Long Questions

Q.1: Write an algorithm to assign a grade based on the marks obrained by the
student .The grading system follows these criteria

- 90 and above: A+

- 80 to 89: A

- 70 to 79: B

- 60 to 69: C

- Below 60: F

2: Algorithm:

Step 1: Input the student's marks.

Step 2: Check if the marks are 90 or above. If true, assign grade A+.

Step 3: If not, check if the marks are between 80 and 89. If true, assign grade A.

Step 4: If not, check if the marks are between 70 and 79. If true, assign grade B.

Step 5:. If not, check if the marks are between 60 and 69. If true, assign grade C.

Step 6. If none of the above conditions are met, assign grade F.

3: Write the algorithm in pseudocode

INPUT marks

IF marks >= 90 THEN

grade = "A+"

ELSE IF marks >= 80 AND marks <= 89 THEN

grade = "A"
ELSE IF marks >= 70 AND marks <= 79 THEN

grade = "B"

ELSE IF marks >= 60 AND marks <= 69 THEN

grade = "C"

ELSE

grade = "F"

END IF

OUTPUT grade

2 EXPLAIN HOW YOU WOULD USE ALGORITHM DESIGN METHOD TO SOLVE A

COMPLEX COMPUTATIONAL PROBLEM.

Methods for Designing Algorithms

Algorithm design methods offer different tools and techniques to solve

computational problems. Each method has its own strengths and weaknesses

Flowcharts:

"A graphical representation of an algorithm is called flow chart" or "Flowcharts

are diagrams Show the steps in a process or system using various symbols
connected by arrows". They are used in many areas, such as computer science,
engineering, and business, design systems, and explain complex workflows in a
simple wav, Flow chart tells about understanding how program is to be execute.

Why Flowcharts are Important:

Clarity: Flowcharts make it easy to see and understand processes at a quick

glance.

Communication: They are a great way to explain complex processes to others,

helping ever
understand them the same way.

Problem Solving: Flowcharts can help find problenms or inefficiencies in a

processi, makir

easier to solve them and improve the process.

Documentation: Flowcharts are useful for keeping records of systems and

processes, which h

with training and reference later.

Flowchart Symbols:

Flowchart symbols are visual representations used to illustrate the steps and flow
of a proces

system as shown

Oval (Terminal)

Represents the start or end of a process. Often labeled as "Start" or "End,"

Rectangle

Represents a process, task, or operation that needs to be performed.

Parallelogram

Represents data input or (Input/Output) output (e.g, reading input from a user or
displaying output on a screen),

Diamond Represents a decision point in the process where the flow can branch
based on yes or no

Arrow (Flowline)

It shows a direction of flow within the flowchart, connecting the symbols to

indicate the sequence of steps.
3. Explain the concept of a dry run in the context of both Flowcharts and
pseudocode, how does performing a dry run help in validating the correctness
of an algorithm.

Ans: A dry run is when you manually go through an algorithm using examples.
Data to find any mistake.

Dry run of Flowchart

When doing a dry run of a flowchart you go through each step one by one to see
how the algorithm works without using a computer, this helps you Check for any
logical mistake and understand how the process flows

Example

To add two numbers using a flowchart, follow these steps.

1. Start

2. Input the first number(2)

3. Input the second number (5)

4. Add the numbers(2 +5=7)

5. Output the result

6 stop

Dry Run of Pseudocode

A dry run of pseudocode involves simulating how the pseudocode would run line-
by-line. This helps ensure the algorithm's logic is correct.

Example: Finding The Maximum of Two Numbers:

Consider the pseudocode for finding the maximum of two numbers.

Algorithm for Finding Max

1. Input: num1, num2

2. if num1> num2 then

3. max = num1

4. else

5. max = num2

6. end if

7. Output: max

Steps to dry run pseudocode

1. Input

2. Check if num1 > num2 (10>15: False)

3. Since the condition is False, max = num2 (max = 15)

4. Input num1 and num2 (e.g., 10 and 15)

5. Output max

3. Define computational thinking and explain its significance in modern

problem-solving. Provide examples to illustrate how computational thinking can
be applied in different fields.

Computational thinking is a problem-solving approach that involves breaking

down complex problems into manageable parts, analyzing data, and developing
algorithms to solve them. It is significant in modern problem-solving because it
enables individuals to approach problems in a systematic and efficient manner.

Examples:
- In healthcare, computational thinking can be used to analyze patient data and
develop personalized treatment plans.

- In finance, computational thinking can be used to analyze market trends and

develop predictive models for stock prices.

- In environmental science, computational thinking can be used to analyze climate

data and develop models for predicting weather patterns.

4. Discuss the concept of decomposition in computational thinking. Why is it

important?

Decomposition is the process of breaking down a complex problem into smaller,

more manageable sub-problems. It is an essential concept in computational
thinking because it allows individuals to:

- Identify the key components of a problem

- Analyze each component separately

- Develop solutions for each component

- Combine the solutions to solve the original problem

Decomposition is important because it:

- Simplifies complex problems

- Reduces the risk of errors

- Increases the efficiency of problem-solving

- Enables individuals to focus on specific aspects of a problem

5. Explain pattern recognition in the context of computational thinking. How

does identifying patterns help in problem-solving?
Pattern recognition is the process of identifying repeating patterns or structures
in data. In computational thinking, pattern recognition is used to:

- Identify relationships between variables

- Develop predictive models

- Optimize solutions

Identifying patterns helps in problem-solving by:

- Enabling individuals to make predictions about future outcomes

- Allowing individuals to develop more efficient solutions

- Providing insights into the underlying structure of a problem

6. What is an abstraction in computational thinking? Discuss its importance and

provide examples of how abstraction can be used to simplify complex problems.

Abstraction is the process of representing complex systems or problems in a

simplified way, focusing on essential features and hiding non-essential details. In
computational thinking, abstraction is used to:

- Simplify complex problems

- Reduce the risk of errors

- Increase the efficiency of problem-solving

Examples:

- In programming, abstraction can be used to represent complex data structures

as simple variables.

- In engineering, abstraction can be used to represent complex systems as simple

block diagrams.
- In science, abstraction can be used to represent complex phenomena as simple
mathematical models.

7. Describe what an algorithm is and explain its role in computational thinking.

Provide a detailed example of an algorithm for solving a specific problem, and
draw the corresponding flowchart.

An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or achieving a

specific goal. It plays a crucial role in computational thinking as it enables us to
break down complex problems into manageable parts, analyze them, and develop
efficient solutions.

Example: Algorithm for making a cup of tea:

8. Compare and contrast flowcharts and pseudocode as methods for algorithm

design. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method, and provide
examples where one might be preferred over the other.

Flowcharts and pseudocode are two common methods used to design and
represent algorithms.

Flowcharts:

Advantages:

- Visual representation makes it easier to understand the flow of the algorithm

- Can be used to represent complex algorithms with multiple conditions and loops

Disadvantages:

- Can become cluttered and difficult to read for large algorithms

- Not suitable for algorithms with many variables and data structures

Pseudocode:
Advantages:

- Easier to write and modify than flowcharts

- Can be used to represent algorithms with many variables and data structures

Disadvantages:

- Can be ambiguous and open to interpretation

- Not as visual as flowcharts, making it harder to understand the flow of the

algorithm

Example: Flowcharts might be preferred for algorithms with complex conditional

statements, while pseudocode might be preferred for algorithms with many
variables and data structures.

9. Explain the concept of a dry run in the context of both flowcharts and
pseudocode. How does performing a dry run help in validating the correctness
of an algorithm?

A dry run is the process of manually executing an algorithm step-by-step to test

its correctness. It involves substituting values into the algorithm and following the
steps to see if the expected output is produced.

In the context of flowcharts, a dry run involves tracing the flowchart from start to
end, following the arrows and making decisions at each conditional statement.

In the context of pseudocode, a dry run involves manually executing the

pseudocode line-by-line, substituting values and evaluating conditions.

Performing a dry run helps in validating the correctness of an algorithm by:

- Identifying logical errors and bugs

- Ensuring that the algorithm produces the expected output for different inputs

- Helping to refine and optimize the algorithm

10. What is LARP? Discuss its importance in learning and practicing algorithms.

LARP (Logical Algorithmic Reasoning Process) is a method of learning and

practicing algorithms by manually executing them step-by-step. It involves
substituting values into the algorithm and following the steps to see if the
expected output is produced.

LARP is important in learning and practicing algorithms because it:

- Helps to develop problem-solving skills and logical thinking

- Enables students to understand the flow of an algorithm and identify logical

errors

- Allows students to practice and refine their algorithmic thinking skills

11. How does LARP enhance the understanding and application of

computational thinking principles? Provide a scenario where LARP can be used
to improve an algorithm.

LARP enhances the understanding and application of computational thinking

principles by:

- Developing problem-solving skills and logical thinking

- Enabling students to break down complex problems into manageable parts

- Allowing students to analyze and optimize algorithms

Scenario: Suppose we have an algorithm that calculates the average of a list of

numbers. We can use LARP to improve this algorithm by manually executing it
step-by-step and identifying areas for optimization.
For example, we might realize that the algorithm can be optimized by using a
single loop to calculate the sum of the numbers, rather than using multiple loops.
We can then refine the algorithm to use this optimized approach.

By using LARP, we can develop a deeper understanding of computational thinking

principles and improve our ability to design and optimize algorithms.