Problem Solving

Question 1

Define problem

Answer 1

A problem can be regarded as a difference between a desired situation and reality

Question 2

Define problem solving

Answer 2

the process of finding a solution for a problem

Question 3

Define algorithm

Answer 3

a set of instructions written in a logical sequence that produces a solution to a problem.

Question 4

The 2 phases of problem solving

Answer 4

problem solving phase (algorithm phase) and implementation phase

Question 5

Steps in problem solving

Answer 5

identify/define the problem -> propose and evaluate solution -> determine the most efficient solution -> develop and represent algorithm -> test and validate solution

Question 6

Divide and conquer approache

Answer 6

divide the problem into subproblems and conquer each subproblem before combining the solutions to a solution for the original problem

Question 7

Ways to represent an algorithm

Answer 7

narrative, pseudocode, flowchart

Question 8

Characteristics of an algorithm

Answer 8

concise, unambiguous, must terminate, unique, receives inputt, produces output, effective

Question 9

Variables

Answer 9

can be changed eg: num1, age, product, total, length

Question 10

Constant

Answer 10

does not change eg: pi, avogadro law, tax

Question 11

Data types

Answer 11

specifies which type of value is stored in a variable eg: integer, float/real, string, character, boolean

Question 12

Defining diagrams

Answer 12

a table with 3 columns: Input, processing, output

Question 13

Input

Answer 13

The source of data provided. Can be identified by: given, read, accept

Question 14

Processing

Answer 14

A list of actions to be performed to achieve required output (includes input and output)

Question 15

Output

Answer 15

The end result which can be identified by: print, display, output

Question 16

Implementation Phase

Answer 16

translate algorithm into a programming language, execute program on computer, maintain program