Content Area 1 - Problem Solving

Question 1

Algorithms

Answer 1

A plan or well-defined set of step-by-step instructions to solve a problem.

Algorithms must:
- Have clear, defined steps
- Clearly defined inputs and outputs
- Be simple generic and practical

Algorithms can be represented as a flowchart, written description, pseudocode or program code

Question 2

Advantages of Algorithms

Answer 2

• Easy to understand
• Step-by-step representation of a solution to a given problem
• The initial program is broken down into steps, making it easier to code

Question 3

Disadvantages of Algorithms

Answer 3

• Creating complex algorithms can be time consuming
• Some constructs can be difficult to represent

Question 4

Flowcharts

Answer 4

A visual representation of an algorithm which can be used to solve a problem

Question 5

Advantages of Flowcharts

Answer 5

• The flow of the program can be clearly seen
• Flowcharts are created using a standardized set of symbols so can be interpreted and understood by a range of people

Question 6

Disadvantages of Flowcharts

Answer 6

• With a large, complicated problem the flowchart can become difficult to follow
• Changes to the design may result in the flowchart being amended or redrawn

Question 7

Written Descriptions

Answer 7

• Use natural language or plain English without a defined format
• Should be easy to understand and contain minimal specific detail
• Must include all parts of the final decomposition

Question 8

Advantages of Written Descriptions

Answer 8

• There is no formal syntax, so many people can create a written description
• It is automatic and natural to user ‘proper’ English

Question 9

Disadvantages of Written Descriptions

Answer 9

• The temptation to create a complete description
• Failure to include very step required

Question 10

Pseudocode

Answer 10

Pseudocode is an informal programming description that outlines process flow. It resembles high-level programming languages and provides a framework for what the final program should achieve. While it has its own syntax similar to actual programming languages, pseudocode must be converted to a programming language to run.

Question 11

Advantages of Pseudocode

Answer 11

• Can be converted into a programming language with minor changes
• Can be easy to follow and understand even if there are errors
• Changes can be implemented quickly

Question 12

Disadvantages of Pseudocode

Answer 12

• Can be time consuming to write clear and well-structured pseudocode
• Can be difficult to see the logical flow of the program

Question 13

Program Code

Answer 13

Code written to solve the problem which follows the rules of the selected programming language. However, the program code can be used to create an algorithm, known as ‘draft program code’

Question 14

Advantages of Program Code

Answer 14

• Very probable that the person creating the program code will have some programming knowledge
• Not necessary to use the correct syntax
• All the required constructs will be available to be included in the draft code

Question 15

Disadvantages of Program Code

Answer 15

• Easy to begin creating draft code but end up creating the final program code
• Full decomposition may not be completed