Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad

CHAPTER # 02 COMPUTATIONAL THINKING & ALGORITHMS

Give short answers to the following Short Response Questions (SRQs).

Q.1: What is the major difference in solving simple problems and complex problems?
Ans: The major difference between solving simple problem and complex problem is; While
solving complex problem decompose the problem means to make sub problems that
are manageable and identify potential plans for each sub problem and rest of the
steps are same in simple and complex problems.

Q.2: Why software designers prefer to use IPO charts?

Ans: The model allows teams or stakeholders to visualize and discuss the flow of
information within a system. It facilitates effective communication and collaboration
by providing a common understanding of how inputs become outputs. This shared
understanding enables teams to work together more efficiently and make informed
decisions.

Q.3: Differentiate between computational thinking and logical thinking.

Ans: Logical thinking is the process of evaluating a problem and coming up with a logical
solution. Logical thinking requires the use of reasoning skills to study a problem
critically, which will enable you to draw a reasoned decision on how to proceed.
Whereas computational thinking can be thought of as an extension of logical
thinking. The computers use logic in their computation but it does not mean that
they think logically. The computers themselves can’t perform logical thinking unless
they are programmed to do so.

Q.4: Write four properties of computational thinking.

Ans: Properties of Computational Thinking:
Decomposition: Decomposition is the breakdown of a complex problem into smaller
less complex parts. These problems will be solved one after another until the bigger
problem is solved.
Decomposition is important because dealing with many different steps separately
rather than solving one big issue can allow for a more speedy and open-minded
solution(s), furthermore, it can also increase efficiency, and can make developers
look at a problem in a more detailed way.
Abstraction: Abstraction refers to focusing on the relevant and most important
information only, ignoring any details which will not aid the development. Ignoring
irrelevant characteristics is beneficial to reaching the desired solution.
Pattern Recognition: Once the problem is decomposed into smaller less complex
parts, next step would be to see what similarities the problems share.
These similarities, that each individual problems share, will allow developers to
create a solution that will be applicable for many problems. Pattern recognition will
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
allow developers to solve problems more efficiently as they can apply what they
already have developed an answer to, to a new similar problem.
Algorithm Design: An algorithm can be defined as a plan, which includes a series of
subsequent steps to solve a problem, thus executing a program.
In an algorithm, every instruction must be identified and every instruction must have
a place in a sequence of instructions, so it can be executed.

Q.5: What are the methods used to design a solution?

Ans: Once you have completely understood the problem the next stage is to design a
solution. There are two methods that are used to design a solution:

1. Flowchart
2. Concept Maps

Q.6: Which computational thinking technique breaks down the problem into smaller
parts?
Ans: Decomposition is the technique that breaks down a complex problem or system into
smaller parts that are more manageable and easier to understand. The smaller parts
can then be examined and solved, or designed individually, as they are simpler to
work with.

Q.7: Identify 3 computing problems from other subjects that you are studying in your
class.

Q.8: Why do we need to think computationally?

Ans: Computational thinking also encourages students to consider how they may leverage
technology to aid in problem-solving. This is important because it empowers students
in an increasingly digital world to utilize the technology around them.

Q.9: The telephone numbers usually have 9 digits. Out of these 9, the first two digits
represent the area code and are it remained constant within a given area. The last 7
digits represent the number and it cannot begin with 0. How many different
telephone numbers are possible with a given area code?
Ans: The telephone numbers in a certain country have 9 digits. The first 2 digits are the
area code (03) and are the same within a given area.

Since, there is no restriction of repetition of the numbers, the remaining 7 digits of

the local number can be filled up using 10 different digits 0, 1, 2, ... , 9.
Therefore, the total number of arrangements = 107.

But, the local number cannot begin with 0.

 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
To find the numbers beginning with 0, we fix 0 at the beginning of the 7 digit number
and the remaining 7 - 1 = 6 digits can be filled up using 10 different digits.
i.e. the number of 7 digit numbers that begin with 0 = 106.

Hence, the total number of 7 digit numbers that do not begin with 0 = 107 - 106 =
9000000.
Since, the first 2 digits are same within a given area

Therefore, the number of different telephone numbers that are possible within a
given area code in this country is 9000000.

Q.10: From city A to city B, there are 4 different roads and from city B to city C there are 2
different roads. Draw a map of given situation and identify how many possible
routes are there that someone can follow to reach from city A to city C by passing
by city B?
Ans: City A to City B (4 Roads); City B to City C( 2 Roads)
So, Number of possible routes from City A--- >City B--- > City C are 4X2=8

Q.11: To buy a computer system, a customer can choose one of 4 monitors, one of 2
keyboards, one of 4 computers and one of 3 printers. Determine the number of
possible systems that a customer can choose from.
Ans: If we have to select r items from a total of n items then no. of ways for doing that is
given by nCr.
No. of options the customer has to choose from
4
C1x 2C1x 4C1 x 3C1= 4x2x4x3=96
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
Give Long answers to the following Extended Response Questions (ERQs).

Q.1: Identify whether the given problems are Decision Problem, Counting problem or
search problem. Write your answer in front of each problem given below:

a) Does a given binary string have an even number of zeros?

Ans:

b) Flipping a coin result in Head or Tails. I flip a coin 20 times, how many different
sequences of heads and tails are possible?
Ans: The number of sequences of heads and tails possible when flipping a coin 20 times
can be calculated using the formula 2^n, where n is the number of times the coin is
flipped. In this case, 2^20 = 1,048,576 possible sequences.

c) Does a certain Java program say “yes” to an empty input?

Ans: This is a decision problem in which there is Yes or No answer.

d) How many ways can the letters of word TRIANGLE be arranged?

Solution: There are 8 letters in word TRIANGLE.
Total number of ways of permutations are to put these 8 letters in 8 places
8
P8= 8!/0!= 8!= 8x7x6x5x4x3x2x1=40,320.

e) N-queens problem: Where the goal is to place eight queens on a chessboard such
that no queen attacks any other.

Q.2: A student has to one course of physics ,one of science and one of mathematics. He
may choose one of 3 physics courses(P1, P2, P3), one of 2 science courses(S1, S2)
and one of 2 mathematics course(M1, M2). In how many ways can this student
select the 3 courses he has to take?
Ans: Multiply the number of choices for each subject to find the total number of
combinations. So, the calculation is 3×2×2
Perform the multiplication to get the total number of combinations. 3×2×2=12.
Therefore, there are 12 different course combinations of Physics, Science, and Math.
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
Q.3: Create an IPO chart which will accept the ages of four boys and calculate their total
age and average age. The program must display both the total and average age.
Ans: IPO chart.
Input Process Output
Take values Add four ages Total age
Ag1=18, Ag2=20, Sum= Sum
Ag3=25, Ag4=22 Ag1+Ag2+Ag3+Ag4 Average age
Calculate average of Avg
their ages
Avg=Sum/4

Q.4: Create an IPO chart of scenario that allows a user to enter in Two numbers. The
operation to be performed is either addition, subtraction, multiplication or division
and accordingly the output should be given to the user.
Ans: IPO chart.

Input Process Output

Take input Check operator Output will be
N1 and N2 Result=N1+N2 according to your
Select operator Check operator operatori.e +,*,-, / etc.
+,-, *,/ Result=N1-N2 Result
Check operator
Result=N1xN2
Check operator
Result=N1/N2
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
Q.5: The child wants to plan a birthday party for their friend.

a) Draw an IPO chart for this situation.

Input Process Output

Birthday party with • Announce Date. Have fun and
close friends. • If birthday is on celebrate Birthday
weekdays friends may party
not be able to attend
due to work or school
obligations.
• Make a friends list.
• Invite friends (in
advance via text
message, call or email).
• Purchase food and
decorations.
• Create a birthday
playlist.
• Set-up decorations and
food.

b) Write down properties on computational thinking.

Ans: There are four key properties (cornerstones) to computational thinking:
Decomposition - breaking down a complex problem or system into smaller, more
manageable parts.
Pattern recognition – looking for similarities among and within problem.
Abstraction – focusing on the important information only, ignoring irrelevant detail.
Algorithms - developing a step-by-step solution to the problem, or the rules to follow
to solve the problem.

Q.6: What is computational thinking?

Ans: Computers can be used to help us solve problems. However, before a problem can be
tackled, the problem itself and the ways in which it could be solved need to be understood.
Computational thinking allows us to do this.
Computational thinking allows us to take a complex problem, understand what the problem
is and develop possible solutions. We can then present these solutions in a way that a
computer, a human, or both, can understand.
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad

Q.7: What do you mean by thinking computationally?

Ans: Thinking computationally is not programming. It is not even thinking like a computer,
as computers do not, and cannot, think.
Simply put, programming tells a computer what to do and how to do it. Computational
thinking enables you to work out exactly what to tell the computer to do.
For example, if you agree to meet your friends somewhere you have never been before,
you would probably plan your route before you step out of your house. You might consider
the routes available and which route is ‘best’ - this might be the route that is the shortest,
the quickest, or the one which goes past your favorite shop on the way. You'd then follow
the step-by-step directions to get there. In this case, the planning part is like computational
thinking, and following the directions is like programming.
Q.8: What is evaluation?
Ans: Once a solution has been designed using computational thinking, it is important to
make sure that the solution is fit for purpose.
Evaluation is the process that allows us to make sure our solution does the job it has been
designed to do and to think about how it could be improved.
Once written, an algorithm should be checked to make sure it:
• is easily understood – is it fully decomposed?
• is complete – does it solve every aspect of the problem?
• is efficient – does it solve the problem, making best use of the available resources (eg
as quickly as possible/using least space)?
• meets any design criteria we have been given
If an algorithm meets these four criteria it is likely to work well. The algorithm can then be
programmed.

Q.9: How would you decompose the task of creating an app?

Ans: To decompose this task, you would need to know the answer to a series of smaller
problems:
• what kind of app you want to create
• what your app will look like
• who the target audience for your app is
• what your graphics will look like
• what audio you will include
• what software you will use to build your app
• how the user will navigate your app
• how you will test your app
• where you will sell your app
This list has broken down the complex problem of creating an app into much simpler
problems that can now be worked out. You may also be able to get other people to help
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
you with different individual parts of the app. For example, you may have a friend who can
create the graphics, while another will be your tester.

Q.10: Explain abstraction with examples.

Ans: A model is a general idea of the problem we are trying to solve.
For example, a model cat would be any cat. Not a specific cat with a long tail and short fur -
the model represents all cats. From our model of cats, we can learn what any cat looks like,
using the patterns all cats share.

Similarly, when baking a cake, a model cake wouldn’t be a specific cake, like a sponge cake
or a fruit cake. Instead, the model would represent all cakes. From this model we can learn
how to bake any cake, using the patterns that apply to all cakes.
Once we have a model of our problem, we can then design an algorithm to solve it.

Q.11: Explain pattern recognition with examples.

Ans: Recognizing patterns
To find patterns in problems we look for things that are the same (or very similar) in each
problem. It may turn out that no common characteristics exist among problems, but we
should still look.
Patterns exist among different problems and within individual problems. We need to look
for both.
Patterns among different problems
To find patterns among problems we look for things that are the same (or very similar) for
each problem.
For example, decomposing the task of baking a cake would highlight the need for us to
know the solutions to a series of smaller problems:
• what kind of cake we want to bake
• what ingredients we need and how much of each
• how many people we want to bake the cake for
• how long we need to bake the cake for
• when we need to add each ingredient
• what equipment we need
Once we know how to bake one particular type of cake, we can see that baking another
type of cake is not that different - because patterns exist.
For example:
• each cake will need a precise quantity of specific ingredients
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
• ingredients will get added at a specific time
• each cake will bake for a specific period of time
Once we have the patterns identified, we can work on common solutions between the
problems.

Q.12: How we can represent algorithm?

Ans: Representing an algorithm:
There are two main ways that algorithms can be represented – pseudocode and flowcharts.
Most programs are developed using programming languages. These languages have
specific syntax that must be used so that the program will run properly. 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.
Writing in pseudocode is similar to writing in a programming language. Each step of the
algorithm is written on a line of its own in sequence. Usually, instructions are written in
uppercase, variables in lowercase and messages in sentence case.
In pseudocode, INPUT asks a question. OUTPUT prints a message on screen.
A flowchart is a diagram that represents a set of instructions. Flowcharts normally use
standard symbols to represent the different instructions. There are few real rules about the
level of detail needed in a flowchart. Sometimes flowcharts are broken down into many
steps to provide a lot of detail about exactly what is happening. Sometimes they are
simplified so that a number of steps occur in just one step.
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
MCQs Introduction to computational thinking test questions

1.What is computational thinking?

Giving instructions to a computer
Thinking like a computer - in binary
Using a set of techniques and approaches to help to solve problems
2. Why do we need to think computationally?
To help us to program
To help us solve complex problems more easily
To help us to think like a computer
3. Which of the following is NOT a computational thinking technique?
Decomposition
Pattern recognition
Coding
4.Which of the following is an example of thinking computationally?
Planning out your route when going to meet a friend
When going to meet a friend, wandering around until you find them
When going to meet a friend, asking a parent to plan your route for you

5.Which of the following is NOT an example of computational thinking?

Planning what to collect and where to exit to complete a video game level
Planning how to beat your enemies in a video game level
Accidentally completing a video game level
6.Which of the following is NOT an example of computational thinking?
Flipping a coin to decide what to do next
Considering the different options carefully before deciding upon the best one
Discussing with your friends how much time and money you have before choosing from a
shortlist of places
7.What is a complex problem?
A problem that, at first, is not easy to solve
A problem that, at first, is not easy to understand
A problem that, at first, is not easy to solve or to understand
8.Which computational thinking technique involves breaking a problem down into
smaller parts?
Decomposition
Abstraction
Algorithms
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
9.To create a successful computer program, how many computational thinking
techniques are usually required?
Two
Four
Three
10.When is a computer most likely to be used when using computational thinking?
During decomposition
At the end, when programming a computer
When writing algorithms
Solution of above test
You got 10 out of 10
1 What is computational thinking?
You said: Using a set of techniques and approaches to help to solve problems
Correct: Computational thinking is using techniques and approaches to help us solve
complex problems.
2 Why do we need to think computationally?
You said: To help us solve complex problems more easily
Correct: We need to think computationally to help us solve complex problems more easily.
3. Which of the following is NOT a computational thinking technique?
You said: Coding
Correct: Coding is another word for programming, which may occur after using
computational thinking to solve a complex problem.
4. Which of the following is an example of thinking computationally?
You said: Planning out your route when going to meet a friend
Correct: Planning out your route is an example of thinking computationally.
5. Which of the following is NOT an example of computational thinking?
You said: Accidentally completing a video game level
Correct: Accidentally completing a video game level is not an example of computational
thinking.
6. Which of the following is NOT an example of computational thinking?
You said: Flipping a coin to decide what to do next
Correct: Flipping a coin to decide what to do next is not an example of computational
thinking. Computational thinking requires examining a problem and using a logical process
to arrive at a solution
7. What is a complex problem?
You said: A problem that, at first, is not easy to solve or to understand
Correct: A complex problem is one that, at first, is not easy to solve or to understand.
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
8. Which computational thinking technique involves breaking a problem down into
smaller parts?
You said: Decomposition
Correct: Decomposition involves breaking a problem down into smaller parts.
9. To create a successful computer program, how many computational thinking
techniques are usually required?
You said: Four
Correct: All four techniques are usually required to make sure that a complex problem is
solved.
10. When is a computer most likely to be used when using computational thinking?
You said: At the end, when programming a computer
Correct: A computer is most likely to be used at the end, when programming a computer.
Pattern recognition test questions
1.What is pattern recognition?
Breaking down a complex problem into smaller problems
Building models from patterns
Looking for similarities among and within problems
2.Why do we need to look for patterns in problems?
Patterns make it easier for us to solve complex problems
Patterns make it more difficult to solve complex problems
We don't need to look for patterns
3.Which of the following contains a pattern?
All cars have wheels
My car is blue
My friend's car has an MP3 player
4.Which of the following contains a pattern?
This parrot is blue and green
All parrots have wings
My parrot can say "Hello, boys!"
5.Which of the following contains a pattern?
My house has a garden
My house and my friend's house have gardens
My friend's house has a garden
6.Which of the following does NOT contain a pattern?
All dogs have tails
Our dogs like walks
My dog likes swimming
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
7. Which of the following does NOT contain a pattern?
Some clocks have alarms
Some clocks are digital
This clock has hands
8.What might happen if we don't look for patterns?
Our solution may be inefficient
We might not correctly solve the problem
We might create an incorrect or an inefficient solution

Solution of above test

You got 8 out of 8
1.What is pattern recognition?
You said:Looking for similarities among and within problems
Correct: Pattern recognition is looking for similarities among and within problems.
2.Why do we need to look for patterns in problems?
You said: Patterns make it easier for us to solve complex problems
Correct: Patterns make it easier for us to solve complex problems.
3.Which of the following contains a pattern?
You said: All cars have wheels
Correct: 'All cars have wheels' is a pattern, because all cars have a similar feature - wheels.
4.Which of the following contains a pattern?
You said: All parrots have wings
Correct: 'All parrots have wings' contains a pattern.
5. Which of the following contains a pattern?
You said: My house and my friend's house have gardens
Correct: 'My house and my friend's house have gardens' contains a pattern.
6. Which of the following does NOT contain a pattern?
You said: My dog likes swimming
Correct: 'My dog likes swimming' does not contain a pattern.
7.Which of the following does NOT contain a pattern?
You said: This clock has hands
Correct : 'This clock has hands' does not contain a pattern. Only one clock has hands, so
there is no pattern.
8.What might happen if we don't look for patterns?
You said: We might create an incorrect or an inefficient solution
Correct: If we don't look for patterns, our solution may be inefficient or incorrect.
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
Algorithm Test Question

1.What is an algorithm?
Patterns and trends used to solve a problem
A set of step-by-step instructions to resolve a problem
A programming language
2.What are algorithms used for?
To plan out the solution to a problem
As a platform to program a solution
To test a solution to a problem
3.How can an algorithm be represented?
As a flowchart
As pseudocode
As a flowchart or pseudocode
4.What is a flowchart?
A diagram that represents a set of instructions
A high-level language that has specific syntax
A way of describing a set of instructions that doesn’t use specific syntax
5.What is the correct symbol for a process instruction in a flowchart?
A rectangle
A parallelogram
A square
6.What is the correct symbol for an input in a flowchart?
A parallelogram
A rectangle
A square
7.What is the correct symbol for an output in a flowchart?
A parallelogram
A rectangle
A diamond
8.What links each instruction in a flowchart?
A line
A double line
An arrow
9.What is the correct symbol for a decision in a flowchart?
A rectangle
A diamond
A square
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
10.What is pseudocode?
A high-level language that has specific syntax
A way of describing a set of instructions that doesn’t use specific syntax
A diagram that represents a set of instructions

Solution of above test

You got 10 out of 10

1.What is an algorithm?
You said: A set of step-by-step instructions to resolve a problem
Correct: An algorithm is a set of step-by-step instructions to resolve a problem.
2.What are algorithms used for?
You said: To plan out the solution to a problem
Correct: Algorithms are used to plan out the solution to a problem.
3.How can an algorithm be represented?
You said: As a flowchart or pseudocode
Correct: An algorithm can be represented both as a flowchart and pseudocode.
4.What is a flowchart?
You said: A diagram that represents a set of instructions
Correct: A flowchart is a diagram that represents a set of instructions.
5. What is the correct symbol for a process instruction in a flowchart?
You said: A rectangle
Correct: A rectangle is how a process is represented in a flowchart.
6.What is the correct symbol for an input in a flowchart?
You said: A parallelogram
Correct: A parallelogram is used to show both an input and an output in a flowchart.
7.What is the correct symbol for an output in a flowchart?
You said: A parallelogram
Correct: A parallelogram is used to show both an input and an output in a flowchart.
8. What links each instruction in a flowchart?
You said: An arrow
Correct: Each instruction is linked together with an arrow, to show the direction of flow.
9.What is the correct symbol for a decision in a flowchart?
You said: A diamond
Correct: A diamond is used to show a decision in a flowchart.
10.What is pseudocode?
You said: A way of describing a set of instructions that doesn’t use specific syntax
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
Correct: Pseudocode is a way of describing a set of instructions that doesn’t use specific
syntax.

Short Questions

1. Explain the importance of logical thinking in problem solving.

2. Describe the steps involved in identifying computing problems.
3. Discuss the significance of algorithmic thinking in computer science and STEM
fields.
4. Explain the role of algorithmic thinking in data analysis and how it can improve
decision-making.
5. Describe the primary steps in identifying computing problem, focusing on the
“Check for Updates” step.
6. How can concept maps be utilized to organize information effectively in education
settings?

Long Questions

1. Elaborate on the principles of computation thinking an provide examples of how it

can be applied to real world problem-solving.
2. Compare and contrast flow charts and concept maps as tools for representing
complex problems. Explain when each is most useful and provide examples.
3. In the context of computer science, how do algorithmic thinking and logical
thinking complement each other in the problem-solving process? Provide a detailed
example.
4. How can the systematic breakdown of a problem into its inputs, processes, and
outputs aid in understanding and solving complex challenges? Use a practical
scenario to illustrate.
B02

Short Questions

1. Explain how computation thinking aids in the creation of algorithms.

2. Describe the significance of abstraction in problem-solving and give an example.
3. Why is it important to break down complex problems into smaller components
during problem-solving?
 Muhammad Sikandar Dar, Assistant Professor, IMCB, G-11/1, Islamabad
4. Explain how logical reasoning is employed in computation thinking when designing
algorithms.
5. Why is it important for computer scientists to understand and select appropriate
data structures for problem-solving?
6. Describe how automation contributes to the efficiency of problem-solving
processes in computer science.

Long Questions

1. Discuss the key principles of computational thinking and elaborate on their roles in
problem-solving with examples.
2. Explain the step-by-step approach a student should follow when solving a
computational problem. Provide examples to illustrate each step.
3. Detail the process involved in evaluating the order of activities in problem-solving.
How does this assessment impact the outcome?
4. Discuss the interplay between abstraction and problem-solving, providing real-
world examples of abstraction simplifying complex problems.
5. Explain the role of critical thinking in the context of computational thinking
principles. How does it aid in algorithm development and problem-solving
strategies?