13.2.1 Creating algorithms

• Why is defining the problem clearly crucial in problem-solving?

  Ensures focused and accurate solutions
• An ambiguous problem statement can lead to incorrect solutions.
• A clarified problem statement specifies the data type, sorting order, and algorithm
• What are the six aspects involved in clear problem definition?

  What, who, where, when, why, how
• A well-defined problem statement prevents misunderstandings.
• In problem-solving, inputs are the data or information provided to a program, and outputs are the results
• Match the input type with its description:

  User Input ↔️ Data provided directly by the user

  Data Files ↔️ Data read from external files

  Sensors ↔️ Data collected from physical sensors

  API ↔️ Data retrieved from external services
• Arrange the steps in understanding inputs and outputs:

  1️⃣ Identify input types

  2️⃣ Determine output types

  3️⃣ Analyze data flow
• In the example program to calculate the area of a rectangle, the inputs are the length and width
• Why is understanding inputs and outputs essential for algorithm design?

  Ensures accurate program behavior
• Breaking a problem into subproblems improves coding organization.
• Breaking a problem into subproblems makes the overall complexity lower
• What are the four subproblems in designing a library management application?

  Book, member, borrowing, reporting
• Combining subproblems simplifies the design process.
• What is displayed on the screen when using the "Display" output type?

  Results
• Actuators send signals to control devices
• APIs are used to send data to external services.
• What is the formula to calculate the area of a rectangle?

  area = length * width</latex>
• In the example program, the inputs are the length and width
• Steps to break a complex problem into subproblems:

  1️⃣ Identify the main problem

  2️⃣ Divide the problem into smaller tasks

  3️⃣ Prioritize subproblems

  4️⃣ Solve each subproblem individually

  5️⃣ Combine solutions to solve the original problem
• Breaking a complex problem into subproblems increases its complexity.

  False
• Breaking a complex problem into subproblems streamlines collaboration
• Match the subproblems with their descriptions in the library management application:

  Book Management ↔️ Adding, deleting, updating books

  Member Management ↔️ Registering, deleting, updating members

  Borrowing ↔️ Lending and returning books

  Reporting ↔️ Generating reports on book usage
• Steps to follow a logical approach to solve a subproblem:

  1️⃣ Understand the goals and requirements

  2️⃣ Develop a step-by-step plan

  3️⃣ Translate the plan into code

  4️⃣ Ensure the code works correctly through testing

  5️⃣ Review the process and identify improvements
• The area of a rectangle is calculated by multiplying its length and width
• What is the primary factor for choosing the appropriate data structure?

  Efficiency
• Match the data structure with its property:

  Arrays ↔️ Fixed size, fast access

  Linked Lists ↔️ Dynamic size, slow access

  Stacks ↔️ LIFO, limited access

  Queues ↔️ FIFO, limited access
• Stacks use a FIFO principle for data storage.

  False
• Hash tables provide fast lookups using key-value pairs
• What is the purpose of defining a problem statement clearly?

  Addresses goals and constraints
• Understanding inputs and outputs is essential for designing effective algorithms
• Why is a well-defined problem statement important in problem-solving?

  Ensures solution addresses goals
• One key element of a problem statement is understanding the objectives
• What are inputs and outputs in problem-solving?

  Inputs are data, outputs are results
• Constraints in a problem statement define limitations on possible solutions
• A clear objective in a problem statement should be specific and measurable
• What does it mean for inputs and outputs to be precisely defined in a problem statement?

  They are unambiguous
• Missing constraints in a problem statement can lead to unclear solutions
• What is an example of an unclear problem statement for sorting an array?

  "Sort the list"
• A clear problem statement for sorting an array of integers would specify the data type, sorting order, and algorithm