Introduction to problem solving in c++
22 likes16,498 views
This document discusses the process of problem solving through programming. It begins by defining an algorithm as a sequence of instructions to solve a problem and a program as an algorithm expressed in a language a computer can understand. It then outlines the programming process of analyzing a problem to determine the input and output, planning an algorithm using tools like IPO charts and pseudocode, and coding the algorithm. It provides examples of analyzing problems, planning algorithms, and desk-checking algorithms on sample data.
Introduction to problem solving in c++
- 1. INTRODUCTION TO PROBLEM SOLVING 1
- 2. Introduction • Algorithm – A sequence of precise instructions that leads to a solution • Program – An algorithm expressed in a language the computer can understand 2
- 4. Introduction (cont.) • Programming is a creative process – No complete set of rules for creating a program 4
- 5. Programming Process • Program Design Process – Problem Solving Phase • Result is an algorithm that solves the problem – Implementation Phase • Result is the algorithm translated into a programming language • Be certain the task is completely specified – What is the input? – What information is in the output? – How is the output organized? 5
- 6. Programming Process (cont.) • Develop the algorithm before implementation – Experience shows this saves time in getting your program to run. – Test the algorithm for correctness 6
- 7. Programming Process (cont.) Implementation Phase • Translate the algorithm into a programming language • Compile the source code – Locates errors in using the programming language • Run the program on sample data – Verify correctness of results • Results may require modification of the algorithm and program 7
- 9. Programming Process (cont.) Example: • STEP 1: PROBLEM ANALYSIS – Purpose: • To describe in details a solution to a problem by providing the needed information for the problem. – How? • First, understand & study the problem. – Identify: • The input to the problem. • The required output. • The relevant process. For example, scientific formula or appropriate theories if any. 9
- 10. Programming Process (cont.) Problem : Write a program that get 3 numbers as input from user. Find the average and display the numbers and the average. Problem Analysis: Input: 3 numbers. Process: 1. Add the numbers 2. Divide the total with 3 Output: The 3 numbers and average 10
- 11. Programming Process (cont.) INPUT PROCESS OUTPUT 11
- 12. Programming Process - Representation Method • STEP 2: PROGRAM DESIGN • Definition: It defines the framework or the flow or the problem solution 1. Algorithm – Algorithm is a sequence of instructions to solve a problem written in human language and problem can be solved if follow the correct procedure – A programmer writes the solution in the form of an algorithm before coding it into computer language. 12
- 13. Programming Process - Representation Method (cont.) Example of algorithm to calculate the average of 3 numbers: 1. Set Total=0, average=0; 2. Input 3 numbers 3. Total up the 3 numbers Total= total of 3 numbers 4. Calculate average average=Total/3 5. Display 3 numbers and the average 13
- 14. Programming Process - Representation Method (cont.) 2. Flowchart • A graphical representation of data, information and process or an orderly step- by-step solution to a problem. 14
- 15. Programming Process - Representation Method (cont.) Start Example: Input a, b, c Total = a + b + c average = Total / 3 Display a, b, c Display average End 15
- 16. Programming Process - Representation Method (cont.) 3. Pseudocode • Steps in problem solving written in certain of programming code and certain in human language. • For example, some part use C++ language code and some part use English-like phrases. 16
- 17. Programming Process - Representation Method (cont.) START INPUT a, b, c Total = a + b + c average = Total / 3 OUTPUT a, b, c OUTPUT average END 17
- 18. Programming Process - Representation Method (cont.) STEPS 3: PROGRAM CODING • Definition: Write a solution into a specific programming language such as C, C++, COBOL and etc. • Solution: Instructions before it is coded into programming language. • Purpose: To produce a program to develop a system. 18
- 19. Solving Everyday Problems • First step in solving a problem: analyze it – E.g., problem of being hungry • Next, you plan, review, implement, evaluate, and modify (if necessary) the solution – E.g., if you are still hungry 19
- 20. Solving Everyday Problems (continued) 20
- 21. Solving Everyday Problems (continued) 21
- 22. Creating Computer Solutions to Problems • Analysis tools: IPO charts, pseudocode, flowcharts • To desk-check or hand-trace, use pencil, paper, and sample data to walk through algorithm • A coded algorithm is called a program 22
- 23. Creating Computer Solutions to Problems (continued) 23
- 24. Analyzing the Problem • Analyze a problem to: – Determine the goal of solving it • Output – Determine the items needed to achieve that goal • Input • Always search first for the output 24
- 25. Analyzing the Problem (continued) 25
- 26. IPO Charts • Use an IPO chart to organize and summarize the results of a problem analysis – IPO: Input, Processing, and Output 26
- 27. IPO Charts (continued) 27
- 28. IPO Charts (continued) 28
- 29. Analyzing the Problem (continued) • First, reduce the amount of information you need to consider in your analysis: 29
- 30. Analyzing the Problem (continued) • Worse than having too much information is not having enough information to solve problem: 30
- 31. Analyzing the Problem (continued) • Distinguish between information that is missing and information that is implied: 31
- 32. Planning the Algorithm • Algorithm: set of instructions that will transform the problem’s input into its output – Record it in the Processing column of the IPO chart • Processing item: intermediate value used by algorithm when processing input into output • Pseudocode is a tool programmers use to help them plan an algorithm – Short English statements 32
- 33. Planning the Algorithm (continued) 33
- 34. Planning the Algorithm (continued) • Flowcharts are also used to plan an algorithm – Use standardized symbols – Symbols connected with flowlines – Oval: start/stop symbol – Rectangle: process symbol • Represents tasks such as calculations – Parallelogram: input/output symbol • Represents I/O tasks 34
- 35. Planning the Algorithm (continued) 35
- 36. Planning the Algorithm (continued) • A problem can have more than one solution: 36
- 37. Hints for Writing Algorithms This problem specification is almost identical to the one shown earlier in Figure 2-4 37
- 38. Hints for Writing Algorithms (continued) You may use a portion of a previous solution to solve current problem 38
- 39. Desk-Checking the Algorithm 39
- 40. Desk-Checking the Algorithm (continued) 40
- 41. Desk-Checking the Algorithm (continued) • Valid data is data that the programmer is expecting the user to enter • Invalid data is data that he or she is not expecting the user to enter • You should test an algorithm with invalid data – Users may make mistakes when entering data 41
- 42. The Gas Mileage Problem 42
- 43. The Gas Mileage Problem (continued) • After planning the algorithm, you desk-check it: 43
- 44. Summary • Problem-solving typically involves analyzing the problem, and then planning, reviewing, implementing, evaluating, and modifying (if necessary) the solution • Programmers use tools (IPO charts, pseudocode, flowcharts) to help them analyze problems and develop algorithms – During analysis, you determine the output and input – During planning, you write the steps that will transform the input into the output 44
- 45. Summary (continued) • After the analysis and planning, you desk- check the algorithm – Follow each of the steps in algorithm by hand • Coding refers to translating the algorithm into a language that the computer can understand • Before writing an algorithm, consider Source: An Introductionhave already solved a similar whether you to Programming with C++, Fifth Edition problem 45