Problem solving and program design

Question 1

What are the steps in problem solving

Answer 1

1) Define the problem
2) Propose suggestions and evaluate them to get the right solution
3) Determine the most efficient solution
4) Develop the algorithm
5) Test and validate the solution

Question 2

a solution is …

Answer 2

a set of instructions that,
if followed in order
will produce the required information

Question 3

What is an efficient solution?

Answer 3

An efficient solution is one that uses the least effort to get the most benefits.

Question 4

In defining the solution, you must define … /what are the normal components of a computer solution

Answer 4

1) input - what info will be input
2) how info will be processed
3) output - what results will be output
4) info that needs to be stored (during the process, or to be kept for another time)

Question 5

The divide-and-conquer approach is …

Answer 5

to repeatedly split a large problem into a number of smaller sub-problems
until a solution is identified

Question 6

A computer program is …

Answer 6

a series of coded instructions for the computer

Question 7

What is an algorithm?

Answer 7

An algorithm is
a sequence of instructions
that has a finite number of steps that if followed
produces a precise solution to the given problem

Question 8

An algorithm must set out (3 responses)

Answer 8

An algorithm must set out
1) instructions - what actions to take
2) sequence - in what order
3) when to stop

Question 9

2 types of algorithms

Answer 9

flowcharts
pseudocode

Question 10

Pseudocode is …

Answer 10

a formal way of writing an algorithm
using English text, numbers and special characters
a language that resembles or models real programming language
a kind of structured English for describing algorithms

Question 11

Flowchart is …

Answer 11

Diagrams that visually represent the series of instructions of algorithm

Question 12

Difference between flowchart and pseudocode

Question 13

Algorithms can be written using … (2 responses)

Answer 13

flowcharts and pseudocode

Question 14

Algorithms, pseudocode and computer programs are written using __________ _____________ and ______________

Answer 14

Algorithms, pseudocode and computer programs are written using specific rules and statements

Question 15

Computer programs are written in different ___________ __________

Answer 15

Computer programs are written in different computer languages

Question 16

What are the steps in developing an algorithm

Answer 16

1) Define the problem
2) Analyze the solution
3) Develop an algorithm/method of
solving the problem
4) Write the pseudocode or flowchart corresponding to the algorithm
5) Test and validate the program
6) Document the program

Question 17

What is a command?

Answer 17

A command is a word
that instructs a computer
what must be done
in order to accomplish a specific task

Question 18

Commands are specific to

Answer 18

Commands are specific to a particular programming language
Every programming language has its own specific commands

Question 19

Name 2 programming languages

Answer 19

Python
Pascal

Question 20

Examples of commands - 4 responses

Answer 20

write
print
read
input

Question 21

A construct is …. Give an example.

Answer 21

A construct is a group of instructions that work together with commands to accomplish a specific task.
An example is IF … THEN construct

Question 22

Problem statement that what needs to be done

Question 23

Problem statements that what is required for output

Question 24

What are variables?

Question 25

What can you store in a variable?

Question 26

When write a program, you will write instructions to : (2 responses)

Answer 26

When write a program, you will write instructions to :
1) declare the variable - give it a name
2) Allow a value to be assigned to the variable

Question 27

Declaring a variable means …

Answer 27

1) Giving the variable a name
2) saying what type of data it will store - data type

Question 28

Rules in naming variables:

Answer 28

• short simple names
• meaningful name that remind of purpose of the variable
• must begin with a letter, not number
• no spaces
• example Age, FirstName, Cost

Question 29

What are the 5 main data types in variables

Answer 29

1) Boolean or logic
2) Integer
3) Real number
4) Character
5) String

Question 30

Boolean or logic data type can only store _______ or _________

Answer 30

Boolean or logic data type can only store
true or false, yes/no

Question 31

Integer data type can only store __________

Answer 31

Integer data type can only store
whole numbers
no fractions or decimals