New
syllabus
2020-21
Chapter 5
Problem Solving
Computer Science
Class XI ( As per CBSE Board)
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Problem Solving
What is problem
Problems are at the center of what many people do at
work every day.
A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome / harmful
and need to be dealt with overcome is known as problem.
Computer / Microprocessor is the main device nowadays
for finding the solution of a problem ,because of it’s speed
and the way it can deal with data.
Generally problems are solved using some sort of
program/software using any computer programming
language.
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Problem Solving
Problem Solving Cycle
There are 3 basic steps for solving any problem using
computer/computer program
1. Analyse / Define problem
2. Design Solution
3. Implement solution
Which can be further extended in larger domain.
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Problem Solving
Problem Solving Cycle
1. Analyse / Define problem
In almost every problem solving methodology the first step is
defining or identifying the problem. It is the most difficult and the
most important of all the steps. It involves diagnosing the situation so
that the focus on the real problem and not on its symptoms.
For example, ‘if performance in any department is substandard, we
might think the problem is with the individuals submitting work.
However, if we look a bit deeper, the real issue might be a lack of
training, or an unreasonable workload’.
As above example, same thing may happen with problem solving
using computer program, So before starting designing/coding
,problem must be thoroughly defined/ analysed.
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Problem Solving
Problem Solving Cycle
1. Analyse / Define problem
The process of understanding the problem and then
defining it on the basis of following:
• Data requirement of the given problem
• Type of input variable required
• Type of output variable required is called problem
definition
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Problem Solving
Problem Solving Cycle
1. Analyse / Define problem
Suppose we are assigned to solve an arithmetic problem and we are
not familiar with steps involved in solving that problem. In Such a
case,we will not be able to solve the problem. The same applied to
writing computer programs. A computer programmer cannot write
the instructions to be followed by the computer unless he knows
how to solve that problem. The first step in application development
is problem definition. In addition, a program souce data, logical and
practical procedures needed to solve the problem. This analysis must
taken placed before actual preparation of program development,
otherwise it will cause much cost and time.
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Problem Solving
Problem Solving Cycle
2. Design Solution
Design is a process to transform user requirements into some
suitable form, which helps the programmer in software coding and
implementation.
Programming tools, program design tools are the tools used to
develop a program. following are some of them
• Algorithm
Flowchart
Pseudo-code
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Problem Solving
Problem Solving Cycle
2. Design Solution
Designing an algorithm:
An algorithm is a plan, a logical step-by-step process for solving a
problem. Algorithms are normally written as a flowchart or in
pseudo-code as it’s next level.
When designing an algorithm there are two main areas to look at:
• the big picture - What is the final goal?
• the individual stages – What hurdles need to be overcome on the
way to the goal?
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Problem Solving
Problem Solving Cycle
2. Design Solution
An algorithm to Find largest of two numbers
Step 1: Start
Step 2: Declare variables a,b
Step 3: Read variables a,b
Step 4: If a>b
If a>b
Display a is the largest number.
Else
Display b is the largest number.
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Problem Solving
A flowchart is simply a graphical representation of steps. It shows
steps in a sequential order, and is widely used in presenting flow of
algorithms, workflow or processes. Typically, flowchart shows the
steps as boxes of various kinds, and their order by connecting them
with arrows.
Flowchart Symbols
Different flowchart shapes have different conventional meanings. The
meanings of some of the more common shapes are as follows:
1. Terminator
The terminator symbol represents the starting or ending point of the
system.
2. Process
A box indicates some particular operation.
3. Document
This represents a printout, such as a document or a report.
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Problem Solving
4. Decision
A diamond represents a decision or branching point. Lines coming out
from the diamond indicates different possible situations, leading to
different sub-processes.
5. Data
It represents information entering or leaving the system. An input
might be an order from a customer. An output can be a product to be
delivered.
6. Flow
Lines represent flow of the sequence and direction of a process.
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Problem Solving
Representation of
algorithm using flowchart
E.g. Flowchart for addition
of two numbers
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Problem Solving
Representation of
algorithm using flowchart
Example- Flowchart for
finding largest of two
numbers
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Problem Solving
Pseudo-code
Pseudocode is not a programming language, it is a simple way of
describing a set of instructions that does not have to use specific
syntax.
There is no strict set of standard notations for pseudocode, but some of the
most widely recognised are:
INPUT/READ – indicates a user will be inputting something
OUTPUT/WRITE – indicates that an output will appear on the screen
WHILE – a loop (iteration that has a condition at the beginning)
FOR – a counting loop (iteration)
REPEAT – UNTIL – a loop (iteration) that has a condition at the end
IF – THEN – ELSE – a decision (selection) in which a choice is made
any instructions that occur inside a selection or iteration are usually indented
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Problem Solving
Representation of algorithm using Pseudo-code
Example- Pseudocode to find out largest of two numbers
Write "please enter 2 numbers"
Read n1,n2
If(n1 > n2)
Set max to n1
Else
Set max to n2
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Problem Solving
Difference between algorithm and pseudo-code
• An algorithm is a well defined sequence of steps that provides
a solution for a given problem, while a pseudocode is one of
the methods that can be used to represent an algorithm.
• While algorithms can be written in natural language,
pseudocode is written in a format that is closely related to
high level programming language structures.
• Pseudocode does not use specific programming language
syntax and therefore could be understood by programmers
who are familiar with different programming
language.Transforming an algorithm presented in pseudocode
to programming code could be much easier than converting an
algorithm written in natural language.
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Problem Solving
3. Implementation
Implementation refers to the process of adopting and
integrating a software application into a real environment.
Implementation of new tools and software into an
enterprise can be complex, depending on the size of the
organization and the software.
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