PROBLEM SOLVING TECHNIQUES

ALGORITHM AND FLOW CHART

OBJECTIVES

 able to define problem;

 able to define algorithm;
 write algorithms for simple problems;
 explain properties of an algorithm;
 the meaning of flowchart;
 explain the need of flow chart;
 explain different symbols used in flow chart;
 draw flow chart for simple problems; and convert
a flow chart into an algorithm and vice versa.
 ALGORITHM AND FLOW CHART

INTRODUCTION

Intelligence is one of the key

characteristics which differentiate a human
being from other living creatures on the
earth. Basic intelligence covers day to day
problem solving and making strategies to
handle different situations which keep
arising in day to day life.
 ALGORITHM AND FLOW CHART

What is Algorithm?

Algorithm can be defined as: “A sequence 
of activities to be processed for getting
desired output from a given input.”
 ALGORITHM AND FLOW CHART

What is Algorithm?

Webopedia defines an algorithm as:  

“A formula or set of steps for solving a

 particularproblem.  To be an algorithm,
 a set of
 rules must be unambiguous and have a  clear
stopping point”.
FLOWCHART
 FLOWCHART
The flowchart is a diagram which visually pres
ents the flow of data through processing
systems. This means by seeing a flow chart on
e can know the operations performed and
the sequence of these  operations in a system.
 Algorithms are nothing but sequence of
steps for solving problems. So a flow chart can
 be used for representing an  algorithm. A
flowchart, will describe the operations 
(and in what sequence) are required 
to  solve a given problem.
 FLOWCHART
A flowchart is a type of diagram that
represents an algorithm, workflow or
process. The flowchart shows the steps as
boxes of various kinds, and their order by
connecting the boxes with arrows. This
diagrammatic representation illustrates a
solution model to a given problem.
Flowcharts are used in analyzing,
designing, documenting or managing a
process or program in various fields.
 BUILDING BLOCKS
OF
FLOW CHART
OR
COMMON SYMBOLS
OF
FLOW CHART
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

The American National Standards

Institute (ANSI) set standards for flowcharts
and their symbols in the
1960s. The International Organization for
Standardization(ISO) adopted the ANSI
symbols in 1970. The current standard was
revised in 1985. Generally, flowcharts flow
from top to bottom and left to right.
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Shows the process's order of
operation. A line coming from
one symbol and pointing at
Flowline
another. Arrowheads are
(Arrowhead)
added if the flow is not the
standard top-to-bottom, left-
to right.
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Indicates the beginning and ending
of a program or sub-process.
Represented as a stadium, oval or
rounded (fillet) rectangle. They
Terminal usually contain the word "Start" or
"End", or another phrase signaling
the start or end of a process, such as
"submit inquiry" or "receive
product".
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Represents a set of operations that
Process changes value, form, or location of
data. Represented as a rectangle
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Shows a conditional operation that
determines which one of the two
paths the program will take. The
Decision operation is commonly a yes/no
question or true/false test.
Represented as a diamond
(rhombus).
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Indicates the process of inputting
Input /
and outputting data, as in entering
data or displaying results.
Output
Represented as a parallelogram
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Indicating additional
information about a step the
Annotation program. Represented as an
open rectangle with a dashed
(Comment) or solid line connecting it to
the corresponding symbol in
the flowchart.
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Shows named process
Predefined /Function which is defined
Process
elsewhere. Represented as
Functions a rectangle with double-
struck vertical edges.
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
Pairs of labelled connectors
replace long or confusing
On-page
Connector
lines on a flowchart page.
Represented by a small
circle with a letter inside.
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape
A labelled connector for
use when the target is on
Off-page
Connector
another page. Represented
as a home plate-
shaped pentagon.
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape

Storage/ Magnetic Tape used for sec
Backup ondary storage/Backup
 BUILDING BLOCKS OF FLOW CHART

ANSI/ISO
Name Description
Shape

Storage/ Magnetic Disk used for sec
Backup ondary storage/Backup
ADVANTAGES OF USING FLOWCHARTS
As we discussed flow chart is used for
representing algorithm in pictorial form.
This pictorial representation of a
solution/system is having many
advantages. These advantages are as
follows:

1.COMMUNICATION.
2.EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS.
3.DOCUMENTATION OF PROGRAM/SYSTEM.
4.EFFICIENT PROGRAM MAINTENANCE.
5.CODING OF THE PROGRAM.
ADVANTAGES OF USING FLOWCHARTS
1.COMMUNICATION:

A Flowchart can be used as a better way of

communication of the logic of a system and
steps involve in the solution, to all concerned
particularly to the client of system.
ADVANTAGES OF USING FLOWCHARTS
2.EFFECTIVE ANALYSIS:

A flowchart of a problem can be used for

effective analysis of the problem.
ADVANTAGES OF USING FLOWCHARTS
3.DOCUMENTATION OF PROGRAM/
SYSTEM:

Program flowcharts are a vital part of a good

program documentation. Program document is
used for various purposes like knowing the
components in the program, complexity of the
program etc.
ADVANTAGES OF USING FLOWCHARTS
4. EFFICIENT PROGRAM
MAINTENANCE:

Once a program is developed and becomes

operational it needs time to time maintenance.
With help of flowchart maintenance become
easier.
ADVANTAGES OF USING FLOWCHARTS
5. CODING OF THE PROGRAM:

Any design of solution of a problem is finally

converted into computer program. Writing code
referring the flowchart of the solution become
easy.
LIMITATIONS OF USING FLOWCHARTS
1) COMPLEXITY OF LOGIC: If program logic is
complex then flowchart of the program
becomes complicated.

2) ALTERATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS IN LOGIC:

any alterations in the program logic may require
re­drawing of flowchart completely.

3) REUSE IS NOT POSSIBLE: As the flowchart

symbols cannot be typed, always reproduction of
flowchart symbols are required.
 FLOWCHART EXAMPLES
Draw a flowchart to find the simple interest.
(Sequence)
 FLOWCHART EXAMPLES
Draw a flowchart to find bigger number
among two numbers (selective)
 FLOWCHART EXAMPLES

Draw a flow chart to find factorial of any

number.
FLOWCHART EXAMPLES
 FLOWCHART EXAMPLES

Draw a flow chart to print the number from 1

to N.
FLOWCHART EXAMPLES
 FLOWCHART EXAMPLES

Draw a flow chart to find biggest number

among N numbers.
FLOWCHART EXAMPLES
CLASS TEST
 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
Time: 40 Min Max Marks 20
1. A step by step method for solving a problem
using English Language

(a) program (b) Flowchart

(c) statement (d) Algorithm

2. Set of statements is executed based upon

conditional test.

(a) Looping (b) Selective

(c) Sequence (d) None
 MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

3. Set of statements is executed again and again

based upon conditional test.
(a) Looping (b) Selective
(c) Sequence (d) None

4. The graphical representation of algorithm is

(a) program (b) Flowchart
(c) statement (d) Algorithm

5. All instructions are executed one after other.

(a) Looping (b) Selective
(c) Sequence (d) None
 ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

1. Define Algorithm.

2. Define Flowchart.

3. Write an algorithm to find the sum of two

numbers.

4. Write an algorithm to find the area of a

triangle.

5. Write an algorithm to find whether given

number is odd or even.
 ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

6. Write an algorithm to find the sum of all even

number up to given number.

7. Draw a flowchart to find the area of a circle.

9. Draw a flowchart to find the smallest number

among n numbers.
 ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS.

10. Draw a flowchart to find the sum of all

multiples of 5 up to given number.

11. Mona is confused about finite loop and

infinite loop, explain her with the help of
example.

12. Write an algorithm and a flowchart to find

sum of n numbers.
THANK YOU