Algorithm Design and Problem Solving

Question 1

Algorithm

Answer 1

Each system and sub system in a computer is created from a series of instructions that tell the computer what to do. These instructions are known as algorithms.

Question 2

Subroutine

Answer 2

A short section of code within a program. A small section of the program that is part of a larger program.

Question 3

Library routine

Answer 3

A collection of common functions and subroutines that can be used in another program.

Question 4

Algorithm Design Methods

Answer 4

Top down design
Structure diagrams
Flowcharts
Pseudocode

Question 5

Complex problem

Answer 5

Referred to the system when designing the computer system

Question 6

Sub problem

Answer 6

Referred to the sub systems

Question 7

Top down design

Answer 7

A design method where an overall task (overall system) is broken down into smaller tasks (sub systems)

Question 8

Decomposition

Answer 8

The process of breaking down larger tasks into smaller tasks. Such as breaking down smaller tasks into more sub or smaller tasks.

Question 9

Structure diagram

Answer 9

A diagram that shows tasks that have been broken down and how they relate to each other.

Question 10

Module

Answer 10

Individual section of code that can be used by other programs. Each box of the structure diagram.

Question 11

Flow chart

Answer 11

A way of representing the structure and flow of an algorithm. It shows the sequence, paths and loops in an algorithm.

Question 12

Pseudocode

Answer 12

A text based method of describing an algorithm

Question 13

Syntax

Answer 13

The structure of a programming language

Question 14

Test data

Answer 14

Known as sample data which is used to test each part of the code to make it bug free

Question 15

Normal data

Answer 15

A type of test data where valid data which the code accepts is entered to check the code

Question 16

Extreme data

Answer 16

A type of test data where valid data which the code accepts is entered but that data will be close to the boundaries of what it accepts to check the code.

Question 17

Invalid data

Answer 17

A type of test data which the code doesn’t accept. An invalid data will be entered to check the code

Question 18

Validation

Answer 18

Automatic checks that ensure that data is sensible and possible when entering data

Question 19

Verification

Answer 19

A check to see the data entered is correct

Question 20

Check digit

Answer 20

A form of validation that checks the set of numbers has been entered correctly by using calculations and comparing to the check digit value.

Question 21

Dry run

Answer 21

Paper-based run through of an algorithm or program.

Question 22

Trace table

Answer 22

A table used to trace the values of variable by carrying out the program. Dry run is done by using a trace table