain.
what is Subprogram?
a self-contained module of code that performs a specific task. It can be ‘called’ by the main program when it is needed.
