ALGORITHMS AND
FLOWCHARTS
ALGORITHMS AND FLOWCHARTS
A typical programming task can be divided into
two phases:
Problem solving phase
produce
an ordered sequence of steps that describe
solution of problem
this sequence of steps is called an algorithm
Implementation phase
implement
language
the program in some programming
Steps in Problem Solving
First produce a general algorithm (one can use
pseudocode)
Refine the algorithm successively to get step by
step detailed algorithm that is very close to a
computer language.
Pseudocode is an artificial and informal
language that helps programmers develop
algorithms. Pseudocode is very similar to
everyday English.
Pseudocode & Algorithm
Example 1: Write an algorithm to
determine a students final grade and
indicate whether it is passing or failing.
The final grade is calculated as the
average of four marks.
Pseudocode & Algorithm
Pseudocode:
Input a set of 4 marks
Calculate their average by summing and dividing
by 4
if average is below 50
Print FAIL
else
Print PASS
Pseudocode & Algorithm
Detailed Algorithm
Step 1:
Input M1,M2,M3,M4
Step 2:
GRADE (M1+M2+M3+M4)/4
Step 3:
if (GRADE < 50) then
Print FAIL
else
Print PASS
endif
The Flowchart
(Dictionary) A schematic representation of a sequence of
operations, as in a manufacturing process or computer
program.
(Technical) A graphical representation of the sequence of
operations in an information system or program.
Information system flowcharts show how data flows from
source documents through the computer to final
distribution to users. Program flowcharts show the
sequence of instructions in a single program or
subroutine. Different symbols are used to draw each
type of flowchart.
The Flowchart
A Flowchart
shows
logic of an algorithm
emphasizes individual steps and their
interconnections
e.g. control flow from one action to the next
Flowchart Symbols
Basic
Assignment #1
Create a Flowchart using the steps below
Step 1: Input M1,M2,M3,M4
Step 2: GRADE (M1+M2+M3+M4)/4
Step 3: if (GRADE <50) then
Print FAIL
else
Print PASS
endif
Assignment #2
draw a flowchart to convert the length in
feet to centimeter.
Step 1: Input Lft
Step 2: Lcm Lft x 30
Step 3: Print Lcm
Assignment #3
Draw a flowchart that will read the two sides
of a rectangle and calculate its area.
Steps
Input the width (W) and Length (L) of a rectangle
Calculate the area (A) by multiplying L with W
Print A
Assignment #4
Draw a flowchart that will calculate the roots of
a quadratic equation
ax 2 bx c 0
Hint: d = sqrt ( b 2 4ac ), and the roots are:
x1 = (b + d)/2a and x2 = (b d)/2a
Example 5
Draw q flowchart that reads two values, determines the
largest value and prints the largest value with an
identifying message.
ALGORITHM
Step 1:
Input VALUE1, VALUE2
Step 2:
if (VALUE1 > VALUE2) then
MAX VALUE1
else
MAX VALUE2
endif
Step 3:
Print The largest value is, MAX
Assignment #6
Draw a Flowchat that reads three
numbers and prints the value of the
largest number.
Step 1: Input
N1, N2, N3
Step 2: if (N1>N2) then
if (N1>N3) then
MAX N1
[N1>N2, N1>N3]
else
MAX N3
[N3>N1>N2]
endif
else
if (N2>N3) then
MAX N2
[N2>N1, N2>N3]
else
MAX N3
[N3>N2>N1]
endif
endif
Step 3: Print The largest number is, MAX
Example 7
a)
b)
Write and algorithm and draw a flowchart
to
read an employee name (NAME),
overtime hours worked (OVERTIME),
hours absent (ABSENT) and
determine the bonus payment
(PAYMENT).
Example 7
Bonus Schedule
OVERTIME (2/3)*ABSENT Bonus Paid
>40 hours
>30 but 40 hours
>20 but 30 hours
>10 but 20 hours
10 hours
$50
$40
$30
$20
$10
Step 1: Input NAME,OVERTIME,ABSENT
Step 2: if (OVERTIME(2/3)*ABSENT > 40) then
PAYMENT 50
else if (OVERTIME(2/3)*ABSENT > 30) then
PAYMENT 40
else if (OVERTIME(2/3)*ABSENT > 20) then
PAYMENT 30
else if (OVERTIME(2/3)*ABSENT > 10) then
PAYMENT 20
else
PAYMENT 10
endif
Step 3: Print Bonus for, NAME is $, PAYMENT
Example 7
Flowchart: Draw the flowchart of the
above algorithm?
