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Algorithm and Flow Chart Ss2

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14 views

Algorithm and Flow Chart Ss2

Uploaded by

abdulphilip
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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ALGORITHM AND FLOW CHART

Algorithm and flowchart are two types of tools to explain the process of a program. Algorithms and
flowcharts are two different tools used for creating new programs, especially in computer
programming. An algorithm is a step-by-step analysis of the process, while a flowchart explains the
steps of a program in a graphical way.

Definition of Algorithm
To write a logical step-by-step method to solve the problem is called algorithm, in other words, an
algorithm is a procedure for solving problems. In order to solve a mathematical or computer problem,
this is the first step of the procedure. An algorithm includes calculations, reasoning and data
processing. Algorithms can be presented by natural languages, pseudo code and flowcharts, etc.

Algorithm and its characteristics


A step-by-step method of solving a problem or making decisions, as in making a diagnosis. An
established mechanical procedure for solving certain mathematical problems.

Properties of the algorithm


Finiteness: An algorithm must always terminate after a finite number of steps.
Definiteness: Each step of an algorithm must be precisely defined; the actions to be carried out
must be rigorously and unambiguously specified for each case.
Input: An algorithm has zero or more inputs, i.e, quantities which are given to it initially before the
algorithm begins.
Output: An algorithm has one or more outputs i.e, quantities which have a specified relation to the
inputs.
Effectiveness: An algorithm is also generally expected to be effective. This means that all of the
operations to be performed in the algorithm must be sufficiently basic that they can in principle be
done exactly and in a finite length of time.

Definition of Flowchart
A flowchart is the graphical or pictorial
representation of an algorithm with the help
of different symbols, shapes and arrows in
order to demonstrate a process or a
program. With algorithms, we can easily
understand a program. The main purpose of
a flowchart is to analyze different processes.
Several standard graphics are applied in a
flowchart:
Flowchart symbols, Name and Functions

The graphics represent different part of a


flowchart. The process in a flowchart can be
expressed through boxes and arrows with
different sizes and colors. In a flowchart, we
can easily highlight a certain element and
the relationships between each part.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD FLOWCHART


(i) Should consist of standardized and acceptable symbols.
(ii) The symbols should be correctly used according to flowcharts rules.
(iii) Should have short, clear and readable statements written inside the symbols.
(iv) It must have clear one starting point and one ending point.
(v) Must flow in a logical order.
(vi) Should have acceptable and common keywords such as READ, INPUT, PRINT or WRITE.
(vii) Must have arrows indicating the flow of instructions.

How to Use Flowcharts to Represent Algorithms


Now that we have the definitions of algorithm and flowchart, how do we use a flowchart to represent
an algorithm?

Algorithms are mainly used for mathematical and computer programs, whilst flowcharts can be used
to describe all sorts of processes: business, educational, personal and of course algorithms. So
flowcharts are often used as a program planning tool to visually organize the step-by-step process of
a program. Here are some examples:

Example 1: Print 1 to 20:


Algorithm:
Step 1: Initialize X as 0,
Step 2: Increment X by 1,
Step 3: Print X,
Step 4: If X is less than 20 then go back to step 2.

Flowchart representation:

Example 2: Convert Temperature from Fahrenheit (℉) to Celsius (℃)


Algorithm:
Step 1: Read temperature in Fahrenheit,
Step 2: Calculate temperature with formula C=5/9*(F-32),
Step 3: Print C,
Flowchart:
Conclusion
From the above we can come to a conclusion that a flowchart is pictorial representation of an
algorithm, an algorithm can be expressed and analyzed through a flowchart.
An algorithm shows you every step of reaching the final solution, while a flowchart shows you how to
carry out the process by connecting each step. An algorithm uses mainly words to describe the steps
while a flowchart uses the help of symbols, shapes and arrows to make the process more logical.

ASSIGNMENT
1. Draw a flowchart to calculate area of a triangle
2. List any 4 characteristics of the flowchart as started in your lesson note

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