Contents

Today's Topic: Problem Solving Techniques

We will learn
1.
2.

Problem Statement.
Algorithm

Types, Example
Flowchart
Symbols, Examples.

3.

Problem Solving
Techniques

Problem Statement:
Problem Statement help diagnose the situation so that
your focus is on the problem, helpful tools at this stage
include Algorithms and flowcharts for identifying the
expected steps of a process. Therefore to solve any
problem,

Collect and analyze information and data

Talk with people familiar with the problem
If at all possible, view the problem first hand
Confirm all findings

Algorithm:
The algorithm is part of the blueprint or plan for the
computer program, an algorithm is:
An effective procedure for solving a class of problems
in a finite number of steps.
Every algorithm should have the following 5
characteristic feature:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Input
Output
Definiteness
Effectiveness
Termination

Algorithm (Contd):

1)
2)
3)
4)

5)

6)

To find largest of three numbers

Start
Read 3 numbers: num1, num2, num3
if num1 > num2 then go to step 5
if num2 > num3 then
print num2 is largest
else
print num3 is largest
goto step 6
if num1 > num3 then
print num1 is largest
else
print num3 is largest
end.

Algorithm (Contd):
Example: One of the simplest algorithms is to find the
largest number in an (unsorted) list of numbers.
High-level description:
1)
2)
3)

Assume the first item is largest.

Look at each of the remaining items in the list and if
it is larger than the largest item so far, make a note
of it.
The last noted item is the largest in the list when the
process is complete.

Algorithm (Contd):
Formal description: Written in prose but much closer to
the high-level language of a computer program, the
following is the more formal coding of the algorithm in
pseudo code (find the largest number in an
(unsorted) list of numbers)
Algorithm LargestNumber
Input: A non-empty list of numbers L.
Output: The largest number in the list L.
1)
2)
3)
4)

largest L0 for each item in the list L, do

if the item > largest, then
largest the item
return largest

Flowchart:
What is a Flowchart?

The flowchart is a means of visually presenting the flow

of control through an information processing systems,
the operations performed within the system and the
sequence in which they are performed.
It is a graphic representation of how a process works,
showing, at a minimum, the sequence of steps.
Flowcharts are generally drawn in the early stages of
formulating computer solutions.

Flowchart (Contd):
Guideline for drawing a flowchart:
Flowcharts are usually drawn using some standard
symbols; Some standard symbols, which are frequently
required for flowcharting many computer programs are
shown below,-

Flowchart (Contd):
A set of useful standard Flowchart
symbols:

Rounded box
use it to represent an event which occurs automatically.
Rectangle or box
use it to represent an event which is controlled within the
process. Typically this will be a step or action which is
taken.
Diamond
use it to represent a decision point in the process.
Circle
use it to represent a point at which the flowchart connects
with another process.

ADVANTAGES OF USING
FLOWCHARTS:

Communication: Flowcharts are better way of

communicating the logic of a system
Effective analysis: Problem can be analyzed in more
effective way.
Proper documentation: Flowcharts serve as a good
program documentation
Efficient Coding: Flowcharts act as a guide or blueprint
during the systems analysis and program development
phase.

ADVANTAGES OF USING
FLOWCHARTS (Contd):

Proper Debugging: Flowchart helps in debugging

process.

Efficient Program Maintenance: The maintenance of

operating program becomes easy with the help of
flowchart.

Flow chart of the while

loop :

Flow chart of the for loop:

The flow chart of the if

statement:

The flow chart of the ifelse

statement:

The flow chart of the switch

statement:

Flowchart for finding the sum of first five natural numbers

( i.e. 1,2,3,4,5):

Flowchart (Example):
Flowchart to find the sum of first 50 natural numbers.

Flow Chart to find largest of two numbers:

Start

Read A, B

Yes

Is A > B

No
Print B

Print A
End

Flowchart to find the largest of

three numbers A,B, and C:

NO

LIMITATIONS OF USING
FLOWCHARTS:

Complex logic: Sometimes, the program logic is quite

complicated. In that case, flowchart becomes complex
and clumsy.

Alterations and Modifications: If alterations are

required the flowchart may require re-drawing
completely.

Reproduction: As the flowchart symbols cannot be

typed, reproduction of flowchart becomes a problem.

Flowchart (Exercise):
1.

Draw a flowchart to depict all steps that you do

reach your college.

2.

Draw Flowchart for Linear search.