Algorithms

Question 1

Define computational thinking

Answer 1

The steps taken to find a solution to a complex problem

Question 2

Define decomposition

Answer 2

Breaking down a complex problem into smaller problems and solving each one individually

Question 3

Define abstraction

Answer 3

Taking out the important information from a problem

Question 4

Define algorithmic thinking

Answer 4

A logical way of getting from a problem to a solution

Question 5

Define pseudocode

Answer 5

Shows the steps of an algorithm without following syntax

Question 6

Define flowcharts

Answer 6

Can be used to show commands in an algorithm

Question 7

What does an oval represent in a flow chart?

Answer 7

Start/End

Question 8

What does a rhombus represent in a flowchart?

Answer 8

Input/Output

Question 9

What does a rectangle with lines represent in a flowchart?

Answer 9

Subroutine

Question 10

What does a rectangle represent in a flowchart?

Answer 10

Process/Calculation

Question 11

What does a diamond represent in a flowchart?

Answer 11

Decision

Question 12

Define search algorithm

Answer 12

Computers use this to find items in a list

Question 13

Define binary search

Answer 13

Looks for items in an ordered list

Question 14

Define linear search

Answer 14

Checks each item in turn and stops when it finds the item or reaches the end of the list. It can be used on an unordered list

Question 15

Define a sorting algorithm

Answer 15

Computers do this to sort items in a list

Question 16

Define bubble sort

Answer 16

Compares pairs of items but takes a long time to sort large lists

Question 17

Define merge sort

Answer 17

Splits the list apart then merges it back together. More efficient for large lists

Question 18

Define insertion sort

Answer 18

Orders the items as it goes through the list. Works very well with small lists