Algorithms and Problem

Solving
Lecture 02 – Problem Solving
Steps

AL-Zaiem AL-Azhari University

Faculty of Computer Sciences and Information
Technology
Mohammed Mahmoud
 Overview
• A computer cannot solve a problem on its
own.
• One has to provide step by step solutions of
the problem to the computer.
• In fact, the task of problem solving is not
that of the computer. It is the programmer
who has to write down the solution to the
problem in terms of simple operations which
the computer can understand and execute.
 Problem Solving Steps
• In order to solve a problem by the
computer, one has to pass though certain
stages or steps. They are
• Understanding the problem
• Analyzing the problem
• Developing the solution
• Coding and implementation.
• Code Validation and Verfication
 Using Algorithms to Solve
a Problem
• A set of sequential steps usually written in
Ordinary Language to solve a given
problem is called Algorithm.
• It may be possible to solve to problem in
more than one ways, resulting in more
than one algorithm.
• The choice of various algorithms depends
on the factors like reliability, accuracy and
easy to modify.
 Using Algorithms to Solve
a Problem
• The most important factor in the choice
of algorithm is the time requirement to
execute it, after writing code in High-
level language with the help of a
computer. The algorithm which will need
the least time when executed is
considered the best.
Steps involved in algorithm
development
• An algorithm can be defined as “a complete,
unambiguous, finite number of logical steps
for solving a specific problem “
• Step1. Identification of input
• Step2: Identification of output
• Step3 : Identification the processing operations
• Step4 : Processing Definiteness
• Step5 : Processing Finiteness
• Step6 : Possessing Effectiveness
 Example
• Suppose we want to find the average of
three numbers, the algorithm is as
follows
• Step 1 Read the numbers a, b, c
• Step 2 Compute the sum of a, b and c
• Step 3 Divide the sum by 3
• Step 4 Store the result in variable d
• Step 5 Print the value of d
• Step 6 End of the program
 Example
• Suppose we want to find the average of
three numbers, the algorithm is as
follows
• Step 1 Read the numbers a, b, c
• Step 2 Compute the sum of a, b and c
• Step 3 Divide the sum by 3
• Step 4 Store the result in variable d
• Step 5 Print the value of d
• Step 6 End of the program
 Algorithms Expression
• Use Natural Language
• Flowchart
• Pseudo Code
 Natural Language
• Natural language is a popular choice,
since it comes so naturally to us and can
convey the steps of an algorithm to a
wide audience.
• When we're developing algorithms, we
are often working both with people who
know programming and those who don't
—but they all know natural language.
 Flowchart
• A flow chart is a step by step diagrammatic
representation of the logic paths to solve a given
problem. Or A flowchart is visual or graphical
representation of an algorithm.
• The flowcharts are pictorial representation of the methods
to b used to solve a given problem and help a great deal
to analyze the problem and plan its solution in a
systematic and orderly manner.
• A flowchart when translated in to a proper computer
language, results in a complete program.
 Advantages of Flowcharts
1. The flowchart shows the logic of a problem displayed in
pictorial fashion which felicitates easier checking of an
algorithm.
2. The Flowchart is good means of communication to other
users. It is also a compact means of recording an
algorithm solution to a problem.
3. The flowchart allows the problem solver to break the
problem into parts. These parts can be connected to
make master chart.
4. The flowchart is a permanent record of the solution
which can be consulted at a later time.
 Symbols used in Flow-
Charts
 The symbols that we make use while
drawing flowcharts as given below are
as per conventions followed by
International Standard Organization
(ISO).
1. Oval: Rectangle with rounded sides
is used to indicate either START/
STOP of the program.
2. Input and output indicators:
Parallelograms are used to represent
input and output operations.
Statements like INPUT, READ and
PRINT are represented in these
Parallelograms.
 Symbols used in Flow-
Charts
3. Process Indicators: - Rectangle is used
to indicate any set of processing
operation such as for storing
arithmetic operations.
4. Decision Makers: The diamond is used
for indicating the step of decision
making and therefore known as
decision box. Decision boxes are used
to test the conditions or ask questions
and depending upon the answers, the
appropriate actions are taken by the
computer.
 Symbols used in Flow-
Charts
5. Flow Lines: Flow lines indicate the
direction being followed in the
flowchart. In a Flowchart, every line
must have an arrow on it to indicate
the direction. The arrows may be in
any direction
 Pseudo code
• The Pseudo code is neither an algorithm nor a program.
It is an abstract form of a program. It consists of English
like statements which perform the specific operations. It
is defined for an algorithm.
• It does not use any graphical representation. In pseudo
code, the program is represented in terms of words and
phrases, but the syntax of program is not strictly
followed.
• Advantages: * Easy to read, * Easy to understand, *
Easy to modify.
 General Problem Solving
Strategies
• Divide and Conquer
• Decrease and Conquer
• Transform and Conquer
• Greedy Method
• Dynamic Programming
END!