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Generate an algorithm handout

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10 views

Generate an algorithm handout

Quicky

Uploaded by

provyluckynweke
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Algorithm Handout

What is an Algorithm?
●​ An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure or set of rules designed to solve a specific
problem or accomplish a particular task.
●​ It's a finite sequence of well-defined instructions that can be executed by a computer or
any other processing system.
Key Characteristics of a Good Algorithm:
●​ Finiteness: The algorithm must terminate after a finite number of steps.
●​ Definiteness: Each step in the algorithm must be precisely and unambiguously defined.
●​ Input: The algorithm may have zero or more inputs (data provided to the algorithm).
●​ Output: The algorithm must produce at least one output (the result of the computation).
●​ Effectiveness: Each step must be feasible and can be carried out in principle.
Example: Finding the Maximum of Two Numbers
1.​ Input: Two numbers, num1 and num2.
2.​ Compare: If num1 is greater than num2, then max is assigned the value of num1.
3.​ Otherwise: max is assigned the value of num2.
4.​ Output: The value of max.
Algorithm Representation:
●​ Natural Language: Using plain English or any natural language.
●​ Flowchart: A visual representation using symbols like rectangles, diamonds, and arrows.
●​ Pseudocode: A high-level description that resembles programming languages but is
more flexible.
Example (Pseudocode):
function find_max(num1, num2):​
if num1 > num2:​
max = num1​
else:​
max = num2​
return max​

Applications of Algorithms:
●​ Computer Science: Sorting algorithms, searching algorithms, graph algorithms, etc.
●​ Mathematics: Numerical methods, computational geometry, etc.
●​ Artificial Intelligence: Machine learning algorithms, AI planning, etc.
●​ Everyday Life: Recipes, assembly instructions, etc.
Practice Problems:
1.​ Write an algorithm to find the factorial of a given number.
2.​ Design an algorithm to check if a given number is prime.
3.​ Create an algorithm to sort a list of numbers in ascending order (e.g., bubble sort).
Additional Resources:
●​ Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org/computing/computer-science/algorithms
●​ GeeksforGeeks: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/fundamentals-of-algorithms/
●​ Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algorithm
This handout provides a basic introduction to algorithms. There are many different types of
algorithms, and the study of algorithms is a fundamental part of computer science.
Note: This handout is for educational purposes and may not cover all aspects of algorithm
design and analysis.
●​ https://ailab360.net/deciphering-ai-jargon-a-guide-for-the-everyday-user/
●​ https://github.com/Design-Computing/code1161
●​ https://github.com/thisiskushal31/Datastructures-and-Algorithms

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