Introduction to Algorithms

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Agenda
In this session, we will discuss:
● What is an Algorithm?
● How does an algorithm work?
● Importance of Algorithms
● Real-Time Applications of Algorithms
● Types of Algorithms
● Characteristics or Factors of an Algorithm
● Designing an Algorithm

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What is an Algorithm?
● An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or a set of rules used to solve a specific problem or perform a
particular task.

Set of rules to obtain

Input Output
the expected output

Algorithm

Muhammad ibn Mūsā al’Khwārizmī

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Algorithm
● Algorithms provide clear and unambiguous instructions for carrying out each step.
● Algorithms should terminate after a finite number of steps.
● It takes some input, performs a series of operations on it, and produces an output.
● It can be deterministic, where they will produce the same output for a given input every time they are
executed.
● An algorithm must produce the correct output for all valid inputs.
● They are often evaluated based on their efficiency in terms of time and space complexity.

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Importance of Algorithms
Graphics and Scientific Pattern
Image Research Recognition
Processing

Web Search and

Cryptography
Information
and Security
Retrieval
Importance of
Algorithms
Machine Efficient
Learning Problem
Solving

Data
Processing Automation
and Analysis
Optimization
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How does Algorithm Work?

Output

Input Processing

Optimization

Efficiency Implementation
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Real-Time Applications of Algorithms

Algorithms help to calculate the fastest routes,

considering real-time traffic data, road conditions,
and alternative paths.

GPS Navigation

Use Algorithms to curate your feed, showing you

posts, advertisements, and content tailored to your
interests and previous interactions.

Social Media Feeds

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Real-Time Applications of Algorithms

Use algorithms to recommend products or

movies based on your browsing history,
purchase behavior, and preferences.

Online Shopping

Use algorithms to return relevant search

results from vast amounts of indexed web
pages.

Search Engines
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Real-Time Applications of Algorithms

Use algorithms to understand and respond to

your voice commands accurately.

Voice Assistants

Use algorithms to detect unusual patterns and

flag potentially fraudulent transactions on your
credit card.

Credit Card
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Real-Time Applications of Algorithms

Use algorithms to match drivers with riders,

optimize routes, and calculate fares based on
factors like distance, demand, and surge pricing.

Ride - Sharing Services

Use algorithms to analyze data from weather

stations, satellites, and other sources to forecast
weather conditions accurately.

Weather Forecasting
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Real-Time Applications of Algorithms

Use algorithms to classify incoming emails

as spam or legitimate messages, helping to
keep your inbox organized.

Email Filtering

Use algorithms to optimize traffic signal

timings, reducing congestion and improving
traffic flow.

Optimizing Traffic
Signals
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Real-Time Applications of Algorithms

Use algorithms in various diagnostic tools

and imaging techniques like MRI, CT
scans, and X-rays.

Healthcare Diagnostics

Algorithms are used to target relevant ads to

specific audiences based on demographics,
interests, and online behavior.

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Types of Algorithms

Sorting Algorithms: Searching Algorithms:

Graph Algorithms:
Sorting algorithms Searching algorithms
These algorithms
arrange elements in a find the location of a
operate on graphs.
specific order. particular item.

Greedy Algorithms: Backtracking

Greedy algorithms make Algorithms:
locally optimal choices Backtracking is a
at each step, hoping to technique used to find
find a global optimum. all possible solutions.

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Types of Algorithms

Randomized String Matching

Dynamic Programming
Algorithms: Algorithms:
Algorithms:
Use randomness to Used to find occurrences
Used to break down
achieve the desired of a particular pattern
complex problems
outcome. within a larger string.

Divide and Conquer

Cryptography
Algorithms:
Algorithms:
Breaking a problem and
Used to secure data and
then combining their
communication.
solutions.

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Factors of an Algorithm

Modularity Correctness Maintainability

Functionality Finiteness User-Friendly

Simplicity Extensibility

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Designing Algorithm - Example
● Steps involved in making of tea:
o Step 1: Place the fresh water in a kettle.
o Step 2: Boil the water to match your style of tea.
o Step 3: Put the tea bag in the cup.
o Step 4: Now pour the boiled water into the cup.
o Step 5: Add milk as per the required consistency.
o Step 6: Add sugar as per taste.
o Step 7: Stir the tea in the cup.
o Step 8: Drink the tea when it is hot.

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Designing Algorithm – Example
● Algorithm to add two numbers:
5 5
o Step 1: Start the problem.
A B
o Step 2: Get the values of A and B.
o Step 3: Find the sum of entered numbers A and B and store the result in C.
o Step 4: Display C. 10
o Step 5: Stop the problem. C =A + B

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Designing Algorithm – Example

● Algorithm to multiply two numbers: 5 5

o Step 1: Start the problem. A B
o Step 2: Get the values of A and B.
o Step 3: Find the product of entered numbers A and B and store the result in C.
25
o Step 4: Display C.
C =A * B
o Step 5: Stop the problem.

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Designing Algorithm – Example
Input
● Algorithm to swap two numbers:
5 10
o Step 1: Start the problem.
a b
o Step 2: Input the values of a and b.
o Step 3: c = a Output

a=b 10 5
b=c a b
o Step 4: Print a,b .
o Step 5: Stop the problem.

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Designing Algorithm – Example
Input
● Algorithm to find largest of two numbers:
5 10
o Step 1: Start the problem.
a b
o Step 2: Input the values of a and b. Compare a and b.
o Step 3: If a>b then go to Step 5.
o Step 4: Print “b is largest” go to Step 6.
o Step 5: Print “a is largest”.
o Step 6: Stop.

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Summary
Here’s a brief recap:
● Algorithms are not exclusive to computer science; they are also used in various fields such as
mathematics, engineering, operations research, and everyday problem-solving.
● Importance of algorithms - By providing systematic approaches to problem-solving, algorithms have
become indispensable tools in various industries and aspects of daily life.
● They evolve and shape our lives, driving technological advancements and providing solutions to a wide
range of problems across multiple industries.
● Few examples of the different types of algorithms, and there are many more specialized algorithms for
specific tasks and domains.
● The factors of algorithms are very essential to decide the efficiency of an algorithm.
● The designing process of an algorithm should have finite states and output.

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