Chapter 2: How Can Algorithms Be Used to Solve Problems?

Question 1

Algorithm

Answer 1

Set of step-by-step instructions for studying a problem

Question 2

Input (algorithms)

Answer 2

Data or information used by an algorithm that can affect what is required for correct output

Question 3

Output (algorithms)

Answer 3

Result produced by an algorithm

Question 4

Problem definition

Answer 4

Definition of a task by specifying the requirements for valid input and correct output

Question 5

Solution

Answer 5

Algorithm that always gives output satisfying the specified requirements when provided with some valid input

Question 6

Decomposition

Answer 6

Breaking down a complex problem or process into smaller and more manageable parts
- Incremental approach:
- Identify quantitative features of the input or output
that are causing the problem to be too large to
handle
- Modular approach:
- Solve simple examples of the problem manually
and identify tasks that are of different natures.

Question 7

Sub-problem

Answer 7

A problem whose solution contributes to the solution of a bigger problem

Question 8

Pattern-recognition

Answer 8

Identifying similarities or common elements among two or more items

Question 9

Generalisation

Answer 9

Technique of replacing two or more similar problems or solutions with a single, more general problem or solution