Chapter 7

Problem Solving Using Computers

Introduction
Problem-solving using computers is a systematic process that leverages
computational power, algorithms, and data to analyze, understand, and provide
solutions to complex problems.
This approach is applied across various fields, including science, business,
engineering, and healthcare, enabling efficiency, accuracy, and speed that
would be unattainable with manual methods alone.
Computers follow a structured sequence of steps for problem-solving,
typically referred to as the problem-solving process.
This involves defining the problem, planning a solution, implementing the
solution using programming or software tools, and testing the results.
Steps in Problem Solving Using Computers
1. Defining the Problem
2. Planning the Solution
3. Implementing the Solution
4. Testing and Evaluating the Solution
5. Documentation and Maintenance
1.Defining the problem
Purpose: Understand the exact nature of the problem to solve it effectively.
Poorly defined problems lead to inadequate solutions.
Process: Clearly identify the requirements, constraints, inputs, and expected
outcomes.
Example: In healthcare, defining the problem could involve identifying the
specific health metrics to monitor (e.g., blood pressure or glucose levels) and
the outcomes to predict, such as the likelihood of a patient developing
hypertension.
2.Planning the solution
 Purpose: Outline a structured plan to achieve the desired solution. This phase involves
choosing the right approach, algorithms, and tools for solving the problem.
 Techniques:
 Algorithm Design: Developing step-by-step instructions or using flowcharts to
visualize the solution steps.
 Data Collection and Analysis: Determine what data is required, how to gather it, and
how it will be analyzed.
 Modeling: In complex scenarios, create models to represent real-world systems or
phenomena.
 Example: In finance, if the problem is predicting stock prices, the plan could involve
gathering historical price data, selecting machine learning models for predictions, and
identifying relevant features (e.g., historical prices, trading volumes, and economic
indicators).
3.Implementing the solution
 Purpose: Translate the planned solution into a computational form. This involves coding,
using specific programming languages, or setting up software applications.
 Tools and Techniques:
 Programming: Write code in languages like Python, Java, or C++ to implement
algorithms and handle data.
 Software Tools: Use data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, R) and specialized software (e.g.,
MATLAB for engineering calculations or Tableau for visualizations).
 Testing and Debugging: Ensure that the solution functions correctly, making
adjustments as necessary.
 Example: In engineering, if the goal is to simulate airflow over a car model for
aerodynamic analysis, engineers use Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to
create a digital model, simulate airflow, and observe the results.
4. Testing and Evaluating the Solution
 Purpose: Verify that the solution meets all requirements, performs reliably, and is free
from errors. Testing may reveal issues that require revisiting previous steps.
 Techniques:
 Verification: Ensures the solution behaves as expected for different test cases.
 Validation: Confirms that the solution accurately solves the original problem.
 Iteration: Make improvements and adjustments based on testing results.
 Example: In software development, a company deploying a customer service chatbot
would conduct extensive testing, including performance testing, to ensure the bot handles
various user queries effectively and meets response time requirements.
5. Documentation and Maintenance
 Purpose: Provide clear documentation of the solution, code, and decision-
making process. Maintenance ensures the solution remains useful over time.
 Process:
Documentation: Detailed instructions for users and maintenance guides
for future updates.
Maintenance: Regular updates, bug fixes, and adaptations as user
requirements evolve or data changes.
 Example: A data analytics platform for e-commerce requires ongoing updates
to adapt to new data sources, user demands, and security needs, ensuring the
tool stays relevant and functional.
Problem Solving with Computers Across Different Areas
Healthcare: Predicting Disease Outbreaks
 Problem: Early detection of disease outbreaks can save lives by allowing health authorities
to prepare and respond effectively.
 Solution: Using AI models and machine learning, public health organizations analyze data
from hospitals, social media, and other sources to predict potential outbreaks.
 Process:
 Collect historical and real-time health data.
 Apply machine learning algorithms to detect patterns and anomalies indicating possible
outbreaks.
 Visualize results and notify relevant stakeholders for quick action.
 Example: Google Flu Trends, a now-retired project, used search data to detect flu outbreaks
faster than traditional monitoring systems.
Cont..
Business: Sales Forecasting
 Problem: Companies need to predict future sales accurately to manage inventory, staffing,
and resources.
 Solution: Sales forecasting uses data analysis and machine learning to predict future sales
trends based on historical data.
 Process:
 Collect historical sales data, customer demographics, and marketing metrics.
 Train a machine learning model to recognize patterns that influence sales (e.g.,
seasonality, marketing campaigns).
 Implement the model, periodically retrain it, and monitor its performance.
 Example: Amazon uses forecasting models to predict demand, helping them optimize stock
levels and reduce shipping times.
Cont..
Engineering: Structural Analysis in Construction
 Problem: Engineers need to ensure that a building structure can withstand various forces
(e.g., wind, earthquakes).
 Solution: Structural analysis software like SAP2000 or ANSYS allows engineers to simulate
different stressors on building materials and structures.
 Process:
 Design a 3D model of the building structure.
 Input material properties and environmental forces into the model.
 Run simulations to evaluate how the building responds to these forces, making
adjustments to improve resilience.
 Example: Before constructing a skyscraper, engineers simulate the effect of strong winds and
potential earthquakes, ensuring the structure can withstand these conditions.
Cont..
Environmental Science: Predicting Climate Change Impacts
 Problem: Understanding the future impacts of climate change requires complex models and data
from various sources.
 Solution: Use computational climate models to simulate the long-term effects of greenhouse gas
emissions, temperature rises, and environmental changes.
 Process:
 Collect and input data on CO₂ emissions, historical climate data, and other variables.
 Use models to simulate potential future scenarios based on different emission levels.
 Interpret results to predict outcomes like sea-level rise, temperature increases, and weather
pattern changes.
 Example: The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) uses simulations to forecast
climate impacts, helping policymakers develop strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
Cont..
Education: Adaptive Learning Systems
 Problem: Traditional education systems cannot cater to individual student needs effectively,
which can lead to learning gaps.
 Solution: Adaptive learning platforms use data on student performance to create personalized
learning experiences.
 Process:
 Gather data on each student’s strengths, weaknesses, and learning pace.
 Use AI algorithms to adjust learning materials in real-time, focusing on areas where the
student struggles.
 Provide feedback and additional resources to reinforce understanding.
 Example: Platforms like Khan Academy offer personalized learning paths based on student
responses, helping them master concepts at their own pace.
Key Takeaways in Problem Solving with Computers
Scalability and Speed: Computers can handle vast amounts of data quickly, allowing
organizations to analyze and solve problems on a large scale.
Accuracy and Precision: Automated solutions minimize human error, ensuring consistent,
reliable results.
Continuous Improvement: Solutions can be refined over time with new data, algorithms, and
technologies, keeping them relevant and effective.
Cross-Disciplinary Application: Problem-solving with computers is valuable across fields,
from scientific research to business and beyond, making it an indispensable tool for modern-day
challenges.
This structured approach to problem-solving is crucial for deriving meaningful insights, making
informed decisions, and tackling complex challenges across various fields effectively and
efficiently.
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06/23/2025 Prepared by Tsegaye.B 15