Subject: Computer
Studies
Topic: Algorithm and Flowchart
Std: V
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L A N
E R
to describe an algorithm and
flowchart
To create an algorithm for solving a
problem
To create a flowchart for solving a problem
To use decision making and repetition
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Algorithm
An algorithm is a step-by-step instruction given to the
computer to solve a problem or perform a task.
Logical way
of solving a
Algorithm provides problem to the
Structured computer
way
Algorithms can be converted into programs that the
computer can understand and execute to give desired result.
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Steps to develop an
algorithm
STEP 1 • Describe the problem.
STEP 2 • Analyse the process to solve the problem.
STEP 3 • Develop the main steps for an algorithm.
STEP 4 • Add detailed steps for each main step.
Step 5 • Review and refine the algorithm if required.
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Example 1: A cooking recipe - Sandwich
STEP Get the description and details of the Sandwich
1 recipe. Collect required ingredients.
Analyse the process such as grating the cheese,
STEP
2
slicing the tomatoes, buttering the slices, placing
the tomatoes and cheese slices on the bread.
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STEP Develop the main steps and detailed steps of the
3&4 algorithm.
Cut the tomato into fine slices.
Grate cheese.
Toast two slices of bread.
Put cheese on the bread evenly.
Place the tomato slices on the bread.
Keep the other bread slice on the top, and the
sandwich is ready!
After tasting the sandwich, if you feel that it
STEP
needs more spice or more vegetables, refine the
5
sandwich by adding the required ingredients.
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Example 2: Coming back from school
STEP 1 Wait for the bus in the queue.
STEP 2 Get into the bus.
STEP 3 Get down at your bus stop.
STEP 4 Walk down to your house.
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Coming back home with your mother
STEP 1 Wait for your mother at the school entrance.
When you see your mother enter the school
STEP 2
gate, draw her attention.
Pick up your bag and walk out of the school
STEP 3
gate with your mother.
Get into a taxi and tell the driver where you
STEP 4
want to go.
STEP 5 Guide the taxi driver to your house.
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Example 3: Algorithm to find whether a
number is odd or even.
STEP 1 Enter a number N.
STEP 2 Read the number N.
STEP 3 Check if the number is divisible by 2.
If yes, then print ‘N is an even number’, else
STEP 4
print ‘N is an odd number’.
STEP 5 Exit.
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Characteristics of a good algorithm
Each instruction should be clear and have only one
meaning. One step should have only one instruction
or else it may lead to confusion and mistakes.
Each instruction should be performed in finite time.
No instruction should be repeated infinitely, that is,
the algorithm must end. The algorithm must have
an end statement after executing all statements.
After the instructions are executed, the user should
get the results.
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Flowchart
The graphical or pictorial form of an algorithm is
called a flowchart.
detailed
Flowchart provides of algorithm
picture
It uses special symbols to represent various statements of
an algorithm.
The direction of flow in a flowchart is always from the top
to the bottom.
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Flowchart Symbols
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Flowchart Symbols
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Uses of a flowchart
to identify the method or process to
solve a problem
to plan the sequence of commands in
a computer program
to convey ideas and solutions
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Rules for making a flowchart
The requirements for drawing a flowchart should be listed
out in a logical order.
The flowchart should be easy to understand and follow.
Only one flow line should be used to connect to another
symbol.
The direction of flow should be from top to bottom or left
to right.
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Example 1: An algorithm and corresponding flowchart for adding two numbers.
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Example 2: An algorithm and flowchart for waking up in the morning based on a
decision box.
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Example 3: An algorithm to find the largest of three.
Step 1: Start.
Step 2: Get number A, B and C.
Step 3: If A>B go to step 4, otherwise go to step 5.
Step 4: If A>C go to step 6, otherwise go to step 8.
Step 5: If B>C go to step 7, otherwise go to step 8.
Step 6: Display the output “A is the largest number” and go
to step 9.
Step 7: Display the output “B is the largest number” and go
to step 9.
Step 8: Display the output “C is the largest number” and go
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Example 3: A Flowchart to find the largest of three.
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Working of the algorithm shown in Example 3
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Example 4: An algorithm and a flowchart to print the multiplication table for a
given number.
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Advantages of a Flowchart
A flowchart shows the logic of a program that serves
as a blueprint for the analysis and development
phase of a program.
Flowchart helps us to analyse the problem in a much
more effective way.
It is easy to understand and implement.
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Drawing a flowchart
using the computer
There are many different applications that help us
draw a flowchart on a computer.
Some of them are MS Word, OpenOffice Writer,
Edraw, SmartDraw and Visio.
These applications offer various features that helps us
in drawing the flowchart.
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