ALGORITHM AND FLOW CHART | Lecture 1 2013

ALGORITHM AND FLOW CHART

1.1 Introduction

1.2 Problem Solving

1.3 Algorithm

1.3.1 Examples of Algorithm

1.3.2 Properties of an Algorithm

1.4 Flow Chart

1.4.1 Flow Chart Symbols

1.4.2 Some Flowchart Examples

1.4.3 Advantages of Flowcharts

Amir yasseen Mahdi |

1.1INTRODUCTION

Intelligence is one of the key characteristics which differentiate a human

being from other living creatures on the earth. Basic intelligence covers day
to day problem solving and making strategies to handle different situations
which keep arising in day to day life. One person goes Bank to withdraw
money. After knowing the balance in his account, he/she decides to with
draw the entire amount from his account but he/she has to leave minimum
balance in his account. Here deciding about how much amount he/she may
with draw from the account is one of the examples of the basic intelligence.
During the process of solving any problem, one tries to find the necessary
steps to be taken in a sequence. In this Unit you will develop your
understanding about problem solving and approaches.

1.2 PROBLEM SOLVING

Can you think of a day in your life which goes without problem solving?
Answer to this question is of course, No. In our life we are bound to solve
problems. In our day to day activity such as purchasing something from a
general store and making payments, depositing fee in school, or withdrawing
money from bank account. All these activities involve some kind of problem
solving. It can be said that whatever activity a human being or machine do
for achieving a specified objective comes under problem solving. To make it
clearer, let us see some other examples.

Example1: If you are watching a news channel on your TV and you want to
change it to a sports channel, you need to do something i.e. move to that 2

channel by pressing that channel number on your remote. This is a kind of

problem solving.
Example 2: One Monday morning, a student is ready to go to school but yet
he/she has not picked up those books and copies which are required as per
timetable. So here picking up books and copies as per timetable is a kind of
problem solving.

Example 3: If someone asks to you, what is time now? So seeing time in

your watch and telling him is also a kind of problem solving.

Example 4: Some students in a class plan to go on picnic and decide to

share the expenses among them. So calculating total expenses and the
amount an individual have to give for picnic is also a kind of problem
solving.

Now, broadly we can say that problem is a kind of barrier to achieve

something and problem solving is a process to get that barrier removed by
performing some sequence of activities

Here it is necessary to mention that all the problems in the world can not be
solved. There are some problems which have no solution and these problems
are called Open Problems.

If you can solve a given problem then you can also write an algorithm for it.
In next section we will learn what is an algorithm.

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1.3 ALGORITHM

Algorithm can be defined as: “A sequence of activities to be processed for

getting desired output from a given input.”
Webopedia defines an algorithm as: “A formula or set of steps for solving a
particular problem. To be an algorithm, a set of rules must be unambiguous
and have a clear stopping point”. There may be more than one way to solve
a problem, so there may be more than one algorithm for a problem.
Now, if we take definition of algorithm as: “A sequence of activities to be
processed for getting desired output from a given input.” Then we can say
that:
1. Getting specified output is essential after algorithm is executed.
2. One will get output only if algorithm stops after finite time.
3. Activities in an algorithm to be clearly defined in other words for it to be
unambiguous.
Before writing an algorithm for a problem, one should find out what is/are
the inputs to the algorithm and what is/are expected output after running the
algorithm. Now let us take some exercises to develop an algorithm for some
simple problems: While writing algorithms we will use following symbol for
different operations:

‘+’ for Addition

‘-’ for Subtraction
‘*’ for Multiplication
‘/’ for Division and
‘ ’ for assignment. For example A X*3 means A will have a value
of X*3.
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 1.3.1 Example of Algorithm

Problem 1: Find the area of a Circle of radius r.

Inputs to the algorithm:
Radius r of the Circle.
Expected output:
Area of the Circle

Algorithm:
Step1: Read\input the Radius r of the Circle
Step2: Area PI*r*r // calculation of area
Step3: Print Area

Problem2: Write an algorithm to read two numbers and find their sum.

Inputs to the algorithm:

First num1.
Second num2.

Expected output:

Sum of the two numbers.

Algorithm:

Step1: Start
Step2: Read\input the first num1.
Step3: Read\input the second num2.
Step4: Sum num1+num2 // calculation of sum
Step5: Print Sum
Step6: End

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 Problem 3: Convert temperature Fahrenheit to Celsius
Inputs to the algorithm:
Temperature in Fahrenheit
Expected output:
Temperature in Celsius

Algorithm:

Step1: Start
Step 2: Read Temperature in Fahrenheit F
Step 3: C 5/9*(F32)
Step 4: Print Temperature in Celsius: C
Step5: End

Type of Algorithms

The algorithm and flowchart, classification to the three types of

control structures. They are:

1. Sequence
2. Branching (Selection)
3. Loop (Repetition)

These three control structures are sufficient for all purposes. The sequence is
exemplified by sequence of statements place one after the other – the one
above or before another gets executed first. In flowcharts, sequence of
statements is usually contained in the rectangular process box.

 The branch refers to a binary decision based on some condition. If the

condition is true, one of the two branches is explored; if the condition
is false, the other alternative is taken. This is usually represented by
the ‘if-then’ construct in pseudo-codes and programs. In flowcharts, 6

this is represented by the diamond-shaped decision box. This structure

is also known as the selection structure.
Problem1: write algorithm to find the greater number between two numbers

Step1: Start

Step2: Read/input A and B

Step3: If A greater than B then C=A

Step4: if B greater than A then C=B

Step5: Print C

Step6: End

Problem2: write algorithm to find the result of equation: ( ) {

Step1: Start

Step2: Read/input x

Step3: If X Less than zero then F=-X

Step4: if X greater than or equal zero then F=X

Step5: Print F

Step6: End

Problem3: A algorithm to find the largest value of any three numbers.

Step1: Start

Step2: Read/input A,B and C

Step3: If (A>=B) and (A>=C) then Max=A

Step4: If (B>=A) and (B>=C) then Max=B

Step5:If (C>=A) and (C>=B) then Max=C

Step6: Print Max 7

Step7: End
  The loop allows a statement or a sequence of statements to be
repeatedly executed based on some loop condition. It is represented
by the ‘while’ and ‘for’ constructs in most programming languages,
for unbounded loops and bounded loops respectively. (Unbounded
loops refer to those whose number of iterations depends on the
eventuality that the termination condition is satisfied; bounded loops
refer to those whose number of iterations is known before-hand.) In
the flowcharts, a back arrow hints the presence of a loop. A trip
around the loop is known as iteration. You must ensure that the
condition for the termination of the looping must be satisfied after
some finite number of iterations, otherwise it ends up as an infinite
loop, a common mistake made by inexperienced programmers. The
loop is also known as the repetition structure.

Examples:

Problem1: An algorithm to calculate even numbers between 0 and 99

1. Start
2. I ← 0
3. Write I in standard output
4. I ← I+2
5. If (I <=98) then go to line 3
6. End

Problem2: Design an algorithm which gets a natural value, n,as its input and 8
calculates odd numbers equal or less than n. Then write them in the standard
output:
1. Start
2. Read n
3. I ← 1
4. Write I
5. I ← I + 2
6. If ( I <= n) then go to line 4
7. End

Problem3: Design an algorithm which generates even numbers between

1000 and 2000 and then prints them in the standard output. It should also
print total sum:

1. Start
2. I ← 1000 and S ← 0
3. Write I
4. S ← S + I
5. I ← I + 2
6. If (I <= 2000) then go to line 3
else go to line 7
7. Write S
8. End

Problem4: Design an algorithm with a natural number, n, as its input which

calculates the following formula and writes the result in the standard output:

S = ½ + ¼ + … +1/n
1. Start
2. Read n
3. I ← 2 and S ← 0
4. S= S + 1/I
5. I ← I + 2
6. If (I <= n) then go to line 4
else write S in standard output
7. End

Combining the use of these control structures, for example, a loop within a
loop (nested loops), a branch within another branch (nested if), a branch 9
within a loop, a loop within a branch, and so forth, is not uncommon.
Complex algorithms may have more complicated logic structure and deep
level of nesting, in which case it is best to demarcate parts of the algorithm
as separate smaller modules. Beginners must train themselves to be
proficient in using and combining control structures appropriately, and go
through the trouble of tracing through the algorithm before they convert it
into code.

1.3.2 Properties of algorithm

Donald Ervin Knuth has given a list of five properties for a,algorithm,
these properties are:

1) Finiteness: An algorithm must always terminate after a finite number of

steps. It means after every step one reach closer to solution of the problem
and after a finite number of steps algorithm reaches to an end point.

2) Definiteness: Each step of an algorithm must be precisely defined. It is

done by well thought actions to be performed at each step of the algorithm.
Also the actions are defined unambiguously for each activity in the
algorithm.

3) Input: Any operation you perform need some beginning value/quantities

associated with different activities in the operation. So the value/quantities
are given to the algorithm before it begins.

4) Output: One always expects output/result (expected value/quantities) in

terms of output from an algorithm. The result may be obtained at different
stages of the algorithm. If some result is from the intermediate stage of the
operation then it is known as intermediate result and result obtained at the 10

end of algorithm is known as end result. The output is expected

value/quantities always have a specified relation to the inputs
5) Effectiveness: Algorithms to be developed/written using basic operations.
Actually operations should be basic, so that even they can in principle be
done exactly and in a finite amount of time by a person, by using paper and
pencil only.

1.4 FLOWCHART

The flowchart is a diagram which visually presents the flow of data

through processing systems. This means by seeing a flow chart one can
know the operations performed and the sequence of these operations in a
system. Algorithms are nothing but sequence of steps for solving problems.
So a flow chart can be used for representing an algorithm. A flowchart, will
describe the operations (and in what sequence) are required to solve a given
problem. You can see a flow chart as a blueprint of a design you have made
for solving a problem.

For example suppose you are going for a picnic with your friends then you
plan for the activities you will do there. If you have a plan of activities then
you know clearly when you will do what activity. Similarly when you have a
problem to solve using computer or in other word you need to write a
computer program for a problem then it will be good to draw a flowchart
prior to writing a computer program. Flowchart is drawn according to
defined rules.

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1.4.1 Flowchart Symbols

There are 6 basic symbols commonly used in flowcharting of

assembly language Programs: Terminal, Process, input/output, Decision,
Connector and Predefined Process. This is not a complete list of all the
possible flowcharting symbols, it is the ones used most often in the structure
of Assembly language programming.

Symbol Name Function

Indicates any type of internal
Process operation inside the Processor
or Memory
Used for any Input / Output
(I/O) operation. Indicates that
input/output
the computer is to obtain data
or output results
Used to ask a question that
Decision can be answered in a binary
format (Yes/No, True/False)
Allows the flowchart to be
drawn without intersecting
Connector
lines or without a reverse
flow.
Used to invoke a subroutine or
Predefined Process
an Interrupt program.
Indicates the starting or ending
Terminal of the program, process, or
interrupt program
Flow Lines Shows direction of flow.
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1.4.2 General Rules for flowcharting

1. All boxes of the flowchart are connected with Arrows. (Not lines)

2. Flowchart symbols have an entry point on the top of the symbol with no
other entry points. The exit point for all flowchart symbols is on the bottom
except for the Decision symbol.

3. The Decision symbol has two exit points; these can be on the sides or the
bottom and one side.

4. Generally a flowchart will flow from top to bottom. However, an upward

flow can be shown as long as it does not exceed 3 symbols.

5. Connectors are used to connect breaks in the flowchart. Examples are:

• From one page to another page.

• From the bottom of the page to the top of the same page.

• An upward flow of more then 3 symbols

6. Subroutines and Interrupt programs have their own and independent

flowcharts.

7. All flow charts start with a Terminal or Predefined Process (for

interrupt programs or subroutines) symbol.

8. All flowcharts end with a terminal or a contentious loop.

Flowcharting uses symbols that have been in use for a number of years to
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represent the type of operations and/or processes being performed. The
standardised format provides a common method for people to visualise
problems together in the same manner. The use of standardised symbols
makes the flow charts easier to interpret, however, standardizing symbols is
not as important as the sequence of activities that make up the process.

1.4.4 Some examples of Flowcharts

Now, we will discuss some examples on flowcharting. These

examples will help in proper understanding of flowcharting technique. This
will help you in program development process in next unit of this block.

Problem1: Find the area of a circle of radius r.

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Problem 2: Convert temperature Fahrenheit to Celsius.

Problem3: Flowchart for an algorithm which gets two numbers and prints
sum of their value

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Problem5: Algorithm for find the greater number between two numbers.

Star
t

Read
A,B

Tru Fals
e If e
A>B

Print Print
A B

EN
D

Problem6: Flowchart for the problem of printing even numbers between 9

16
and 100:
Problem7: Flowchart for the problem of printing odd numbers less than a
given number. It should also calculate their sum and count.

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problem8: Flowchart for the calculate the average from 25 exam scores.

Start

Sum=0, C=0

Enter
Exam
Scores,
S
Sum=Sum+
S

C=C+1

N
o Is
C=
25
?
Y
es
Av=Sum/25

Print Av

END

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1.4.5 Advantages of using Flowcharts

As we discussed flow chart is used for representing algorithm in

pictorial form. This pictorial representation of a solution/system is having
many advantagrs.These advantages are as follows:

1) Communication: A Flowchart can be used as a better way of

communication of the logic of a system and steps involve in the solution, to
all concerned particularly to the client of system.

2) Effective analysis: A flowchart of a problem can be used for effective

analysis of the problem.

3) Documentation of Program/System: Program flowcharts are a vital part of

a good program documentation. Program document is used for various
purposes like knowing the components in the program, complexity of the
program etc.

4) Efficient Program Maintenance: Once a program is developed and

becomes operational it needs time to time maintenance. With help of
flowchart maintenance become easier.

5) Coding of the Program: Any design of solution of a problem is finally

converted into computer program. Writing code referring the flowchart of
the solution become easy.

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Check Your Progress 1

1) What is an algorithm?
2) Explain need of an algorithm?
3) Write an algorithm to find average age of a group of 10 players?
4) Write algorithm to this problem:Ramshewak goes to market for buying
some fruits and vegetables. He ishaving a currency of Rs 500 with him
for marketing. From a shop he purchases 2.0 kg Apple priced Rs. 50.0
per kg, 1.5 kg Mango priced Rs.35.0 per kg, 2.5 kg Potato priced
Rs.10.0 per kg, and 1.0 kg Tomato priced Rs.15 per kg. He gives the
currency of Rs. 500 to the shopkeeper. Find out the amount shopkeeper
will return to Ramshewak. and also tell the total item purchased.
5) Find factorial of N?
6) Explain steps involve in drawing of a flowchart.
7) Explain uses of Flowchart.
8) Draw a flowchart to find the sum of first 100 natural numbers.
9) Draw a flowchart to find the largest of three numbers x, y and z.
10) Draw flowchart for the problem of determining prime number?

11) Draw a flowchart which generates first 50 items of the

Fibonacci series:

1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8,…?

12) Design an algorithm to convert a decimal number, n, to binary format?

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