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Introduction To Computer Programming Problem Solving & Algorithms

The document discusses problem solving techniques in computer programming such as asking questions, looking for similarities, means-ends analysis, divide and conquer, and merging solutions. It also provides examples of algorithms for converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius scales and calculating the average grade of 3 tests for a class.

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27 views20 pages

Introduction To Computer Programming Problem Solving & Algorithms

The document discusses problem solving techniques in computer programming such as asking questions, looking for similarities, means-ends analysis, divide and conquer, and merging solutions. It also provides examples of algorithms for converting between Fahrenheit and Celsius scales and calculating the average grade of 3 tests for a class.

Uploaded by

Alpha Romeo
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Introduction to Computer

Programming
Problem Solving & Algorithms
Jehangir Arshad Meo

Lec#5

Mechanical Engineering Department

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology

Sahiwal
Problem Solving
Problem Solving is a key factor of human intelligence.

Consider the example:

1- In mathematical problems we have several


solutions to a problem.

2- In daily life we can use easy ways to solve our daily


life issues
Problem Solving
From our daily life experience we know that the
best way to solve a problem is to divide it into
small steps.

Then to carry out these steps one by one to


achieve the desired goal.

If look at a cheff following a recipe to make a meal


we will observe that he is following certain steps.
Problem Solving
How we give solution to a given problem?

Algorithms
Algorithm
A concept that pervades all areas of computer
science.

Algorithm is a process that a computer could carry


out to complete a well defined task within finite
time and resources.

The objective of computer science is to solve


problems by developing, analyzing, and
implementing algorithmic solutions.
5
Al-Khwarizmi Principle:
 All complex problems can be broken into simpler sub-problems.

 Solve a complex problem by breaking it down into smaller sub-


problems and then solve them (in a specified order), one at a
time.

 When all the steps are solved, the original problem itself has also
been solved.

 This process is called Algorithm.

6
Computer Programming
Computer is a powerful tool

It is not intelligent!

In order to use computer to solve our problems, we must tell it what we
want done and the order in which we want it done.

These instructions are called computer program.

This process is called computer programming.

The person giving these instructions is called a computer programmer.

7
Computer Programming
Analyze the problem

Develop a sequence of instructions for solving the


problem.

Communicate it to the computer.

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Phases of software(program) life cycle:
1. Requirement definition {Given in the question or statement}

2. Analysis and design

3. Coding

4. Testing

5. Implementation

6. Maintenance

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Problem Solving Techniques
1. Ask questions

2. Look for things that are similar

3. Means-ends analysis

4. Divide and Conquer

5. Merging solutions
10
1- Ask Questions
Ask questions until you have developed a clear understanding
of the problem.

Who, What, Why, Where, When.

What do I have to work with? (my data or input)


How much data is there?
What should my output look like?
How many times is the process going to be repeated?
What are the exceptions to the main course?
What special error condition might come up?

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2)- Look for things that are Similar
Do not reinvent the wheel!

Draw analogy

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3)- Means-Ends analysis
Starting point and ending state are known.

You need to devise the transformation function.

Ends are defined – you need to analyze your means


of getting between them.

Lahore to Islamabad
What are the options?
Narrow down the options?
Figure out the details?
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4)- Divide and Conquer
Same as the Al-khwarizmi Principle.

Breakup the large problem into smaller units and then


solve them one at a time.

Building block approach.

14
4)- Divide and Conquer
Hard Problem

Easy Sub-problem Hard Sub-problem Easy Sub-problem

Easy Sub-problem Easy Sub-problem

15
5)- Merging Solution
Sometimes merging two independent solutions solves
the problem more efficiently?

Calculate Average:

Count values
Sum Values
Divide sum by count

16
Problem Solving Techniques
What is the unknown?
What is required?

What are the data?


What is given?

What is the condition?


By what condition the unknown is linked to the data?

17
Conversion from Fahrenheit to Celsius
 Output
 Temperature in Celsius (C)

 Inputs
 Temperature in Fahrenheit (F)

 Process

5
C  (F  32)
9

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Calculate and print the average grade of 3 tests
for the entire class
 Input
 3 test scores for each student
 output
 Average of 3 tests for each student
 Process
1. Get three scores
2. Add them together
3. Divide by three to get the average
4. Print the average
5. Repeat step 1 to 4 for next student
6. Stop if there are no more students

19
Assignment 1: Total =10 marks
Instructions;

1. Title page { Subject: Introduction to computer programming………. Name:……………, Registration Number:


BSME- Fo13……………Instructor Mr. Jehangir Arshad , Submission Date: 8 march 2013,Friday 12:30}

2. Assignment must be hand written and should be on A4 size paper.

3. Assignment on Register pages will not be accepted.

4. All headings must be given with marker.

Statement:

Why (r)’s and (r-1)’s complements are used in computing? [4 marks]


Write down the examples of :

1 - (2)’s and (2-1)’s complements (1.5 + 1.5 = 3 marks)


2 – (10)’s and (10-1)’s complement (1.5 + 1.5 = 3 marks)

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