Unit 4

Question 1

algorithm

Answer 1

An algorithm is a finite set of instructions that, if followed accomplish a particular task; a series of steps to accomplish a task. All algorithms must have: an input, output, clarity, finiteness and effectiveness

Question 2

Input

Answer 2

An algorithm may accept zero or more inputs

Question 3

Output

Answer 3

An algorithm should produce some result

Question 4

Clarity

Answer 4

Each step in an algorithm should be a clear and unambiguous

Question 5

finiteness

Answer 5

An algorithm should end after a finite number of steps; an algorithm cannot repeat forever(otherwise it doesn’t solve a problem).

Question 6

effectiveness

Answer 6

It should be possible for a person or a computer to fulfill each step in an algorithm and the algorithm should accomplish the given task.

Question 7

nomial case

Answer 7

a “normal” or typical input to an application

Question 8

edge case

Answer 8

An input that is set at the extreme of the allowable range of inputs.

Question 9

problem solving steps

Answer 9

1. Understand the problem
2. Explore examples
3. Break down the problem
4. Solve or reduce the problem
5. Simplify/Refactor